JOHANNESBURG, 30 April 2024 – The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) collectively applaud and endorse the decisive actions undertaken by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, and the CEO of SA Tourism, Nombulelo Guliwe, concerning the recovery of 35 million rand associated with irregular payments made at the end of March 2023.
We commend Minister de Lille and Ms Guliwe for their principled and decisive leadership in proactively addressing this matter head-on.
Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chairperson, commented: “This exemplary handling demonstrates an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency and good governance within SA Tourism and the Department of Tourism.”
“The swift identification and recovery of misappropriated funds, coupled with the proactive engagement of the Auditor-General of South Africa for a comprehensive audit, demonstrates a rigorous adherence to public finance laws and regulations. Such actions are essential to maintaining trust and confidence in our vital tourism sector,” said Otto de Vries, ASATA CEO.
David Frost, SATSA CEO, remarked: “We are encouraged by the resolute leadership displayed by Minister de Lille and Ms Guliwe in addressing these challenges directly and decisively. Their actions secure the financial integrity of SA Tourism while reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a premier global travel destination committed to ethical conduct.”
As key stakeholders and representative bodies within the travel and tourism industry, we affirm our steadfast support and collaboration with SA Tourism and the Department of Tourism.
We look forward to further strengthening our partnership in advancing South Africa’s tourism industry through principled leadership, sound governance and a shared commitment to excellence.
**ENDS**
Media queries – Kim Taylor
Big Ambitions
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About ASATA
Established in 1956, the Association of Southern African Travel Agents is a representative forum registered as an Association of Persons, that promotes professional service in the travel industry for both members and their clients. Representing over 99% of the travel industry in terms of market share, ASATA’s membership is voluntary and includes South African retail travel agents, travel management companies, wholesalers and suppliers of travel-related products and services.
For more information about ASATA, please visit www.asata.co.za.
About FEDHASA
Founded in 1949, a restructured and transformed FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa) is recognised by Government as the official representative of the hospitality industry of South Africa. With industry support, FEDHASA remains the umbrella association for hotels, restaurants, conference centres, caterers, self-catering accommodation, home hosting establishments (B&Bs and guest houses), clubs, taverns, shebeens, suppliers and trainers, consultants and service providers to the hospitality industry. For more information, visit https://fedhasa.co.za/
About SATSA
SATSA is the unified voice of the inbound tourism industry in Southern Africa and represents the private sector trade associations in five SADC countries. Our mission is to support the sustainable growth of travel and tourism to and within Southern Africa.
