SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism, is delighted to announce that its Vice Chairperson, Rachel Nxele, has been appointed to the Board of South African National Parks (SANParks). Her appointment, confirmed by Cabinet and effective from 1 October 2025, is for a three-year term until 30 September 2028. This marks an important milestone for SATSA and the wider inbound tourism industry, ensuring that the private sector’s voice is represented in shaping the future of South Africa’s national parks.
Rachel is an accomplished executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience across tourism, conservation, ESG strategy, and institutional governance. She holds a BSc in Environmental Science and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, along with certifications in human resources and sustainability. She also served as Chairperson of the Sabie Game Reserve, where she led the implementation of cross-reserve conservation frameworks, wildlife management protocols, and community benefit schemes.
In addition, she has held positions on the boards of South African Tourism (Audit and Risk Committee; HR & Remuneration Committee), Prescient Investment Management, SATSA (Vice Chairperson and Chair of the Responsible Tourism Committee), and several other conservation and investment organisations.
The newly appointed SANParks Board members are:
- Chief Livhuwani Matsila (reappointment)
- Ms Hulisani Mushiane (reappointment)
- Ms Beryl Ferguson (Interim Board Chair)
- Dr Sibongile Lynette Masuku
- Mr Mokgema Mongane
- Adv Catherine Warburton
- Mr Thomas Ignatius Bouwer
- Mr Raymond Maboe
- Mr Ashley Latchu
- Ms Goitsemang Mathebula
Welcoming the appointment, SATSA CEO David Frost said: “Rachel’s appointment to the SANParks Board is a fitting recognition of her expertise and deep commitment to both tourism and conservation. Her experience will be invaluable in advancing SANParks’ Vision 2040 strategy, and we are incredibly proud of her. We are confident that Rachel will make a significant and lasting contribution.”
Tourism and conservation increasingly go hand in hand in driving inclusive growth. SATSA congratulates the new SANParks Board, which is well positioned to expand tourism’s reach, deliver lasting benefits to communities, and safeguard South Africa’s protected areas for generations to come.
