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SIU Moves In: SA Tourism Faces Major Probe Over Irregular Contracts
A sector in the spotlight again
South Africa’s tourism industry is no stranger to turbulence, yet every time it seems to find its footing, another storm arrives. The latest comes directly from the Presidency. Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a sweeping investigation into the SA Tourism Board, handing the Special Investigating Unit the mandate to dig into allegations that span more than five years.
The announcement has landed loudly within a sector already bruised by leadership changes, boardroom fights, and public mistrust. For many South Africans who rely on tourism for work and stability, the news feels familiar. It is another reminder of how governance failures at the top can ripple across an entire economy.
What the SIU will probe
The heart of the investigation centres on irregular media buying contracts. According to the SIU, the case involves questionable invoices and purchase orders, along with payments made for services that were allegedly never delivered. The period under review is March 2020 to November 2025, a crucial stretch marked by pandemic recovery efforts and tightened public spending.
The SIU has been authorised to examine whether officials followed their own procurement rules, internal manuals, and Treasury guidelines. Their focus includes:
• Media buying contracts that may not have been transparent or competitive
• Payments for undelivered work
• Potential unauthorised or wasteful expenditure
• Any improper or unlawful behaviour by officials, employees or external service providers
If wrongdoing is confirmed, the SIU can approach the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover funds on behalf of the state. Any evidence of criminal conduct will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.
A leadership shake that set the stage
The tension surrounding SA Tourism did not begin with this proclamation. Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille dissolved the entire board, accusing members of breaching governance rules. She raised the alarm after the board allegedly held an unlawful meeting and failed to follow formal procedures.
This came shortly after the suspension of CEO Nombulelo Guliwe. At the time, the board denied any wrongdoing and accused the minister of political interference. The public back-and-forth created a cloud of uncertainty at a moment when the tourism sector was trying to regain momentum.
South Africans on social media have expressed disbelief that yet another major state entity is being investigated. Many have noted that tourism is one of the country’s most important job creators, and instability at the leadership level repeatedly undermines growth.
What happens next
SA Tourism has not commented publicly on the SIU investigation, although there is little doubt the sector will be watching closely. The probe is expected to uncover whether the alleged irregularities were isolated errors or part of a broader governance problem.
For the industry, clarity could not come at a better time. Tourism is recovering, international travel has stabilised, and local businesses have fought hard to keep their doors open. A credible investigation may help restore confidence, although it could also expose deeper fractures.
For now, the message is clear. The Presidency wants answers, the SIU is moving in, and South Africa is waiting to hear what the investigators find.
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Source: The South African
Featured Image: Tourism Update
