A new South African Tourism (SA Tourism) Board has taken office following Cabinet’s concurrence with the appointment of 11 members who will serve a three-year term.
The new Board, appointed in terms of the Tourism Act, 2014, takes office today, 11 August 2026, bringing the interim Board’s term to an end. The appointments have been published in Government Gazette No. 55176.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the appointments, saying the collective expertise, diversity and experience of the new Board would help strengthen SA Tourism, unlock new opportunities for growth and ensure tourism continues to create jobs, attract investment and contribute to the economy.
The new Board is:
Akona Nobulali Matsau – Deputy Board Chairperson
Matsau joins the Board in a leadership capacity, with the appointment reflecting the Minister’s focus on strengthening governance and strategic oversight.
Carol Kholeka Zama
A Chartered Accountant with more than 28 years’ experience in finance, governance and financial management across the public and private sectors. She has held senior positions at Wesgro, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, British American Tobacco South Africa and Digital Frontiers Institute, and serves on several boards.
Mamochekoane Ramashole
Appointed as a member of the new Board, bringing experience aligned with the broader skills and governance requirements identified for SA Tourism.
Sandika Daya
A newly appointed Board member whose experience forms part of the collective skills base being brought together to support SA Tourism’s strategic direction.
Hazel Thulisile Xulu
Joins the Board as part of the new leadership team, contributing to the diversity and breadth of experience required to oversee the organisation.
Dr Karen Smit
Appointed to contribute expertise to the Board’s strategic oversight and governance responsibilities.
Khomotso Brian Mosehla
A new Board member whose appointment contributes to the combination of professional experience and fresh thinking sought during the selection process.
Graham Ian Wood
Joins the Board as part of the skills-based team appointed to support SA Tourism’s growth, competitiveness and organisational renewal.
Luyanda Mpahlwa
A newly appointed member bringing additional experience and perspective to the Board’s collective leadership capacity.
Anwar Jappie
Joins the Board as part of the complementary mix of skills and experience selected to support SA Tourism during a period of organisational renewal.
Tasneem Carrim – Departmental Representative
Carrim will serve as the Department of Tourism’s representative on the Board, providing an important link between the department and SA Tourism.
The appointment of the Board Chairperson will be published separately in the Government Gazette once the required Cabinet concurrence has been received.
De Lille said the selection process had focused on creating a skills-based Board capable of providing strong governance, strategic oversight and support to SA Tourism. The intended mix includes tourism sector knowledge, destination marketing, governance, finance, risk management, digital transformation, technology and public-sector experience.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring that Board members understand their non-executive responsibilities, with the Board providing strategic direction and oversight while the executive management team remains responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day operations.
The new Board is expected to support the implementation of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, strengthen governance and financial oversight, advance digital innovation and improve destination competitiveness, with the broader objective of increasing visitor numbers, investment, employment and inclusive economic participation.
South African Tourism is the country’s official destination marketing organisation and is responsible for promoting South Africa as a leading domestic and international leisure and business-events destination.
De Lille also thanked the outgoing interim Board for its contribution over the past year, saying its leadership had provided stability and enabled SA Tourism to remain focused on its mandate during the transition.
