SA Tourism is currently interviewing candidates for the position of CEO. The process is, however, proving lengthier than anticipated and the initial deadline of June/July for an announcement of the new incumbent could be extended.

Former CEO, Thulani Nzima, left the organisation towards the end of last year.

The current Acting CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, has not applied for the post. Dlamini says she wishes to continue with her position as Chief Operations Officer, one she has held concurrently while filling in as Chief Executive.

As COO, Dlamini is currently spearheading two significant projects for SA Tourism.  The first is an organisational review with consultants Ernst & Young. “By December we should have an approved organisational structure,” she said.

The second is a project dubbed ‘five in five’ by SA Tourism – a plan to increase tourist arrivals by five million, using five key strategies.  These include developing a strong investment model, a thorough understanding of the trade landscape, enhanced stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and an energised SA Tourism team.

“In August we will table a first draft at SA Tourism Board meetings and by the end of October we hope to have locked down our investment model,” said Dlamini. “Between now and August we are consulting with the industry.” SA Tourism’s Strategic Research Unit is driving the project and an internal project manager has been appointed.