The South African Tourism Board is proceeding with internal investigations into a number of whistle blower reports that contained potentially credible allegations, including nepotism, mismanagement and corruption.

This from interim Chairperson of the Board, Tim Harris, who responded to queries following an eNCA news report that computers and other electronic equipment had been seized at the SA Tourism offices.

Harris told Tourism Update that the Special Investigations Unit had commandeered the equipment at the board’s request as part of its investigations in line with its fiduciary responsibility.

“The investigations are to: determine the veracity of the allegations, identify any wrongdoing or weaknesses internal control environment, and recommend any action required for the matter to be properly closed,” he said.

Harris said the investigations commenced with data preservation to ensure that all information necessary to the investigation was secured and available to the investigators.

“The computer imaging of eleven officials’ working tools was concluded within two working days. The data was sourced from various officials within SA Tourism who would have, in the course of doing their work, interacted with pertinent information,” he said.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, reiterated to eNCA that she was leading a clean-up campaign at SA Tourism and noted that a new board would be appointed soon.

The investigations were launched after the minister had declared the controversial Tottenham Hotspurs deal “invalid and unlawful”. This led to the dissolution of the Board after eight of the eleven Board Members, including the Chairperson, resigned.

Harris and two other board members were appointed in an interim capacity until such time as a new board can be appointed.