Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has hit back strongly at media reports suggesting she has hindered South Africa’s tourism sector, stating that her aim is to fight those looking to squander taxpayers’ money for their own gain.

Earlier this week, tourism associations were united in their support for De Lille, countering a City Press article citing an unnamed source claiming the Minister was “destroying tourism” through what were deemed irregular board appointments at South African Tourism.

Today (Wednesday, November 8) De Lille also hit back vociferously at the claims, stating that she was “destroying corruption, not tourism”.

“I am destroying the opportunities for people who want to drive their own agendas and use taxpayers’ money for their narrow interests instead of for marketing South Africa as a top tourist destination,” she said in a statement to Tourism Update.

De Lille explained that, with more than 50% of the Department of Tourism’s budget allocated to SA Tourism, the Minister had a crucial responsibility to ensure careful oversight of the entity.

“As the executive authority, I have oversight over the entity and the budget as I have to account to Parliament and the people of South Africa about how we are spending taxpayers’ money and ensuring this is done diligently and effectively.

“My mission is to grow tourism, to create more jobs and work closely with the private sector – who are the tourism businesses and people who drive this sector – and ensure our visitors have a memorable experience when visiting South Africa.

“I will stop anyone who does not subscribe to those goals,” De Lille concluded, describing the claims made in City Press as “baseless allegations made by nameless, factless sources”.

De Lille is currently at World Travel Market London, leading a contingent of 27 South African exhibitors, including provincial tourism authorities, DMCs, tour operators, airlines and accommodation establishments to promote the country’s tourism offerings.