Cape Town — The Board of South African Tourism is hoping for a better and brighter future following the announcement of new board members, and its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nombulelo Guliwe.
“Following a comprehensive recruitment process, the Board of South African Tourism is happy to announce that Nombulelo Guliwe CA (SA) has accepted our offer for her to serve as CEO of SAT on a five-year contract.” the statement read.
Guliwe is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and became the first black female and youngest SA Tourism Chief Financial Officer in 2019. Guliwe is also the interim Chief Financial Officer and brings a wealth of knowledge with her having served various roles during her 8-year tenure with SAT.
Exciting News! SA Tourism proudly welcomes Nombulelo Guliwe as our new CEO. A trailblazer and seasoned professional, Ms. Guliwe’s journey from being the organisation’s first black female and youngest CFO in 2019 to now leading us is a testament to her exceptional leadership. pic.twitter.com/GjVLJAgbLJ
— SA Travel Trade (@SATravelTrade) February 29, 2024
The tourism industry has faced significant challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent travel restrictions, but the industry has showed slow signs of recovery. The appointment of the new board members has sparked optimism and garnered a positive response, The Citizen reported.
International arrivals figures between January and November last year showed tourism’s rising momentum. Minister, Patricia De Lille, said government is working to improve intercontinental travel, which led to the announcement of the new board and CEO.
Rosemary Anderson, national chair of the Federated Hospitality Association of SA, said it was confident the new appointments will be strong advocates for the industry.
There have also been reports of the unbearable working conditions at SAT but employees felt “they cannot report it to the union because union leaders are Guliwe’s friends”.
SA Tour Operators’ Nomzamo Dube said the appointment of seasoned professionals to key positions was a positive step towards rebuilding the industry and strengthening local tourism and will send a clear message to the global travel industry that South Africa is open for business.
Cabinet has announced the appointment of a new full board and CEO for SA Tourism. Nombulelo Guliwe has been appointed CEO. SA Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says she is confident that they have candidates with the right skills & experience.
Watch: https://t.co/YYalV2av3M pic.twitter.com/16ZSq6G9Q1
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 1, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@SATravelTrade
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
