Cape Town — The announcement of the new cabinet for the seventh administration received mixed reviews from South Africans, but one positive decision was the re-appointment of Patricia De Lille as Minister of Tourism.
De Lille, the leader of the Good Party, was one of the few ministers to keep her role in the cabinet. She had been Tourism Minister since March 2023, and in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, has overseen significant improvements to the country’s tourism.
According to the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), it was happy to still have De Lille in charge and said she understood the federations needs and wants, EWN reported.
“Minister De Lille only came in quite late in the game, so she’s only been in the portfolio a short time and in that very short time, she’s made significant changes and she’s started so many things. It was going to be a great pity that she wasn’t going to be able to continue them. So, we are really thrilled that she will be able to do that.” FEDHASA national chairperson Rosemary Anderson said.
Anderson added that there is already a good relationship with the Department of Home Affairs and praised the appointment of Leon Schreiber, and expressed its hope for a constructive partnership in addressing visa-related issues that impact the tourism sector.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his cabinet last night, two weeks after his inauguration. Good party leader Patricia De Lille retains her portfolio as Tourism minister in the 7th administration. The party’s Secretary-General Brett Herron says they did not negotiate for the… pic.twitter.com/WB9Z8siJAy
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 1, 2024
In a statement, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) said it was happy with the reappointment of De Lille, and also welcomed new deputy minister, Maggie Sotyu.
“As the private sector tourism lobby, we are particularly thrilled to have Aunty Pat back in the tourism portfolio owing to the solid partnership built with the public sector in the sixth administration.” he added.
“We also take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu.”
Mabena said Minister De Lille’s new tenure will ensure continuity of the initiatives that the sector has been working on with her support and key among them is to reach the stated goal of 15.6 million arrivals to South Africa by 2030.
[READ] South Africa’s tourism industry welcomes the reappointment of Minister Patricia de Lille! This move promises continuity and progress after a successful 18-month tenure.
Read more for the industry’s reaction: https://t.co/EyNRZIXekN #Tourism #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/B2tYFfn0A7
— TBCSA (@TBCZA) July 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
