Pretoria, South Africa 30 May 2019. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) welcomes the appointment of Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane as the new Minister of Tourism and further extends a warm welcome to newly appointed Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Fish Mahlalela.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will be taking over the portfolio from Minister Derek Hanekom, who together with his deputy, has established a functional and constructive working relationship with the tourism industry.

The TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says that the organisation believes that the president views tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation and has taken the right decision in recognising tourism as a vital ministry.

“As the leading voice of business in the travel and tourism sector, we would like to welcome the Minister and her deputy. We believe that their leadership will help the tourism industry to grow as a key driver of the economy,” Tshivhengwa says.

The TBCSA would like to highlight the importance of continuity in addressing challenges in the tourism sector and looks forward to working together with the Department of Tourism in reaching the goal of doubling the number of tourists  and creating 2 million additional jobs by 2030.

The organisation wishes to reiterate the private sector’s commitment to working with government and providing the necessary support to the Ministeras she joins this portfolio.

“The council thanks outgoing Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom and Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Thabethe for their contribution towards growing our tourism economy and making tourism a key contributor to our GDP, and we wish them well in their future endeavours” concludes Tshivhengwa.

ENDS.