SA Tourism under scrutiny as SIU launches probe into payments for undelivered services

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a far-reaching proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of serious maladministration, improper conduct and possible corruption at South African Tourism (SA Tourism), marking one of the most significant interventions in the entity's recent history.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

The proclamation follows years of controversy at the organisation, which has faced persistent governance instability and a collapse in industry confidence.

Proclamation 297 of 2025, signed by the President and gazetted this week, empowers the SIU to investigate allegations centred on the procurement of media buying services, including three specific invoices and purchase orders.

The SIU's mandate includes examining payments made for services that were never rendered, partially delivered, or not executed in accordance with contractual obligations.