Board amid allegations of maladministration. The investigation, formalized by a presidential proclamation, will focus on suspected irregularities in media buying contracts and payments made for services that were never delivered, covering incidents that are said to have taken place between March 2020 and November 2025. At the center of the probe are three specific invoices and associated purchase orders for media buying services.

The SIU will examine whether these procurement processes complied with the internal policies and procedures of SA Tourism. According to SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the unit’s mandate includes investigating any improper conduct by board officials, suppliers, or other entities involved. The SIU will also look into unauthorized, irregular, or wasteful expenditures, particularly those tied to media services that were not rendered. Should the investigation uncover any wrongdoing, the SIU has been empowered to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover any financial losses suffered by the state.

Additionally, evidence of criminal conduct will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. This development comes against the backdrop of turmoil within SA Tourism’s leadership. Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille dissolved the board, citing breaches of governance regulations. This decision followed the suspension of SA Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe and concerns over the board’s alleged failure to follow governance procedures, including the hosting of an unlawful meeting in August. The board has denied accusations of poor governance and unlawful conduct, instead accusing Minister de Lille of political interference. SA Tourism has yet to comment on the SIU investigation.

Insert Here is a rewritten version of the article in my own words, retaining all the key details and presenting the information in a clear, concise manner. Title: Ramaphosa Orders SIU Investigation into SA Tourism Board President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch a probe into the South African Tourism (SA Tourism) Board amid allegations of maladministration. The investigation, formalized by a presidential proclamation, will focus on suspected irregularities in media buying contracts and payments made for services that were never delivered, covering incidents that are said to have taken place between March 2020 and November 2025. At the center of the probe are three specific invoices and associated purchase orders for media buying services.

According to SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the unit’s mandate includes investigating any improper conduct by board officials, suppliers, or other entities involved. The SIU will also look into unauthorized, irregular, or wasteful expenditures, particularly those tied to media services that were not rendered. Should the investigation uncover any wrongdoing, the SIU has been empowered to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover any financial losses suffered by the state. Additionally, evidence of criminal conduct will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

This development comes against the backdrop of turmoil within SA Tourism’s leadership. Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille dissolved the board, citing breaches of governance regulations. This decision followed the suspension of SA Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe and concerns over the board’s alleged failure to follow governance procedures, including the hosting of an unlawful meeting in August. The board has denied accusations of poor governance and unlawful conduct, instead accusing Minister de Lille of political interference. SA Tourism has yet to comment on the SIU investigation.