Tottenham Hotspur (Photo: SAT)
The SA Tourism Board’s (SAT) intended sponsorship for Tottenham Hotspur is finally off the track.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the chairman of the council has agreed not to continue with the sponsorship based on the recommendation she made.
Rhewal reported earlier De Lille was not involved in the transaction as she is new to the portfolio. During a media conference last week, De Lille said that after her appointment as Minister of Tourism last month, she had sought advice from senior legal experts which indicated that the intended sponsorship of R1 billion was unlawful and illegal. She recommended that negotiations on the intended sponsorship be stopped.
“The SAT will no longer proceed with the transaction nor seek approval for the concurrent requirements for the proposed transaction.”
De Lille says that in the current economic climate, the use of state funds must be considered very carefully and to make sure that departments carry out their mandate in a cost-effective manner, a series of options must be considered in which all priorities are taken into account.
“Our justification for any significant expenditure must still make sense in the broader economic climate in which we as a country find ourselves.”
De Lille says she looks forward to continuing to collaborate with SAT’s board and executive management on strategic action that can be taken to improve South Africa’s position globally as a top tourist destination.
“I will also continue to work with SA Tourism and the department in more detail on the department’s budget to make sure we meet our mandate to keep tourist numbers increasing, provide the necessary support to ensure growth, job creation increase and increase the industry’s contribution to the economy.”
De Lille expressed her expectation that all future proposals would be discussed with herself and the department as soon as possible. “In collaboration with SA Tourism, we will work together from the start and seek each other’s advice and support while following all directives and legal requirements.”
She says the case has now been settled and her department would like to create an environment that is beneficial for the private sector to invest in and become part of government initiatives within the legal framework to keep tourism growing, welcome more visitors and create more jobs. create for people in the industry.
