Mbombela – The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Jesta Sidell, has in terms of section 7(4) of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Act, 2005 (Act No. 5 of 2005), appointed an interim Board to oversee governance issues of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). Recognising the pivotal role that MTPA plays in stimulating economic growth and job creation, MEC Sidell has prioritised the swift appointment of an interim Board comprising of men and women who possess the necessary expertise and experience to manage the affairs of the entity.
The MEC appointed the interim Board, which will be led by the former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fish Mahlalela following the expiry of the term of office of the previous MTPA board on 31 August 2025, to manage the affairs of the Entity until a permanent Board is appointed.
“The MTPA is very strategic and critical for government in the pursuit of the three main priorities of the 7th Administration; which are; to drive inclusive growth and job creation; reduce poverty and tackle high cost of living; and build a capable, ethical and developmental state. The swift appointment of the interim Board should send a strong statement that we are committed to revive the Entity to its former glory. We hold a view that it must be through this Entity that as government we are able to grow the economy and dismantle the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Therefore, we are not going to allow the Entity to fail”, explained MEC Sidell.
The members of the Interim Board are as follows:
Mr. Fish Mahlalela (Chairperson)
Ms. Tholi Nkambule
Prof. David Mabunda
Ms. Malinda Grimbeek
Mr. Sizile Ndlovu
Ms. Qondile Thabethe
Mr. Mzilikazi Khumalo
Mr. Sandile Nene
Ms. Mohita Latchminarin
Ms. Sister Monama
Ms. Thembelihle Anawo
“Tourism is one of the main sectors with huge potential to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the provincial economy and job creation. Therefore, as the Department, we will continue to support the MTPA in its quest of making Mpumalanga a tourist destination of choice”, added Sidell.
As the interim board assumes its fiduciary and statutory duties as prescribed in the MTPA Act, 2005, PFMA, 1999, and Companies Act, 2008, the MEC has directed the board to pay special attention to the following urgent tasks:
- Develop and submit a coherent turnaround strategy and a detailed plan that will focus on ensuring effective and efficient financial management systems, including ensuring a procurement system that is effective, efficient and transparent;
- Implementation of Forensic Report recommendations;
- Resolve the ongoing the impasse regarding the development of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site;
- Filling of critical posts;
- Improve staff morale.
The MEC also extended her appreciation to the members of the interim board for their willingness to serve on the interim Board, and wish them well in the exercise and performance of their powers and functions.
“Congratulations on your appointment as MTPA Board members, I have confidence that you are equal to the task ahead. I wish you all the best in your responsibility to transform the entity into a viable and strategic vehicle to drive economic growth in the province. Equally, we extend our appreciation to the outgoing board for steering the ship during its tenure”, concluded MEC Sidell.
ENDS...
Issued jointly by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
Media Enquiries: Mr. Silence Mhlaba, Acting Head of Communication on 066 475 7963,Mr. Cabanga Maluleka, MLO of the MEC on 079 738 3484
Notes to Editors:
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, under the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, is mandated to stimulate economic growth and development in the Province, so as to create sustainable and decent employment, economic transformation and to alleviate poverty. The Department has three (3) Public Entities; namely, Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), and Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), to which it has delegated some of its constitutionally-mandated functions.