DA calls on new interim MTPA board after 4 years of corruption and neglect
By Trudie Grovè-Morgan: MPLSpokesperson
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, not to renew nor extend the contract of the Board of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), as they have dismally failed to execute their responsibilities in the last four years – leading to a dysfunctional entity which is full of corruption, mediocrity, and nepotism. We call on the MEC to announce a new interim Board as we approach the Tourism Month of September. The Board’s contract is coming to an end on 30 August this week.
Over the last four years, the MTPA Board has failed in its mandate, presiding over a dysfunctional entity riddled with corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement. A forensic investigation report, submitted as far back as May 2025, found that the Board’s inaction had entrenched a toxic culture of impunity.The Board has ignored recommendations to act against suspended CEO Mduduzi Vilakazi, who has been at home for over a year on a salary package of R2.8 million. They have also failed to discipline senior executives Nomcebo Kunene and Andries Zwane, both found guilty by forensic investigators of serious transgressions that eroded staff trust and undermined the MTPA’s credibility.Of even greater concern, the Board has still not verified Kunene’s matric certificate issued in the Kingdom of Eswatini, which SAQA confirmed is equivalent only to Grade 11 in South Africa.
Despite drawing a salary of R1.6 million, Kunene has also been implicated in bullying staff and undermining the authority of the Tourism Minister in public comments.It is clear that this Board has lost the confidence of staff and the public, and has failed to uphold even the most basic governance standards. The DA therefore calls on MEC Sidell to demonstrate accountability by dissolving this failed Board and appointing a competent interim leadership that can restore integrity to the MTPA.We hope the MEC will announce a new interim Board as we approach the Tourism Month of September.