SATSA board meeting recap, directors changes, and upcoming AGM

We are delighted to present updates from the recent SATSA board meeting, ensuring you stay informed about the association's activities and key topics.

The second quarter virtual meeting took place on Thursday, 8 June 2023, encompassing an extensive scope of subjects pertinent to the travel and tourism sector. We covered leadership transitions, evaluated SATSA's Mission, Vision, and Values, and centered discussions around enhancing member value and promoting more active engagement.

We offered updates on membership figures, finances, strategies, and collaborations, including concerted engagement with TBCSA and South Africa Tourism. There was also a dialogue about establishing a Social and Ethics Committee, currently comprising the SATSA Treasurer and Chairs of the AID and Responsible Tourism Committees.

Directors engaged in intricate discussions concerning the future of SATSA's Animal Interaction Tool, a contentious topic. Committee and Chapter Chairs reported on member-related challenges, opportunities, Adventure and Youth strategies, AID projects, and Safety and Security issues in tourism. The Transport Committee addressed the ongoing NPTR issues, including significant delays in application processing and infrequent board meetings. SATSA is advocating for a moratorium to grant temporary relief for operators and a subsequent review of the regulatory process.

The meeting underscored the necessity of cooperation and strategic planning to overcome hurdles and enhance the tourism sector. Discussions also revolved around the potential for youth development in tourism and strategies to increase member value and SATSA event attendance.

We regret to inform you of Tony Romer-Lee's departure as Co-Chair of the Board. Oupa Pilane will now serve as the sole SATSA Chairperson, marking a significant and thrilling moment for our association.

Tony has also chosen to retire from the board after nine selfless years of service at the conclusion of his term at the 2023 SATSA AGM. The board and staff of SATSA express our heartfelt gratitude to Tony for his exceptional leadership, especially during one of the association's and tourism industry's most tumultuous periods.

Throughout his tenure, Tony demonstrated unyielding dedication and a remarkable ability to guide us towards excellence. His leadership has instilled a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, fostering a conducive environment for diverse viewpoints and the blossoming of ideas.

In other director changes, we accepted Belinda McIntyre's resignation following a career shift and welcomed Rachel Nxele, Director: People and Sustainability at Sabi Sabi. During the meeting, Rachel was appointed as the chair of the SATSA Responsible Tourism Committee and a member of SATSA's Social & Ethics Committee.

In anticipation of the SATSA 2023 AGM, scheduled tentatively for 26 July at 10h00, we report the following director movements:
 

• Dewald Cillie's term as an Elected Director ends, and he will be standing for re-election.
• Mandisa Magwaxaza's term as an Ex Officio Director and Eastern Cape Chapter Chair ends. Mandisa will also be standing for re-election.
• Martin Jansen van Vuuren's term as a Co-Opted Director and SATSA's Treasurer ends. After 17 years in diverse roles within the SATSA Board, Martin will be stepping down but continue to serve on SATSA's Finance Committee and the Adventure Chapter Steering Committee.
• Peter Dros's term as Co-Opted Director ends, and he will be stepping down.
• Millicent Shai's term as Elected Director ends, and she will be stepping down.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for Tony’s exceptional service, endless dedication, and remarkable leadership, as well as to Belinda, Martin, Peter, and Millicent. You've all left a lasting impression on our organisation, and we're fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. While farewells are difficult, we face the future with the competent leadership of Oupa Pilane, the exciting appointment of Rachel Nxele, and the unwavering support of a capable and highly respected board of directors,” says SATSA CEO David Frost.

During the 2023 AGM, SATSA will appoint four new Directors, including a Treasurer. More information about the AGM and nomination process will be disseminated to SATSA members shortly.