SATSA Honours Tourism Champions with Inaugural 'Magnificent Beast' Award

The recent SATSA 'This is Us' 2024 Conference saw the introduction of an important new accolade - the 'Magnificent Beast' Award - recognising the courageous actions of members Germaine and Jaap Kreeftenberg from AAA Travel. The pair had boldly taken on the might of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in a high-profile court case, despite their company facing intense scrutiny.

Germaine and Jaap invested significant resources to challenge SARS through the legal system, elevating the case all the way to a high court of law. Their gamble paid off, as the final judgment ruled decisively in their favour - SARS had been in the wrong, and the costs were awarded against the tax authority. The pair were commended for their exemplary stand in not only defending their own business, but also championing the broader interests of the tourism industry.

Inspired by this impressive display of determination and resolve, SATSA has now established the 'Magnificent Beasts Award' to annually honour those members who exhibit a similar willingness to stand up for their rights and the sector's priorities. The successful court case has also paved the way for greater collaboration between SATSA and SARS, who are now more amenable to sitting down and working constructively on establishing clear, compliant guidelines to support the growth of tourism businesses. SATSA has formed a task team, including respected industry figures like Craig van Rooyen, to spearhead these crucial discussions.

This year's SATSA conference marked an important milestone, with the introduction of an award celebrating the courage and resolve of members willing to go the extra mile in defending their rights and the interests of the wider tourism community. It serves as an inspiring example of how determined action can create positive change, even when taking on seemingly insurmountable opponents.