The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially called for the immediate dissolution of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) Board, citing severe mismanagement and misconduct that have compromised the integrity and operational effectiveness of the agency.
In a formal letter addressed to the Mpumalanga MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, the DA urged her to take action against a background of disturbing findings from a forensic report. The report, which remains classified, exposes serious transgressions by senior executives, including bullying, nepotism, undue interference in hiring processes, and a failure by the Board to address these issues.
Despite clear recommendations for disciplinary proceedings against Executive Managers Nomcebo Kunene and Andries Zwane, who were found guilty of misconduct, the Board has failed to act. Moreover, Suspended CEO Mduduzi Vilakazi, who is under investigation for fraud, has not been reported to SAPS, as advised by forensic investigators, nor have they taken any disciplinary measures. Vilakazi has been on suspension since May 2024 but continues to receive an annual salary of R2.8 million.
“The forensic report paints a grim picture of a dysfunctional organisation with a toxic working environment characterised by fear, mistrust, and a lack of accountability. Kunene and Zwane, whose misconduct perpetuates a culture of impunity, are said to have once again engaged in intimidating staff, further undermining staff morale and the agency’s reputation,” said Trudie Grovè-Morgan: MPL – Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Development and Tourism
The Board and the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mduduzi Vilakazi, have been criticised for ineffective consequences management, with a failure to address serious infractions that threaten the agency’s core mandate. The report underscores that these failures have led to an environment where illegal or unethical behaviour goes unpunished, causing significant damage to Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.
Financially, the MTPA’s breakdown is troubling. With a total budget of R600 million for 2025/2026, an astonishing R438 million is allocated to staff salaries, while only R73 million is dedicated to operational expenses, visitor services, wildlife management, and park maintenance.
The DA argues that under the current leadership, the MTPA is failing in its fundamental responsibilities: managing state-owned parks, providing quality visitor experiences, and ensuring the safety and protection of wildlife and natural resources. The continued inaction of the Board and management has severely hampered effective service delivery, prompting calls for their dissolution and the placement of the agency under administration.
“The DA has given the MEC 14 days to act before they take the matter further, including reporting Vilakazi to SAPS for neglecting to act on serious allegations”.
As Mpumalanga’s premier tourism body, the MTPA’s dysfunction not only damages its reputation but also impacts the province’s economy and its attractiveness as a tourist destination. The DA remains committed to ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance in all provincial agencies.