Trade union Solidarity and civil rights organisation AfriForum have welcomed the decision by Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to suspend the Tourism Equity Fund’s (TEF's) activities until discussions have taken place with the organisations.
This follows after the two institutions sent an urgent letter to the Minister about the fund, which intends to only offer financing to black-owned tourism businesses.
In the Minister’s reply to Solidarity and AfriForum, she announced that she wishes to enter into discussions with the two organisations.
She also announced that the fund would be suspended for the duration of these discussions.
The R1.2-billion TEF was launched by the department on January 26, aimed at driving transformation in the tourism sector.
“Government has introduced lockdown measures owing to Covid-19, and, with it, limited trade and the larger economy. This resulted in thousands of businesses, especially in the tourism industry, not being able to generate any income for months on end.
“What government needs to do now, is reach out a hand to these businesses and support them, rather than abusing this opportunity to promote their racial ideology. We welcome the opportunity to enter into a discussion with the Minister regarding this matter,” says Solidarity communications head Morné Malan.
“We believe the engagement is a step in the right direction. Government has a responsibility towards all citizens since everyone in the tourism industry is currently in urgent need of help. The government cannot use a pandemic as an excuse to promote transformation while all South Africans are suffering,” says AfriForum campaigns head Monique Taute.