The newly appointed Tourism Minster, Patricia de Lille, says legal counsel had advised her that the proposed Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship is unlawful and invalid.
Addressing the media on Friday in Pretoria, De Lille said in this time of global economic crisis, there is a need for innovation and the need to work together to grow markets and create more jobs in a cost-effective manner, adding that “money must at all times be spent wisely and prudently” as they are entrusted with the handling of public’s funds.
The Tourism SA Board announced last month that it had given preliminary approval to the deal reported to be worth about R1 billion.
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The Minister said she wrote to the SA Tourism Board on Wednesday asking for their response regarding the legal opinion she had been advised on.
“As a country, when we enter into such massive partnerships, it is vital that we are able to be fully accountable, that we are transparent and can answer South Africans clearly and honestly.
“This matter has been marred by a lot of controversy and has raised many questions and we need to resolve this matter decisively and in the best interest of the people of South Africa as soon as possible,” she said.
