Brand SA board member suspended for allegedly hosting lockdown party

Brand SA board member Tebogo Mamorobela has been suspended pending the outcomes of an inquiry into possible lockdown regulation misconduct and bringing the organisation into disrepute in terms of the Brand SA Trust Deed. 

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has noted and welcomed the suspension. 

Brand SA board member suspended for violating lockdown regulations

The statement released on Wednesday 22 April said the minister received a report from the Board of Trustees indicating the suspension of Mamorobela in terms of Clause 25 of the Trust Deed. 

This after charges were laid against her in Limpopo for violating the national lockdown regulations in terms of the National Disaster Management Act by allegedly hosting a lockdown party — yes you read correctly — a lockdown party. 

The minister said he views these allegations in a very serious light. 

“It is incumbent of all of us to respect the lockdown regulations which are intended to save the lives of South Africans. It is for this reason that we fully agree with the decision of the board to institute a full independent inquiry into this matter,” said Mthembu. 

Newly appointed board members 

Roughly five months ago, in November 2019, when a pandemic and a nationwide lockdown were inconceivable, Mthembu welcomed the newly appointed board members at Brand SA — one of them Mamorobela. 

According to SAnews, the board was appointed for a period of three years, effective from 13 November 2019 to lead and oversee the work of Brand SA in developing and implementing proactive and coordinated marketing, communication and reputation management strategies for South Africa.

“The Board consists of persons who, viewed collectively, possess knowledge and expertise in marketing, communications, tourism, investment promotion, research and development, law, risk management, finance, corporate governance, leadership, community development, business management, academics and reputation management,” the Presidency said in a statement.

In welcoming the board, Mthembu reaffirmed the confidence the government has in the collective skills, wisdom and experience of the Board of Trustees in repositioning the national brand for local and foreign direct investment, tourism and trade in order to achieve greater global competitiveness.

The minister also emphasised the need for ethical leadership.

“Brand South Africa should be exemplary in applying the principles of good corporate governance. It should be a shining example in this regard. It is with that example, that Brand SA ‘#ThumaMina’ programmes like ‘Play Your Part’ will bring confidence back into the brand South Africa,” he said.