What a joke: Trevor Noah to be paid R33 million for 3 minute ad promoting South Africa
Trevor Noah has found himself embroiled in controversy as he’s set to receive R33 million to promote South Africa as a top tourist destination. This hefty payout has raised eyebrows among parliamentarians, prompting calls for the tourism department to reconsider the venture.
As per News24, South Africa’s minister of tourism, Patricia de Lille, has been quick to clarify that the financial responsibility for this promotional campaign will be shouldered by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), with no taxpayer money going towards it.
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Earlier this week, de Lille defended the initiative in parliament after concerns were raised by Tandi Mahambehlala, the chairperson of the tourism committee.
It was alleged that public funds were being utilised for this project, but de Lille refuted these claims, stating, ‘I am not mocking anyone. Anything that a whistleblower says must be looked at further or investigated. In this instance, I can tell you that the whistleblower did not give you the full story.’
She emphasised that the project was privately funded and undertaken in consultation with various tourism stakeholders.
de Lille continued, ‘We were consulting tourism stakeholders, and they were all there. There is something wrong with the ears of the whistleblower, but I did say this is being done by the private sector.’
She further urged those seeking information about the collaboration with Trevor Noah to reach out to the tourism council for clarification.
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In response to these developments, Tandi Mahambehlala likened the promotional video campaign to a past controversial marketing deal involving Tottenham Hotspur, which was eventually cancelled.
Earlier this year, SA Tourism faced criticism when it was reported that they were considering a three-year, £42.5 million deal with Spurs.
News24 reports that Mahambehlala cautioned SA Tourism against using Tourism Marketing South Africa levies, contributed by the TBCSA, as a means for questionable financial practices.
