THE Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has confirmed its collaboration with South African-born comedian Trevor Noah, who now lives in the US.
In a statement issued by TBCSA, it said it was in talks with Trevor Noah and other personalities to collaborate with them on campaigns to give Mzansi a greater exposure in international markets.
"This is in line with the sector's ambition to grow tourism arrivals in the country to 15,6 million over the next decade. If and when the parties ultimately agree on a common strategy, the deal will be wholly funded by TBCSA," the statement said.
TBCSA’s announcement comes after the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism revealed that Noah was to receive R33 million for a five-minute commercial promoting South Africa to a major international market.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille released the TBCSA statement on her Twitter account and wrote: "This TBCSA statement is clear. There is no reason for me to comment or respond to other in factual and sensationalist statements."
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People of Mzansi have expressed how they feel about the matter.
Many said they were not happy with the announcement and feel that there are many social issues that the country is facing that needs millions of rands to solves them.
Chris Exel wrote: “There is no amount of English that is gonna make us understand that R33M given to Trevor Noah while facing stage 6 of load shedding and unemployment,”
Truth Hurts wrote: "Trevor Noah has revealed all over the world and has mentioned South Africa on each and every world tour he has done and done it for free, why pay him now?,”
Bevan Prince wrote: "Will the board also be transparent in disclosing the fee? Really there mucj better ways to promote SA instead of using a comedian, just a matter of thinking out of the box instead of spending millions, you might as well stick with Tottenham then, which was also dubious."
