New Limpopo Tourism Agency acting CEO a friendly, familiar face

Ramakuela took over from Sello Maleka who was acting in the position for five months since November 2020.

Maleka will return to his former position as Human Resources Executive.

Ramakuela’s previous position as Chief Marketing Officer will be filled by Dr Mavhungu Musitha.

According to LTA chairperson of the board, Andrew Dipela, in October last year, after the end of the contract of the previous CEO, the agency appointed Maleka is the position for the term ending 31 March.

“At that period we appointed Peter Maila as the acting Chief Financial Officer up to the end of the 31 March. During the meeting of the LTA board we then looked at what we need to do regarding the coming of the end of those contracts in the acting capacity of both positions. The board deliberated and ultimately took the decision to then say we will appoint Ramakuela from April to September as the acting CEO. A process of reconfiguration of the state’s own entities in the province was started and its purpose was to look into the need of amalgamation, a need of increasing a scope of each other, how do we do the proper integration,” Dipela said.

In his acceptance speech, Ramakuela said he is grateful for the opportunity that the LTA board has given him to continue steering the ship as it was particularly difficult since last year when the country was at a place where the tourism industry was greatly affected.

“The industry has not been able to perform its duties because of the restrictions and had to play catch-up. A number of industry players have had negative results in their businesses,” said Ramakuela.

He said early this year LTA has been busy with the issue of brand repositioning.

“We have carried through a tagline called UnlikeAnyOther and it is upon that particular area that we promise our way forward to look at those particular matters. What is it that makes Limpopo different from any other province, and what are the things that are attractive about Limpopo that we would like to bring on board? So, we have recognised that 50% of domestic tourism has been recovered. We want to make sure that the name Limpopo remains among the top four brands in South Africa when it comes to travelling. There is a gradual opening of the international market and together with South African Tourism we will be able to work towards that. Our focus on domestic tourism will also remain,” he said.