Cape Town – Trevor Noah, the famous comedian and former host of The Daily Show, is reportedly set to receive R33 million to promote South Africa as a tourist destination.
According to News24, the move has drawn criticism from parliamentarians who questioned the use of public funds for this venture.
However, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille clarified that the cost would be covered by the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) and not government funds, the report said.
Was good to catch up with a great South African son, @Trevornoah. So proud of him and all his achievements. pic.twitter.com/T9Nhea0dkg
— Patricia de Lille (@PatriciaDeLille) March 16, 2017
She defended the decision, saying that it was a private-sector initiative and that they had consulted with tourism stakeholders.
Some parliament members likened this promotion to a previous controversial deal with Tottenham Hotspur, which was eventually cancelleed, and warned against misusing Tourism Marketing South Africa levies contributed by the TBCSA.
The TBCSA’s chairperson, Blacky Komani, has not yet commented on the matter.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu