​The Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu has clapped back at the recent article alleging that the Tourism Department has a R1 billion proposal to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur. The minister's office has expressed that following this, Sisulu is in consultation with her legal team to discuss the way forward.

Following the recent article published by an online news site speaking on the Tourism Department's alleged plans to sponsor English club, Tottenham Hotspur,  the department has expressed its disappointment on the allegations.

In a statement, the office of the Minister expressed that the article is "riddled with inaccuracies and untruths aimed at tarnishing Minister Sisulu's image".  The department further denied the claims adding that the article "seeks to drive a political agenda" and deviates from the ethos of journalism. 

The article in question saw the claims that the minister is forcing SA Tourism to push the deal forward before she is moved from her current position. 

The department has since denied this adding that the alleged deal is a current SAT board matter, of which the minister has not been briefed formally. 

According to the department, the SAT board serves as an independent body, adding that the minister doesn't interfere with its decisions.

 
"With regard this matter Minister Sisulu is still awaiting for a report and to be briefed by SAT board as they are independent and take their own decisions on various matters. It is mischievous, to relate this to the imminent cabinet reshuffle"- Tourism Ministry 

The department has since expressed that the SAT proposal is a non-binding agreement to conclude a Memorandum of understanding ( MOU ) with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, adding that it is still expected to pass through the Tourism Ministry and National Treasury.

 
With the article in question still up on the online platform, the department has expressed that "Minister Sisulu is in consultation with her legal team and will communicate the way forward in due course".