Have your say in picking tourism boss

A PASSIONATE Port Elizabethan will soon be able to play a crucial role in selecting the leader to promote the city’s tourism.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) has announced plans to include a resident in the panel that will interview candidates for the position of the agency’s chief executive.

NMBT advertised the position last month, but the second round of the interview process would take place on June 26 as the current tourism head’s contract would end this month, it said.

The agency hoped to include a resident in the decision-making process.

Wendy McCullum, of the recruitment committee, said: “We wanted to ensure that our panel was representative of the leaders in our city that the NMBT [chief executive] would engage with regularly.

“In addition, we felt that a member of the public would add value to proceedings because a recruitment process at this level often happens behind closed doors, and public input will make it an even more inclusive process.” The rest of the panel is made up of the municipality’s chief operating officer Mzwake Clay, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber chief executive Nomkhita Mona, Mandela Bay Development Agency head Ashraf Adam, Black Management Forum chairwoman Glenda Perumal, Businesswomen’s Association chairwoman Heather Dutton, former sports boss Zola Yeye and media personality and NMBT board member Buli G Ngomane.

A total of 10 shortlisted candidates were interviewed by the panel last week, with four candidates to be interviewed a second time in the next round.

For a chance to join the panel, residents have to post a picture and text on Facebook and Instagram about what makes winter in the Bay special, using the hashtag: #mynmbwinter.

“The board is looking for passionate citizens who see the metro’s potential even in the quiet seasons,” NMBT said. Entries close at 5pm on June 21. The chosen panellist must be available from 9am to 5pm on June 26.