Dr. Simba Maninyenya was also known for pioneering RETOSA. before he served on the initial executive Board of the African Tourism Board as COO, until ATB was relaunched in Eswatini in 2022.
On August 12, 2019, Dr. Simba Mandinyenya announced African Tourism Board (ATB) is up and running. Based on the plans being crafted by the Board, Africa’s tourism space will soon be enjoying some fantastic hospitality events and projects that will have an immediate impact on the continent’s tourism development trajectory.
He served on the first ATB Executive Board of this organization put together at that time by the founding chairman Juergen Steinmetz alongside appointed chairman Cuthbert Ncube, with fellow board members Dr. Walter Mzembi, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Doria Woerfel, and Alain St.Ange.
Simba said about himself on his LinkedIn profile: “Strategic thinker, results-focused with interest on the bottom line.”
Mr. Mandinyenya was originally from Zimbabwe. He lived in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
In an official statement released, the African Tourism Board said: “His visionary leadership drove numerous initiatives that significantly benefitted the tourism sector. His pursuit of excellence and ability to inspire others will be greatly missed. His memory will undoubtedly inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with the same fervor and integrity that he embodied.”
Executive Chairman Cuthbert Ncube added: “May the soul of our departed brother, partner, and friend rest in perfect peace. May the Lord Himself comfort his family and workmates. You were a person who strongly stood for what you believed in and you were never afraid to share your views on any issue, no matter how unpopular your views were. You will be remembered for what you stood for.”
Dr. Alain St.Ange added: “The passing of Simba is a shock for the African Tourism Board, for Africa and the World of Tourism. Sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Juergen Steinmetz, the founding chair of ATB concluded: “Simba was a true patriot for the African idea in the global travel and tourism world. He will be missed. It was an honor to serve with him on the first executive board of the African Tourism Board. My heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends.”
