Following the departure of Lindiwe Kwele at the end of 2011 after four years at the helm, Phelisa Mangcu has taken over as chief executive of Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC).

Initially appointed on a temporary basis, Mangcu will take up her duties immediately.

After winning numerous tourism awards – including recognition as Africa’s Leading City Tourist Board at the World Travel Awards - and growing the domestic tourism industry during her time as chief executive, Kwele parted ways with the JTC to take up a position as one of three deputy city managers in Tshwane.

Heading the strategy and implementation portfolio, she will be responsible for managing framework, planning and economic development in the city.

During her tenure at the JTC, Kwele led it to greater heights, commanding recognition locally and internationally.

Upon assuming her position Mangcu said: “We are all enormously saddened by Lindiwe’s departure, as she has made enormous strides to really put Joburg Tourism on the map during her tenure.

“However, she leaves behind a closely knit team and a culture of fearless dynamism, for which we are enormously grateful.

“She will be sorely missed on the Joburg scene, but has JTC’s every good wish for success in her new role.”