A new board to run tourism in Buffalo City has been appointed but the names of its members and chairperson will only be announced when they are inaugurated on Friday.

Buffalo City manager Mxolisi Tsika said individual members and organisations that had submitted proposals were informed of the appointment of the new board last week.

The board will convene for the first time after its inauguration.

Replying to public criticism of the length of time it took to appoint the board, Tsika said the municipality had to ensure it liaised with the stakeholders involved. "We also acted within the Act," he said.

He said a decision about the appointment of new chief executive for Buffalo City Tourism would be done in consultation with the new board.

He said the municipality would have a meeting with the new board prior to its inauguration to address pertinent matters relating to the city.

"We view the integration of various strategies and programmes as important and the new board should talk to the municipality and other entities as well to ensure that it conforms with legislation, policies and the provincial development plan."

Tsika said the issue of the appointment of a board to oversee the Buffalo City Development Agency would also be finalised soon.