The term of office of the Director-General (DG) of the Department of Arts and Culture, Mr Thembinkosi Philemon Wakashe, has come to an end. Mr Wakashe will leave the department at the end of September 2010. His term of office comes to an end after 14 years of service to the people of South Africa, especially those in the arts, culture and heritage sector.
One of the highlights of his career was in 2005 when he chaired the meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee in Durban. The World Heritage Committee manages and is responsible for the implementation of the Convention concerning the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
One of the outcomes of this World Heritage Committee meeting was the establishment of an African World Heritage Fund to preserve, conserve and promote Africa’s heritage. Given his wealth of expertise and experience in the sector, he was elected chairperson of the fund in 2006.
In October 2007, he was appointed Director-General. He succeeded Professor Itumeleng Mosala to be the second Director-General of an independent Department of Arts and Culture. Mr Wakashe will still be working in the arts and culture sector and will continue to contribute towards the advancement of the sector.
“I would like to thank Mr Wakashe for his immense contribution in the Department of Arts and Culture and for his stewardship as the Director-General. He helped to lay the foundation for the development of truly South African arts, culture and heritage sector and also played a leading role in redressing the heritage landscape in the country and on the continent as a whole,” said the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Department, Ms Veliswa Baduza, will act as Director-General until a new appointment is made.
Enquiries:
Ms Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
Mr Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 50 76
