Minister Paul Mashatile announced the members of the new National Arts Council in a well organised meeting this morning. Earlier this month, cabinet approved the appointment of the following people to the National Arts Council: Ms Mathodi Angelina Makwetla (Appointed the Chairperson – her expertise is fundraising, please look at attachment) Prof. Gessler Moses Nkondo (Literature Policy); Mr Mohau Samuel Mphomela (Finance & Corporate Goverrnance); Ms Phylis Klotz (Dance); Mr Shadrack Bokaba (Music); Ms Nwabisa Mavuso (Community Arts); Ms Erica Elk (Visual Arts & Craft); Ms Seipate Bernice Dichabe (Music); Ms Nakedi Ribane (Theatre); Dr. Mordacai Nangakhulu Lidhovo (Legal) and MrBob Mabena (Marketing & Communication).
Provincial Members appointed by the MECs will make up the rest of the National Arts Council Members.
The whole process of choosing new members was transparent and according to policy. A three member panel headed by Prof. Andries Oliphant was appointed by the Minister. The panel was given comprehensive files of 127 candidates. They went through each one and short-listed 28 persons. They then used the following criteria to select the likely members:
- Expertise and experience
- Understanding of the mandate of the NAC
- Management and governance skills and experience
- Artistic vision and values taking into account the diversity of cultural communities in SA
- Knowledge of the Policy and the management of the resources
- Communication, marketing and fundraising for the NAC
The National Arts Council is an integral part of the Arts and Culture sector. It serves to provide up and coming artists and groups in the various disciplines a grant to start them off in their chosen field of the arts.Due to its pivotal role, it has contributed immensely to the arts development.
The Ministry and Department of Arts and Culture, would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new members on their appointment to the council of one our important arts bodies. We believe that under the new leadership, the NAC will continue to live up to its mission and vision. With their expertise and wealth of experience, the NAC will play a key role in our national effort to ensure nation building and social cohesion.
The Inauguration took place this afternoon and will continue tomorrow morning.
For any media enquiries kindly contact:
Premi Appalraju
Cell: 082 903 6778
For further information on the NAC kindly contact:
Carol Maluleke
Cell: 083 326 0523
