Eugene Botha is a distinguished legal strategist, governance expert, and corporate leader with over 20 years of experience in advanced company law, public administrative law, and executive leadership. As the Managing Director of E. Botha & Associates, he has played a pivotal role in high-profile legal transactions, corporate acquisitions, and governance frameworks, ensuring ethical leadership and compliance with King IV principles.
A seasoned negotiator, Eugene has successfully led multimillion-rand mergers, acquisitions, and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transactions, with a strong focus on enterprise risk management, contract structuring, and financial oversight. His ability to balance strategic vision with practical implementation has made him a trusted advisor to both the private and public sectors.
Beyond his legal and corporate work, Eugene is a passionate advocate for the arts and creative industries. He firmly believes that the arts sector holds immense potential to create thousands of sustainable careers, not only for performers and creators but also for those in production, management, and the broader creative economy. His commitment to governance and legal frameworks extends to ensuring that artists, cultural practitioners, and creative entrepreneurs operate in an environment that fosters growth, stability, and economic opportunity.
Eugene has served as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman across various industries, bringing strategic oversight and ethical governance to the organisations he supports. His leadership philosophy integrates behavioural science, governance best practices, and a deep appreciation for cultural development, ensuring that every sector he engages with thrives.
A dedicated mentor and thought leader, Eugene continues to shape the legal and corporate landscape in South Africa while championing the arts as a driver of economic transformation and national identity.
H.R.H. Princess Celenhle Dlamini is a distinguished leader in South Africa's arts and cultural sector, recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to advancing the creative and cultural industries locally and internationally. She previously served as Chairperson of the National Arts Council from 2021 to 2024 and now returns for a second term at the NAC as Deputy Chairperson (2025-2028), bringing continuity and renewed focus to the sector's development.With extensive international experience, Princess Celenhle has led transformative projects and fostered cross-cultural partnerships across the USA, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, SADC, and Canada. Her contributions to strengthening cultural ties between South Africa and the United States were recognized with the "Key to the City of Austin, Texas."A passionate advocate for heritage preservation, she has partnered with Traditional Leaders across Southern Africa to advance cultural sustainability and protect indigenous knowledge systems. She previously served as Chairperson of the Board at Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, where she championed access, inclusivity, and artistic excellence at one of South Africa's premier state-owned performing arts institutions.Princess Celenhle is co-founder of a Pan-African social enterprise focused on social impact fund management, enterprise development, international exchange programmes, and youth job creation. The organization also conducts rural and cultural research and manages philanthropy initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.She holds a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation from Wits University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Bennett College, USA). She has completed Executive Leadership Programmes through Wits Business School (MAP), Duke Corporate Education (Duke University), and Rhodes University. Her global leadership credentials include being named as an Asia Global Fellow in Hong Kong and a CSIS Abshire-Inamori Fellow in the United States.
With a strong foundation in psychology, economics, and marketing, Mr Clarke brings a multidisciplinary approach to leadership, strategy, and development. His academic journey spans across institutions such as the University of Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria, where he completed a BA in Psychology, an Honours in Social Sciences (Psychology), and pursued studies in BCom Economics and Econometrics, as well as Marketing and Customer Centricity.His previous experience includes serving as the COO of a foreign direct investment firm, where he specialised in environmental strategies, conservation, and structuring international investment ventures. His governance experience includes board positions as Chairperson of the Johannesburg Roads Agency and Non-Executive Director roles with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and currently the National Arts Council (NAC), where he also contributes as a member of the HR & Ethics Committee. These roles have refined his key strengths in problem-solving and adaptive leadership across complex and dynamic environments.His passion for the arts is deeply rooted and continually growing, reflected in his ongoing guitar studies and lifelong habit of attending theatre, concerts, and cultural events throughout South Africa and beyond.Travel has been a vital part of his artistic and cultural education, offering him first-hand exposure to diverse expressions of creativity. From intimate heritage productions in small towns to world-renowned performances in major cities, he values the variety and depth of global and local artistic traditions. This perspective informs Mr Clarke’s commitment to inclusive, accessible, and transformative arts development.
Dr Laura de Harde is a Johannesburg-based artist, researcher, and curator with over 15 years of experience in the arts and culture sector. She holds a PhD in History of Art from the University of the Witwatersrand (2019), where her research examined marginalised contributions to knowledge production through museums and archives. She completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Pretoria, funded by the NIHSS, during which she developed Inherited Obsessions (2022). This project included a solo exhibition at the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History and an award-winning publication. Dr de Harde is an Associate Researcher at the University of Pretoria’s School of the Arts. Her expertise lies in curatorial practice, archival research, arts education, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She has published widely in journals such as de arte and Critical Arts, and her creative work has been featured in local and international exhibitions. Passionate about accessibility, mentorship, and public engagement, Dr de Harde is committed to expanding audiences for the arts and creating inclusive platforms for dialogue and discovery. She values the power of art to foster critical thinking, preserve cultural memory, and bring people together through meaningful engagement and imagination.
Ms. Chanie-lee Adams-Kruger is an accomplished executive with a proven track record in business development, project management, and strategic leadership across Southern Africa. With expertise in driving growth, fostering partnerships, and advancing inclusive development, Ms. Adams-Kruger is passionate about creating opportunities that empower individuals and communities—particularly women, youth and historically disadvantaged groups.
Holding a Bachelor of Economics (University of the Western Cape), Diplomas in Project and Human Resource Management (Damelin), and executive education from Harvard University, Ms. Adams-Kruger brings a unique blend of financial acumen, operational excellence, and infrastructure development experience. Her leadership extends across ICT, especially cyber security, mining, and public sector projects, with a consistent focus on building sustainable ecosystems.
Aligned with the NAC’s mission to promote and develop the arts, Ms. Adams-Kruger is dedicated to driving transformation, championing access for underrepresented voices, and fostering collaborations that enable the creative sector to thrive. Her experience in working with government, industry, and community partners positions her as a catalyst for growth—committed to ensuring the arts serve as a vehicle for social cohesion, national identity, and economic development.
Siphosethu Mtamzeli is a dedicated and passionate professional with a wealth of experience in the Mining Industry, stakeholder management, communication, procurement, and operations. Born on January 24, 1991, Siphosethu has built a diverse career that spans several sectors, including local government, construction, and environmental affairs. She is committed to continuous learning and personal development.
With an academic background and a range of specialized skills.
Siphosethu holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), along with various certifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Sector Governance, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). She is well-versed in legislative frameworks governing the public sector and has a deep understanding of public finance, supply chain management, and community-based information systems.
Professionally, Siphosethu has held several significant roles, including her current position as a Non-Executive Director at the Joburg Roads Agency, Member of Council for the National Films & Video Foundation, and her previous work as Deputy Director for Stakeholder Management & Communications at the City of Johannesburg's Department of Economic Development.
She has also led procurement efforts at the South African Women in Construction Organisation (SAWIC) and served as Operations Manager for Black Women in Slate Mining (BWISM).
Early in her career, Siphosethu has served as a Chairperson for a SAWIC Disciplinary Committee.
Mr Sepheu Simon Masemola is an accomplished executive and Non-Executive Director with over 20 years of experience spanning in finance, project management, and strategic business operations. His extensive career includes leadership roles in public and private sectors, such as serving as a Non-Executive Director at Johannesburg MetroBus, Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), and Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (SOC) Ltd. He has chaired audit, risk, strategy and ethics committees, demonstrating strong governance capabilities.
With a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and ongoing professional studies in Management Accounting, Sepheu has a proven track record in financial management, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization. His consulting work has supported major infrastructure projects and business operations across South Africa and other African nations.
Sepheu brings to The National Art Council strategic leadership, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of governance and compliance. His ability to manage complex projects, develop innovative strategies, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships positions him as a valuable asset in advancing NAC’s mission and enhancing its operational excellence. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainable development align well with the institution's goals for growth and social impact.
Pamela Ndlovu is a distinguished actress and creative educator based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a robust background in acting and performance art, she has honed her expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and management within the arts sector.
Since 2016, Pamela has served as a Drama Educator and, as of 2024, she is the Head of the Drama Department at the prestigious National School of the Arts in Johannesburg. In her leadership role, she oversees curriculum design, instructional strategies, and departmental operations. She delivers comprehensive drama education, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, while forging partnerships with theatres and arts organizations to expand opportunities for students and the community. Additionally, Pamela manages the department's production budgets, resources, and key administrative responsibilities, including policy formulation and decision-making.
In addition to her role at the National School of the Arts, Pamela is a Board Member at Johannesburg City Theatres, where she has been serving since 2023. She actively participates in strategic planning and governance, influencing policy direction, overseeing financial management, and advocating for artistic development and educational programming within the community.
Academically, Pamela holds a Bachelor of Technology in Drama (2011) from Tshwane University of Technology. She is also set to graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science from the University of South Africa, further solidifying her multidisciplinary expertise.
Haroon Gunn-Salie is an artist, activist, and cultural worker whose multidisciplinary practice draws focus to forms of collaboration through socially-engaged dialogue and exchange. With his commitment to social justice extending beyond the gallery or museum floor, Gunn-Salie serves as a board member of the Human Rights Media Centre, is the chair of the South African Coalition of Transitional Justice’s media and communications committee and is a council member of the National Arts Council of South Africa (2025-2029).
Since his completion of a BA Hons in sculpture at the University of Cape Town’s Michaelis School of Fine Art in 2012, Gunn-Salie’s work has been included in significant exhibitions: Islamic Arts Biennale (2023), New Museum Triennial (2018); Frieze Sculpture, Regent's Park (2018); South African Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia (2015); and 19º Festival de Arte Contemporânea Sesc Videobrasil (2015). His solo exhibitions include Zeitz MOCAA (2021), Mendes Wood DM, Galpão Videobrasil, Museu de Congonhas (2016), and Goodman Gallery (2015). Gunn-Salie has been awarded the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Cultural and Creative Industry Award (2024), the FNB Art Prize (2018), and the SP-Arte/Videobrasil prize (2016).
I am a passionate fitness instructor dedicated to helping individuals achieve their best selves through functional fitness. Specializing in movement, I design personalized fitness plans that incorporate a wide range of functional exercises to improve strength, mobility, and overall well-being. With a unique approach, I combine the power of music to elevate workouts through rhythm and movement that fuse aerobic beats with functional exercises and consistently trying to ensure each session is both engaging and effective.
With a deep understanding of the human body and a commitment to fostering a positive fitness environment, I have successfully guided clients through tailored programs, transforming lives one movement at a time. Whether working with beginners or seasoned athletes, dancers or musicians, I believe in the power of movement to not only enhance physical health but to build mental resilience as well.
As a fitness instructor, I am driven by a passion to inspire others, helping them discover the joy of movement while achieving their fitness goals.
I have a deep love for design and art, drawn to the way creativity shapes the world around us. The way colours, forms, and styles come together to evoke emotion, tell stories, and push boundaries resonates with me. Art and design are more than just aesthetics-they're expressions of movement, energy, and meaning that inspire and connect.
Before transitioning into the fitness industry, I gained valuable experience in the banking sector. As a Banker I specialized in providing personalized banking products tailored to meet the unique needs of clients. This role honed my ability to build strong client relationships and understand diverse financial needs.
With a diverse professional background that spans fitness, banking, Marketing and client service, I bring a well-rounded skill set to every endeavor, combining operational expertise with a client-focused approach to ensure both business and personal success.
My Educational background’:
I am a skilled professional with a diverse educational background spanning business and fitness. Holding a Marketing Management Certification, I have a foundation in strategic marketing and customer engagement. Additionally, an Advanced Diploma in Business Finance which enhances my ability to navigate financial management and business operations effectively.
Ms. Omphemetse Mokgosi – Arts Administrator, Cultural Policy Researcher & Industry Leader
Omphemetse Mokgosi is a seasoned arts administrator, cultural policy researcher, and strategic leader with over a decade of experience in advancing the arts and culture sector. With a strong academic foundation in Drama, Arts and Culture Administration, Communications, and Media Studies, Omphemetse is currently pursuing a Master’s in Cultural Policy and Management, further deepening expertise in the intersection of policy, creative industries, and sustainable cultural development.
Omphemetse has extensive experience in arts administration, having spent five years working in the NGO sector and another five years in a university arts department, where responsibilities included program development, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. A key focus of Omphemetse’ s work is bridging the gap between creatives and academia, ensuring that artists and cultural practitioners are supported through informed policies, sustainable funding models, and capacity-building initiatives.
A leadership development journey through the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) further strengthens Omphemetse’ s governance capabilities, ensuring alignment with best practices in board leadership, compliance, and strategic decision-making in the creative sector. She also brings governance expertise and a commitment to strategic oversight in the arts through her board experience.
Queen Neo Mononela-Mopeli is the Queen Consort of the Bakoena Kingdom situated in
Qwa-Qwa Free State Province. Queen Mononela-Mopeli is a distinguished traditional
leader and accomplished attorney, who seamlessly blends royal heritage and legal
acumen to drive impactful change in the community. Queen Mopeli holds a BA degree,
as well as an LLB degree from the University of Pretoria, and has further certifications
from the University of Stellenbosch and other short course institutions. Queen
Mononela-Mopeli is currently in the process of pursuing her MBA degree.
As a qualified attorney, Queen Mononela-Mopeli has extensive experience in both public
service and the private sector. Her legal career spans many years and includes
experience across various sectors comprising of mining, construction, insurance and
most notably public service, where she has applied her expertise to legal compliance,
governance support and navigating complex regulatory environments. Queen MononelaMopeli is also an author having written articles and co-authored a chapter in a published book.In addition to the above, Queen Mononela- Mopeli is also the deputy chairperson of the
South African Queens Council (SAQC), a council established by the Department of
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs aimed at inclusive governance and
strengthening of traditional institutions in the country. The Council has representation of
all the Kingdoms and Principal Traditional Communities in the country. As a custodian of
culture and heritage, Queen Mononela-Mopeli has been involved in many arts related
activities and initiatives within the community and believes that the arts are not merely
expressions of creativity but vessels of our values, history, collective spirit and a means
to preserve cultural identity for the generations to comeQueen Mononela-Mopeli’s unique dual role as a queen and an attorney enables her the
ability to champion traditional values while driving progressive change across legal and
social spheres. As a council member, she brings a unique blend of traditional leadership,
legal expertise as well as cultural and arts advocacy that will ensure that the arts remain
a dynamic force for identity , empowerment and cultural preservation. Queen Mononela-Mopeli’s multifaceted experience positions her as a dynamic contributor to inclusive
development, ethical leadership and transformative impact.
Advocate Komazi studied at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and completed an LLB degree. He later enrolled at the University of the Free State (UFS) to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law.
As a legal professional with a focus, his focus is on labour law, administrative law, and constitutional matters. Komazi’s experience includes providing legal advisory services, drafting legal opinions, and representing clients in various legal forums.
Their expertise lays particularly in employment and labour relations, with involvement in policy development, dispute resolution, and compliance across both public and private sector environments. In addition to litigation, he is also skilled in mediation and arbitration processes.Throughout his career, he held various professional titles which include Legal Advisor for the Groen Water Stasie Community. Currently serving as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, he is also a member of the Legal Practice Council and holds the position of Provincial Secretary of CONTRALESA in the Northern Cape.His professional strengths include a strong commitment to ethical practice, sharp analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of South Africa’s legal and regulatory frameworks. He is recognised as a strategic thinker and a committed advocate for justice, transformation, and equality.Although he did not work professionally in the arts and culture sector, he has been an active supporter and participant for over a decade. His involvement includes attending theatre productions, visual arts exhibitions, and cultural festivals. He also contributed to community-based initiatives that leveraged the arts as tools for social development and education. He has a deep appreciation for the performing arts, especially theatre and traditional music and is passionate about storytelling as a means of cultural preservation and social commentary.Through these engagements, Komazi cultivated a strong appreciation for the arts as a vital component of nation-building, cultural identity, and youth empowerment.He believes in the arts being a powerful medium for expressing identity, addressing societal challenges, and celebrating diversity. What he values the most about the arts is its capacity to inspire dialogue, bridge divides, and give voice to the voiceless. Whether through a stage production, a piece of music, or a visual artwork, he sees the arts as a mirror of societies’ values, histories, and aspirations.
Cllr Bernedette Muthien is a Research Fellow in the Office of International Affairs, University of Free State, Bernedette has worked in academia, civil society and government in South Africa and abroad. She is an accomplished facilitator, researcher and poet who designs, implements and evaluates projects for diverse institutions locally and internationally. She has over 200 publications and conference presentations, with several translated from English into at least 17 other languages. She was the first Fulbright-Amy Biehl fellow at Stanford University, and holds postgraduate degrees in Political Science from the Universities of Cape Town, and Stellenbosch.
Among others, she serves on the international advisory boards of the international Journal of Human Security, as well as the International Institute on Peace Education. She has served on the Executive Council of the International Peace Research Association, and is Co-Founder of the African Peace Research and Education Association.
Her 2021 book project, Rethinking Africa: Indigenous Women Reinterpret Southern Africa’s Pasts was nominated for the National Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Book Award. She won the Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards 2022 for Best Researcher Contributing to Archival Heritage.
She serves on the Western Cape Cultural Commission, and the National Arts Council.
Johane Chisekula was appointed to the NAC’s Human Resources Committee in February 2019 and is a NAC provincial representative for the North-West.
Chisekula matriculated at Pule Leeuw Secondary School in Vryburg in 2000. He holds a national diploma in Dramatic Arts (2007) from the Fuba School of Dramatic & Visual Arts, and an NQF Level 4 community arts development qualification (2010) from the Showbusiness Foundation and the North-West Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs. He has also completed informal courses in drama – writing, directing and acting – at the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation in Mahikeng.
Chisekula held the position of senior lecturer at Movietech (2012 to 2013) and community liaison officer at Tranacon (2014) and has worked at the Naledi Local Municipality as a performing arts administrator (2014 to 2016).
His community involvement includes holding the position of provincial coordinator at the North West Federation of Community Arts Centres (2014 to 2017); the portfolio of provincial and district coordinator at the Cultural & Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (2015 to date); and the position of advisory committee member to the Minister of Arts and Culture on the National Dance and Theatre Advisory Committee.
Introduction:
Tsepo Mtwana is a visionary leader, passionate advocate for youth empowerment and development, and a trailblazer in the field of music development in the Northern Cape. With a relentless commitment to improving the lives of others, Tsepo has dedicated his career to driving positive impact in the arts and culture sector.
Early Life and Education:
Born in King Williams Town and raised in a close-knit community in Kimberley, South Africa, Tsepo’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and empathy for others. His journey began in Kimberley Boys High where he matriculated and later attended CTI in Johannesburg.
Passion for Music:
Tsepo’s passion for youth empowerment and development has been the driving force behind his life’s work. From an early age, he was actively involved in community initiatives, addressing the need to have music culture and economy in the Northern Cape. This unwavering commitment led him to developing a programme that now serves as a bridge between the rural Northern Cape and the mainstream music industry.
Roles:
Founder and director at Northern Cape Talent Expo, NC Talent Expo NPC</br
Director at Otrem Music (record label)
Director at Anathi Afrika (Consultancy in events and PR)
Dr Noncedo Khewu is an Education and Research Consultant for Kumile Wellness and Research Consultants as well as a Research Fellow for the University of Fort Hare. She holds the following qualifications: Secondary Education Diploma (CUT); Diploma in Psychology (INTEC); BTech: Education Management (TUT); MPhil in Applied Ethics (SU); PhD in Education (UFH) and Certificates in Corporate Governance, Board Effectiveness, Information Technology, and Governance Ethics (IoDSA). Management and Leadership; Project Management; Environmental Ethics; Value Education; Policy Development, Analysis and Mainstreaming, and Research form part of her extensive work experience. She is a published author of two books, a poetry book titled RAW and an academic book titled, Let the Children Play: Indigenous Games and their Educational Benefits. Her published journal articles are about Value Based Cultural Conflicts; Normative Learner Discipline; Early Childhood Development and Absent Fatherhood. UFH linked researches are on Ulwaluko and Intwaso in Formal Schooling, as well as Career Transition Pathways for Learners with Special Needs. Dr Khewu also serves in the following Boards and Councils: Eastern Cape Provincial Art and Culture Council (ECPACC); Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA); Eastern Cape Community Education and Training College (ECCET) and Buffalo City TVET College (BCC TVET).
