STATEMENT ON THE DEPARTURE OF MS ROSEMARY MANGOPE CEO OF THE NAC

In June 2021, the National Arts Council (NAC) appointed Mazars Forensic Services (Pty) Ltd (Mazars) to conduct a forensic audit of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP). The scope of the investigation included, but was not limited to, determining whether there were any irregularities or inconsistencies in the management, adjudication, and approval of PESP applications, and whether there was any gross negligence, misconduct, or dereliction of duties with regard to various officials of the NAC, including Ms. Rosemary Mangope, the Chief Executive Officer of the NAC.

Following the conclusion of the investigation and submission of the final report in September 2021, the NAC instituted a disciplinary hearing against the CEO in respect of various allegations of misconduct. The hearing proceeded before an independent chairperson on the 14th of December 2021; 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of February 2022; 23rd and 25th of March 2022; and on the 4th of April 2022.

Prior to the conclusion of the hearing, the NAC and Ms. Mangope agreed to part ways amicably. The mutual separation agreement was signed by the parties on the 14th of April 2022 and its terms remain confidential. Following conclusion of the agreement, the NAC has withdrawn the charges against Ms. Mangope.