After sport, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa’s resignation, prominent poet and performer Lebogang Mashile has voiced a call for a new kind of leadership in the ministry.
“Can we finally have a minister of arts and culture who is a genuine leader with experience within the creative sector? Someone who understands our industry from the inside as a practitioner. Creativity is as important, if not more important, than any mineral resource South Africa has,” said Mashile.
Kodwa resigned from his ministerial position after his first court appearance before the Palm Ridge magistrate’s court in Ekurhuleni. He faces corruption charges involving R1.7m.
Mashile sparked a lively discussion on X, with many South Africans taking the opportunity to suggest candidates they believe would be ideal for the role.
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, a veteran talk show host and entrepreneur, joined the conversation with three suggestions.
“Is it possible to appoint one who is not in government? Here are my top three: John Kani, Connie Chiume and Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse. Their passion for the industry was exhibited frequently on the Felicia Show and beyond,” she said.
Other names suggested were: Mashile; Jack Devnarain, known for his role on Isidingo; Quintus Jansen, celebrated as a director, choreographer and producer, and; Simphiwe Dana, known for her powerful voice and activism within the arts.
With the 2024 elections concluded and discussions about a new government being formed after the ANC's loss, an official announcement of the new ministerial line-up is imminent.
The arts and culture sector awaits the developments with anticipation, hoping for a leader who can drive meaningful change and support the creative community.
Suggestions from the public continue.
Poet and performer Lebogang Mashile urges new kind of leadership in arts and culture ministry
Image: Brandon Grant
After sport, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa’s resignation, prominent poet and performer Lebogang Mashile has voiced a call for a new kind of leadership in the ministry.
“Can we finally have a minister of arts and culture who is a genuine leader with experience within the creative sector? Someone who understands our industry from the inside as a practitioner. Creativity is as important, if not more important, than any mineral resource South Africa has,” said Mashile.
Kodwa resigned from his ministerial position after his first court appearance before the Palm Ridge magistrate’s court in Ekurhuleni. He faces corruption charges involving R1.7m.
Mashile sparked a lively discussion on X, with many South Africans taking the opportunity to suggest candidates they believe would be ideal for the role.
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, a veteran talk show host and entrepreneur, joined the conversation with three suggestions.
“Is it possible to appoint one who is not in government? Here are my top three: John Kani, Connie Chiume and Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse. Their passion for the industry was exhibited frequently on the Felicia Show and beyond,” she said.
Other names suggested were: Mashile; Jack Devnarain, known for his role on Isidingo; Quintus Jansen, celebrated as a director, choreographer and producer, and; Simphiwe Dana, known for her powerful voice and activism within the arts.
With the 2024 elections concluded and discussions about a new government being formed after the ANC's loss, an official announcement of the new ministerial line-up is imminent.
The arts and culture sector awaits the developments with anticipation, hoping for a leader who can drive meaningful change and support the creative community.
Suggestions from the public continue.
TimesLIVE
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