SAMRO appoints new board chairperson

The appointment follows the announcement of the new board of directors in January. Maweni, who will be deputised by Lebotja Media founder Relebogile Mabotja, takes over from Jerry Mnisi.

“The SAMRO board is pleased to announce that Nicholas Maweni has been appointed as SAMRO’s independent chairperson with immediate effect,” the collective management organisation said. “After a vigorous process of finding an independent chairperson, Maweni emerged as the strongest candidate.

“SAMRO would like to welcome Maweni to his new role; the board of directors has the utmost confidence in the skills, expert leadership and experience in the chairperson and look forward to an outstanding relationship and results in steering the organisation.

“The SAMRO board would also like to convey its appreciation to Relebogile Mabotja who has been the acting chairperson since January 2019. Mabotja’s 15 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, coupled with her commitment, has been a great asset to SAMRO and she will now resume her role as the vice-chairperson of the SAMRO board.”

The current SAMRO board members are Sheer Music Publishing founder David Alexander, composer and producer Gabi Le Roux, businessman Dr Sipho Sithole, producer Sello 'Chicco' Twala, Universal Music Publishing Africa managing director Ryan Hill, David Gresham Entertainment Group chief financial officer Natalie Sanderson, singer Wendy Oldfield and musician Linah Ngcobo.

Maweni boasts an impressive corporate career spanning more than 17 years. With an MBA in strategic marketing and a masters of law, he has received various awards, including one from the Institute of Marketing Management. He is also the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the City of Port Elizabeth.

Maweni is the executive chair of BRICS Fashion and marketing director of SAP Africa. He was the chief of staff at the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development. He was also the chief marketing executive at IBM Africa.