Business and Arts SA appoints new board members

The new board members were voted in at the organisation’s annual general meeting on 17 August. They include Nizenande Machi, Peter Sabbagha, Phumza Rengqe and Simon Camerer.

“As we prepare to embark on our reimagined strategy and brand identity, ushering in the next 25 years of BASA, I am thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals to the team,” BASA chairperson Zingisa Motloba said. “They bring dynamic skills, passion and expertise that will undoubtedly enrich the remarkable work already being done. I hope that in turn, they will find their time in the BASA ecosystem just as fulfilling and enriching.”

BASA finance and operations manager Aviwe Matandela reported at the AGM that the organisation had once again been issued with an unqualified and clean audit for the 2021-22 financial year. She said the achievement was a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound financial management.

About the new board members

Machi is a leadership development practitioner who specialises in fostering leadership and entrepreneurial growth for Africans across the continent and diaspora. Her collaborations with prominent institutions and dedication to advancing female leadership in Africa demonstrate her commitment to transformative change. Her experience in leadership development and her work with Karani Leadership, which empowers artists and creatives, “align with BASA’s mission.”

Sabbagha is a renowned South African choreographer and arts activist, who is known for his ground-breaking work in issue-based dance theatre. With 28 years at the helm of the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, Sabbagha has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the arts. His international reach and commitment to community development through the arts make him an invaluable addition to the BASA board, BASA said.

Rengqe currently leads corporate brand management for Heineken Beverages and boasts extensive experience in marketing, with a diverse background encompassing brand management, sponsorships, campaign management and external communication. Her deep commitment to the power of the arts to inspire positive change is evident in her management of Heineken’s arts initiatives, including the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards and the National Playwright Competition in partnership with the National Arts Festival.

Camerer, meanwhile, brings a wealth of commercial expertise to the board, with an impressive career that includes serving as the chief operating officer for MultiChoice South Africa. With a background in marketing and strategy roles for notable organisations such as Cell C and the Walt Disney Company, Simon’s extensive knowledge of customer engagement and brand strategy will be an asset to BASA, the organisation said.