National Arts Council of South Africa appoints acting CEO

The announcement follows the departure of the interim CEO Marion Mbina-Mthembu who took over from Rosemary Mangope.

Diphofa is no stranger to the NAC having previously served in this position prior to going on medical leave last year and has been a seasoned employee of the council for close to 20 years.

“We would also like to confirm the departure of the interim CEO Marion Mbina-Mthembu and we also wish to extend our sincere gratitude for her service during her tenure with the entity,” NAC said in a statement. “We thank Ms Diphofa for accepting council’s request to continue serving the NAC during this period.

“The NAC wishes to reassure all our stakeholders that the important work of adjudicating all applications received for both the funding calls has commenced under the leadership of our acting CEO Diphofa, and we are confident that we will meet the deadlines set to announce the approved beneficiaries of the 2022 NAC Call for Funding to be released by 10 September and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 3) by 30 September.”

Mangope’s departure

Mangope left NAC in April following a disciplinary hearing against her in respect of various allegations of misconduct, which involved an investigation into 2020’s PESP. Before leaving the council, she was suspended in February 2021 together with CFO Clifton Changfoot pending an investigation into the management of 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 Rosemary Mangope, the Chief Executive Officer of the NAC,” NAC said.

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 Following conclusion of the agreement, the NAC has withdrawn the charges against Mangope.”