National Arts Festival appoints Palesa Kadi as new CEO

The appointment was announced during the closing weekend of the 2026 National Arts Festival in Makhanda, following the conclusion of the 11-day event, which featured local and international productions by emerging and established artists.

Kadi succeeds Monica Newton, who led the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Speaking about her appointment, Kadi said she had attended the festival for many years and understood its importance as a platform for South African artists.

“I have attended the National Arts Festival for many years, as a young person and as part of my work, and I'm aware of the importance of ensuring that it remains a vibrant platform for South African creativity.

“The Eastern Cape is rich in talent and culture, and the National Arts Festival is an epicentre where the world can engage with the diversity and texture that our creatives bring. It is a reflection of the soul of our country. I am taking up this position with a commitment to ensuring this legacy continues and grows.”

Kadi has worked across the cultural and creative industries in heritage, media, broadcasting regulation and strategic communications. Her appointment also marks a return to her home province, where she will relocate to Makhanda.

National Arts Festival board chairperson Siphiwo Mahala said the appointment came after a difficult period for both the festival and the wider arts sector.

“The National Arts Festival has navigated an extraordinarily difficult few years, the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, a protracted and painful recovery, and the funding instability that has tested arts institutions across the country. That we stand here today, on the closing weekend of a Festival that has delivered at this level, is a testament to the resilience of this organisation and everyone who refused to let it fail.

“Palesa Kadi brings deep knowledge of the cultural sector, hard-won experience in governance and public institutions, and a genuine understanding of what this Festival means, not only to Makhanda and the Eastern Cape, but to South Africa's creative life as a whole. The board is confident that under her leadership, the Festival will continue to grow in ambition, reach and impact.”

Mahala also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing CEO Monica Newton.

“Our sincere thanks go to Monica for her tenacity and resourcefulness. She came into this position mere months before the COVID lockdown and navigated extreme change and disruption for the organisation and the sector. We would like to extend our gratitude for her service and wish her very well in her future endeavours.”

Representatives of the festival’s partners also welcomed the appointment.

Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture head Nomathamsanqa Gobozi-Nibe said the department looked forward to working with Kadi to strengthen the festival's role in supporting artistic excellence and creating opportunities for artists in the province and across South Africa.

Meanwhile, Yolisa Koza, head of brand experience at Standard Bank Group, thanked Newton for leading the festival during a challenging period and said the bank was confident Kadi's leadership would support the festival's continued growth, innovation and long-term impact.