MEET PALESA KADI, NAF CEO
The New Leader Set to Shape the Future of the National Arts Festival
The National Arts Festival (NAF) has officially announced the appointment of Palesa Kadi as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new era for one of Africa's most significant cultural institutions. Kadi will officially assume the role on 1 August 2026, following the conclusion of a successful 52nd National Arts Festival in Makhanda that attracted strong audiences and showcased hundreds of local and international artists.
For many within South Africa's cultural and creative industries, Kadi's appointment represents more than a leadership change, it signals the arrival of a seasoned cultural strategist with extensive experience across government, heritage, broadcasting regulation, communications and arts policy.
Returning to her home province of the Eastern Cape, Kadi says leading the Festival is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey.
"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."
She has committed herself to preserving and expanding the Festival's legacy while ensuring it continues to serve artists, audiences and future generations.
A Leader With Deep Cultural Sector Experience
Kadi brings decades of leadership experience to the position.
Her career includes serving as Chairperson of the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, membership of the SABC Board, Head of Arts and Culture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, senior executive roles at the Film and Publication Board and the National Heritage Council, as well as serving as an ICASA Councillor where she helped regulate South Africa's broadcasting and telecommunications sectors.
Academically, she is completing a PhD focusing on cultural precincts and heritage in post-apartheid South Africa, is a published academic and an Archbishop Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute.
Taking Over During Challenging Times
National Arts Festival Board Chairperson Siphiwo Mahala acknowledged that Kadi assumes leadership during a period that has tested the resilience of the Festival.
The institution has weathered the devastating impact of COVID-19, a difficult recovery period and ongoing funding uncertainty affecting arts organisations nationwide. Despite these challenges, the Festival has continued to evolve and remains South Africa's premier platform for artistic innovation and cultural collaboration.
Mahala expressed confidence that Kadi's governance expertise and understanding of South Africa's cultural landscape will enable the Festival to grow in ambition, reach and impact.
A Tribute to Monica Newton
The Board also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Monica Newton, whose leadership guided the Festival through one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
Newton assumed office just months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced unprecedented disruption across the arts sector. Her leadership ensured that the Festival survived and adapted during years of extraordinary uncertainty.
Strong Support From Key Partners
The appointment has received strong backing from long-standing Festival partners.
The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture welcomed Kadi, expressing confidence that her leadership will strengthen the Festival's legacy while creating greater opportunities for artists from the province and across South Africa.
Festival partner Standard Bank also congratulated Kadi, expressing optimism that her vision will guide the institution into a new chapter of growth, innovation and sustainable impact.
What This Means for the Creative Sector
For artists, producers, cultural workers and audiences, Palesa Kadi's appointment comes at a critical time.
The creative sector continues to grapple with questions around sustainable funding, institutional governance, artist development and expanding access to opportunities. With her extensive experience in public policy, governance and cultural development, many will be watching closely to see how she positions the National Arts Festival within South Africa's evolving creative economy.
One thing is certain: expectations are high, and the sector will be eager to see how the Festival continues to grow under her leadership.
MEET PALESA KADI
The National Arts Festival is South Africa's largest multi-disciplinary arts event, operating continuously since 1974. Held annually in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), the Festival presents new and established work across theatre, music, dance, comedy, literature, visual art, and experimental forms. The Festival serves as a key platform for South African cultural production, artist development, and international cultural exchange.
More information: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
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