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 Art...