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Palesa Kadi begins a new chapter at the National Arts Festival

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The National Arts Festival welcomes Palesa Kadi as she begins her tenure as Chief Executive Officer this week. Kadi assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s cultural and creative industries, bringing deep sector expertise, strategic governance experience and a commitment to innovation and renewal.
 
Kadi’s rich local and international background in cultural governance and management has been built through her experience across cultural industries leadership and strategic development. She combines local knowledge of the Festival’s home province, the Eastern Cape, with global perspective on creative sector dynamics.
 
“Palesa’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the National Arts Festival,” said Professor Siphiwo Mahala, Chairperson of the National Arts Festival. “She brings what the NAF needs at this moment: deep understanding of our creative sector, proven strategic and governance leadership and a vision for innovation that will strengthen both the Festival and the broader cultural industries ecosystem. We are confident in her leadership and excited about the direction she will take the festival in.”

Kadi, who is moving to Makhanda to take up the position, said, “I’m honoured to lead the National Arts Festival forward. For 52 years, its stood on a strong foundation of artist advocacy and sector leadership and I’m mindful that both legacy and innovation are needed to shape the future of the Festival into a vibrant African event that is known around the world. My focus is on building from strength, deepening our connection to artists and communities and positioning the NAF as a catalyst for renewal in South Africa’s creative sector. I’m committed to ensuring that the Festival remains a shining example of artistic excellence while strengthening the broader ecosystem that fosters new work and opportunities.” Sustainability will be at the forefront of Kadi’s mind as she develops strategies and financial partnerships to ensure the Festival’s long-term viability and impact.

Kadi’s appointment comes during Women’s Month, underscoring the cultural sector’s commitment to women’s leadership and representation. She joins a sector increasingly shaped by women’s vision and strategic direction across festivals, institutions and creative enterprises across South Africa and the continent.
 
“It’s particularly meaningful to step into this role during Women’s Month,” said Kadi. “Women have always been central to cultural production and community life. And I’m committed to ensuring that women’s voices, creativity and leadership continue to shape the Festival’s direction and the broader creative industries landscape.”
 
Kadi’s move to Makhanda represents a deepening of NAF’s commitment to rooting itself in the Eastern Cape community. With family connections to the province and deep knowledge of the region’s cultural landscape, Kadi brings insider understanding of both the challenges and possibilities of leading a flagship cultural institution in a secondary city. “The Festival’s role in this community is profound – supporting local artists, contributing to economic activity and positioning the city as a centre for African creativity,” says Kadi.
Kadi’s arrival follows close to six years of tenacious leadership by outgoing CEO, Monica Newton, who navigated the sector through unprecedented challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and South Africa’s energy crisis.
 
“I’m very grateful to Monica for establishing a strong platform of advocacy, governance integrity and sector leadership,” said Kadi. “I plan to build on that foundation, while exploring how we can innovate, grow and deepen our impact. For now, I’m listening and understanding the shape of this very unique and special institution, one that is constantly reinvented by the artists and audiences who believe in it and return to it year after year. I look forward to an exciting new chapter.”

 

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