Ayanda Roda

Chairperson

Ayanda Roda is a prominent cultural activist and a notable figure in the South African arts and culture scene. He is the founder of the Free State International Music Conference and serves as a director of Danduza Production, which played a pivotal role in establishing Tse’pe music and managed several artists, including MC Fire, Kommanda Obbs, and others. Currently, he holds the position of national Arts Education chairperson in South Africa and serves on the board of the Independent Music Performance Rights Association (IMPRA). Additionally, he is a former board member of Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa (AIRCO) and Secretary-General of CCIFSA. His company, Danduza Production, has provided PR and marketing services for several prominent festivals in South Africa, including the Northern Cape Festival, Northern Cape Awards, Lemo Fest, Jazz by the River, Go Vaal, and the Uhuru AIDS Festival 2024.

Olebile Mothelesi

Secretary General

Olebile Mothelesi is a distinguished Northern Cape leader with over 35 years of service in cultural and creative industries, bridging digital strategy and cultural governance. Founder of the Pride of Ubuntu Arts Centre, he has led 50+ projects and trained 50,000 learners in heritage education, disability arts, and Khoisan language initiatives. Partnering with Sol Plaatje University and Oxford University, he advances arts education and research. Formerly a Telecommunications Broadband Development Manager, he launched Fibre Optic Internet (FTTH) and managed 300 staff. His national influence spans governance bodies, boards, and investment ventures in renewable energy and agriculture, supported by diverse qualifications.

Yvette Hardie

Deputy Secretary General

Yvette Hardie is a theatre director, producer, educator, and arts advocate. She serves as the national director of ASSITEJ SA and held the presidency of ASSITEJ from 2011 to 2021, leading an organisation spanning over 100 countries. She was responsible for hosting the 19th ASSITEJ World Congress in Africa for the first time, which in turn launched the Cradle of Creativity Festival, now a biennial event. Her expertise in arts education is underscored by her authorship of national curricula and textbooks for Dramatic/Creative Arts, along with extensive teaching at secondary and tertiary levels. Formerly Head of Drama at the National School of the Arts, she is a prolific writer and speaker on arts for young audiences, arts education, and arts for reconciliation, honoured with the Mickey Miner Award from IPAY for her global impact on theatre for young audiences. Yvette is also the Chairperson of the STAND Foundation, dedicated to sustaining theatre and dance in South Africa.

Pheello Rasello

Treasurer General

Pheello Rasello: Pseudonym: Thinkincap. Born in Hoopstad, but currently based in Bloemfontein. Writer, a Poet, Published Author; recently published Poetry Anthology, entitled: ‘Futuristic Thinks’. Thinker, mentor, an entrepreneur, business arts administrator, arts educator, cultural entrepreneur! Founder and Director of Black Roots Productions Pty ltd, Co-Director of the Archives Poetry (Galactic Poets), Chief Administrator of CCIFSA Free-State Provincial Office, serving under Mr. Roda. The first chairperson of South African Association of Arts Administrators: Free-State; SAAAA-FS. SAAAA: Treasurer General. I am the current Treasurer General of the National Arts Education Authority Council.

Lydia Ntsohi

National Co-ordinator

Lydia Ntsohi is a South African theatre director, arts practitioner, and creative entrepreneur known for crafting bold, socially resonant productions. With a growing body of work that includes the acclaimed Selinah — The Musical, she has established herself as a rising voice in contemporary theatre, blending narrative depth with musical and visual innovation. Beyond directing, Lydia leads arts development initiatives through Lydimelo Projects, Pure Arts Media, and cross-sector collaborations that nurture emerging talent and expand creative opportunity. Her work champions education, community engagement, and cultural empowerment, positioning her as a dynamic contributor to South Africa’s evolving arts landscape.

Noluthando Nondalana

Communications

Noluthando Nondalana is a South African creative entrepreneur, filmmaker, and arts advocate committed to uplifting township and rural talent. With a qualification in Film and Television, she leads innovative projects through Share Media Holdings, driving storytelling that highlights community voices and social change. Noluthando has managed Share Online Radio, curated content, and pioneered initiatives such as the Share Online Music Awards and film-based educational programmes. Passionate about empowerment, she develops training pathways in film, radio, podcasting, and creative entrepreneurship, using her experience to build platforms, strengthen youth participation, and expand opportunities within South Africa’s creative industries.

Lerato Makhata

Member

Lerato Makhata is a seasoned consultant with expertise in Audit and Finance, ICT Audit, and Management Consulting. After years at a leading black consulting firm, she transitioned into freelance work, gaining exposure in strategy, transformation, efficiency, stakeholder management, client development, and project oversight. As co‑founder of Msaada Development NPC, she drives community initiatives addressing socio‑economic challenges, championing arts, culture, and heritage as vehicles for economic growth. A passionate advocate for skills development and arts education, Lerato has served on multiple boards, audit committees, and government advisory groups, reinforcing her reputation as a respected leader and community builder.

Bongi Mtsweni

Member

Bongi Mtsweni is a classically trained South African actress, theater practitioner, producer, and presenter. Since 2007, she has specialized in industrial theatre for the mining sector and corporate institutions through her company, Umhlanga Holdings. Bongi holds a National Drama Diploma from Tshwane University of Technology and a BA Honors in Drama Therapy and Applied Theatre from Wits University, where she received an award for Outstanding Applied Drama Research in Human Rights. Passionate about youth development, she frequently speaks at schools and conferences, inspiring young people