Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
MEDIA STATEMENT BY DR B S NGUBANE, MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
APPOINTMENT OF A CHAIRPERSON AND TWO DEPUTY CHAIRS TO PACT
30 October 1995
Last week Minister Ngubane appointed the new Board of Directors of PACT.
Minister Ngubane today appointed the Chairperson and the two deputy chairs of PACT. The chairperson is Dr John Kani. Dr Kani is an acclaimed actor, director and playwright and has received numerous awards in all three disciplines. Dr. Kani has also been recognised for his contribution to the advancement of culture in South Africa and for his outstanding contribution to theatrical life. Dr. Kani is the Executive Director of the Market Theatre as well as a Trustee of the Market Theatre and Director of the Laboratory. He has been the Associate Artistic Director of the Market Theatre since 1987 and has recently received an Honorary Doctorate, Philosophy from the University of Westville, Durban. This appointment will not interfere with Dr. Kani's work at the Market Theatre.
The deputy chairs are Mr. Maishe Maponya and Mr. Sam Moss. Mr. Maponya is a founding member of several community based and national organisations. He has worked as a director, administrator and arts festival consultant nationally and internationally. As a result of his wide knowledge of issues related to the politics of arts and culture, he has been a participant on several conferences. He has also played a role in the continuing debates on the formulation of cultural policies, locally and internationally. He is currently lecturing at the school of Dramatic Art, Witwatersrand University.
Mr Sam Moss has had a long association with the performing arts and has been a member of the PACT board since its inception in 1963. He has occupied various positions in the arts world and has been the chairperson of both the Alexander Theatre and the Johannesburg Civic Theatre Association. Mr. Moss has also played an influential role in the civic life of Gauteng; he was the Vice Chairperson of the Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council, and Mayor of Johannesburg from 1970 - 1971.
The leadership that these individuals will provide to PACT will contribute substantially to the ushering in of a new era in the performing arts sector, an era in which the resources and skills of the PACs will be made available for the enjoyment and participation of all South Africa.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Mr Frans Basson Tel: (021) 45 4850/70