South Africa, July 6 -- The announcement was made on the closing weekend of a successful 2026 edition, which drew robust audiences to a packed programme of local and international work from emerging and established artists across eleven days in Makhanda.

For Kadi, the appointment carries personal significance. Her career has taken her across the cultural and creative economy, through heritage, media, broadcasting regulation, and strategic communications, but she now returns to her home province, relocating to Makhanda to lead an institution she has known for much of her professional life.

"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...