Collaborations and Partnerships

“Congratulations to Relebohile Mabunda for receiving and successfully completing the German Chancellor Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Each year, the programme targets emerging researchers in diverse fields from Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa and the USA to come to Germany and conduct a one-year research project of their interest. Before applying, researchers need to secure a host organisation/institution or an expert in Germany with similar interests in their research project and complete the application together. In Relebohile's case, Avril Joffe connected her with an institution called Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) that deals with international cultural dialogue and exchange and foreign cultural policies.

 When reflecting on her time Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), she expressed:

 "They were suitable to help me understand the current political discourses in Germany regarding culture and helped me connect with relevant networks. The institution also has a library with various books and texts to deepen my knowledge and understanding of culture and politics in Germany and Europe, and the interesting part about it is that most of these books were also available in the English language. The host institution was also interested in my topic of social arts and policies because, apparently, prior to applying, it was something talked about, therefore it became a topic of interest for ifa as well to see what could potentially arise from the research and how institutions such as ifa can contribute to the already existing discourse of social arts."

She also shared her highlights with us:

"I learnt the German language, visited the chancellery and met the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz. I also attended the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation’s Annual Meetings and Gatherings and engaged experts and change-makers from various fields. Lastly, I visited German cultural sites to understand the German history and culture."

"I also had an opportunity to make long-lasting connections with cultural organisations, creatives, and other researchers for possible future collaborations."

For more on Relebohile's journey please follow the link below:

https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/.../from-for-about-the.../”

“Congratulations to Mandisa Buthelezi on being appointed grant officer for the ACP-EU Cultural Programme.
 
Born in Empangeni and raised in the township of Umlazi, in Durban, Mandisa began her journey in the cultural and creative sector in 2014 as a self-taught photographer documenting the social and cultural landscape within the province's rural and peri-urban areas. With nearly a decade of visual arts experience, she currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Department of Photography at the Durban University of Technology.
 
Mandisa also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Witwatersrand and an Advanced Project Management Certificate from the University of Cape Town. She also has a National Diploma in Construction Management & Quantity Surveying from the Durban University of Technology. Mandisa is enrolled for her Master of Arts in Cultural Policy and Management from the University of Witwatersrand.
 
We wish you the best in your new role!”

He was born and raised in Kwa-Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, and later moved to Richards Bay, where he formally began his musical journey in a school choir as a tenor soloist. Simangaliso obtained his Master of Arts in Cultural Policy and Management and a B.A. (Honours) in Arts, Culture and Heritage Management from the University of the Witwatersrand.

He also holds a BTech Degree in Vocal Art from the Tshwane University of Technology, where he graduated with Cum Laude. Simangaliso is currently enrolled for his Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Policy with the University of the Witwatersrand.

Nadia Virasamy is an academic, artistes manager, events manager, and Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) CEO and Director of Education. She has been nominated for prestigious awards, among them the Standard Bank Rising Star Awards, and sits on the boards of Newtown Improvement District and Poetso Music Project. Nadia has co-authored three Arts and Culture Textbooks that were commissioned by Cambridge University Press.

Karabo Legoabe is an arts manager, production designer and filmmaker serving as a programmes coordinator at The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), a board member of the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, Mpumalanga and an interim steering committee members of U40 Mzansi.

The Cultural Policy and Management  department congratulates Ntombifuthi Nkuna on her appointment at the Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation (STAND) as the organisation's national coordinator. 

Ntombifuthi is currently pursuing her Masters of Arts in Cultural Policy and Management - CPM and has proven herself as one who is dynamic, passionate and has diverse experience in the cultural and creative sector. She is the founder and managing director at Kwethu Arts, a non-profit organization that produces artistic works, festivals, and other initiatives that support the vision of empowering marginalized communities and the youth. She also holds over 10 years of experience in higher education, building and carving the future of theatre practitioners.

As shared by Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation, "she recognizes the importance of their collective efforts in making a difference in the theatre and dance sectors and is eager to contribute her skills and passion towards this cause and to learn from the impeccable leadership of the STAND Foundation board of directors". 

Congratulations, Ntombifuthi, and we wish you growth, light and success on your new appointment.”

The Cultural Policy and Management - CPM congratulates Lakin Morgan-Baatjies on being elected the new Deputy Chairperson of Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation (STAND).

Lakin is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Cultural Policy and Management - CPM. She is a seasoned professional with a strong background in arts marketing, brand positioning, and business strategy. Recently, she was elected as Deputy Chairperson of STAND Foundation during a board meeting, showcasing her advocacy skills and dedication to supporting artists' success. Lakin's expertise extends to creative and cultural consultancy, where she excels at connecting dots through innovative systems and creative problem-solving. She is an active member of South Africa's arts and culture landscape, serving as a board member for organisations like the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and Business and Arts South Africa.

With over twelve years of experience, she has fostered valuable connections between business and the arts. Lakin has held various leadership positions, including marketing roles at UJ Arts & Culture and the Javett Arts Centre at the University of Pretoria. In early 2023, she established her own consultancy, while also taking on the role of Senior Marketing Manager at UJ Arts & Culture once again.

Congratulations, we wish you the best in your new role. We are proud of you and the contributions you are making to the cultural sector.”