SA: National Arts Festival CEO resigns

Lankester, who has been at the helm of the festival since 2007, is set to take up an appointment in the UK in October.

“Tony has certainly been a revelation and has set a high standard that will be extremely difficult to rival, but which we have an obligation to maintain,” NAF chairperson Ayanda Mjekula said.

“His leadership has been inspirational and produced the best from all those who worked with him. He occupied the CEO position for just over a quarter of the existence of this festival. This period heralded a time of invigorating growth for the Festival.”

Mjekula added: “South Africa thanks you for making it Africa’s biggest show and being deeply African. The message from the board is that you should be proud of your contribution to the growth and enrichment of South African cultural heritage. We wish you well in all your future endeavours.”

Lankester thanked the NAF staff and the creative community for their unwavering support.

“This has been the most incredible 12 years of my adult life and I am extraordinarily grateful to the festival team, artists and audiences who have made it all so worthwhile,” he said.

“Steering this ship has been a privilege and has resulted in a ton of memories, moments, friendships and learning experiences I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. But I feel it’s the right time to move on with my career and to give the festival space to bring in some new energy and ideas.”

Meanwhile, Annabell Lebethe and Michelle Constant have been appointed on the NAF board.

“Both Annabell and Michelle have deep and extensive experience in the arts sector, and have varied and flourishing careers in it .They bring to the board a wealth of experience that we are very fortunate to be able to tap into and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them both," Mjekula said.

The developments come amid reports that the festival is finding it increasingly difficult to stage the festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), which has experienced gross maladministration resulting in water and electricity shortages. Next year's festival is due to be held from 25 June to 5 July.