Business and Arts South Africa appoints new CEO

Arendse brings with her more than 25 years of leadership experience across South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors, with a reputation for visionary thinking, strategic execution, and a deep commitment to inclusive growth.

Throughout her distinguished career, Arendse has pioneered initiatives at the intersection of arts, entrepreneurship, and education, empowering emerging creatives and championing the sustainable development of the creative economy. Her impressive legacy includes founding platforms such as the Tshwane School of Music, the SA Creative Industries Incubator (SACII), and the Music Business Lab, programmes that have equipped hundreds of young creatives with the tools, skills, and market access needed to thrive in a fast-evolving industry.

In addition to programme development, Arendse has contributed her expertise at the highest levels of policymaking. She has served on national advisory bodies including the Presidential Commission for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the National Advisory Council on Innovation, helping to shape policies that respond to both technological advances and shifting economic dynamics.

“In the rigorous process of identifying a CEO, we were spoilt for choice by the calibre of candidates we had the opportunity to engage with—testament to the strength of the BASA brand,” BASA chairperson Zingisa Motloba, said. “However, Beth’s undeniable passion for the creative industries, her entrepreneurial mindset, and her innovative approach to both challenges and opportunities set her apart. We are excited to take this next step with her.”

Arendse’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for BASA as the organisation reaffirms its mission to elevate the creative economy as a key driver of South Africa’s national development. Under her leadership, BASA will prioritise unlocking the full economic, cultural, and innovation potential of the sector. A key initiative in this direction will be the revamp of its Membership Tiers, aimed at more effectively delivering value to businesses, creatives, and policy stakeholders.

Her vision is centred on forging bold partnerships between business, government, and civil society to ensure the arts are not only supported but strategically leveraged as essential assets in nation-building.

“I step into this role with a deep belief in the power of the creative economy to shape South Africa’s future, not only to inspire, but to generate opportunity, create livelihoods, and unlock the country’s full creative and economic potential,” Arendse said. “I’m honoured to lead BASA into its next chapter and look forward to building transformative partnerships that position creatives as key architects of our economic and social progress.”