SA: BASA appoints new board members

The members are investigative journalist and Carte Blanche anchor Devi Sankaree Govender, Space Consulting CEO Kathy Berman and Kojo Baffoe, who has been part of the annual BASA Awards judging panel for the past seven years.

"I'm in a unique space where I have developed both a strong arts and business background,” Govender said. “I would love to use my time on the board to grow practical plans where artists grow not only their art but their business skills too."

Berman said: "It is truly an honour to have been appointed to the board of BASA. At a time when South Africa, and the world, transitions to meet the needs of a new digital century, when sciences, technology and the cultural sectors have begun to work interdependently, BASA plays a pivotal role in connecting the wealth of our artistic, cultural and creative communities to business."

Baffoe said he was honoured to be appointed to the BASA board. "The private sector has as important a role to play as the public sector in the development of the arts. I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to the partnership between the business world and the arts, beyond the work I have done on the BASA Awards judging committee," he said.

Govender is an MBA graduate and an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is well known across the African continent and has spent the past 26 years actively working on various media platforms including TV, radio, print and online.

Berman has an extensive background in the creative and cultural industries. Her experience over the past two decades, as a practitioner, critic, marketer, board member, trainer, mentor and coach has been supplemented by many years in consulting in all sectors.

Baffoe is an entrepreneur, writer, facilitator, content architect, former magazine editor, former radio talk show host and speaker. He runs businesses in retail, management consulting, publishing, events, IT and media.