Johannesburg: Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) has announced the appointment of Beth Arendse as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, Beth Arendse brings over 25 years of leadership experience in South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors. Throughout her career, she has pioneered initiatives that integrate the arts, entrepreneurship, and education, empowering emerging creatives and advocating for the sustainable development of the creative economy.
Arendse’s notable contributions include founding platforms such as the Tshwane School of Music, the SA Creative Industries Incubator (SACII), and the Music Business Lab. These programmes have equipped hundreds of young creatives with essential skills, market access, and business knowledge, enabling them to thrive in a competitive and evolving sector.
Beyond programme leadership, Arendse has served on national advisory bodies, including the Presidential Commission for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the National Advisory Council on Innovation. Her input has helped shape policies aimed at strengthening the creative sector’s adaptability to technological change and shifting economic landscapes.
In the selection process for a new CEO, the BASA Board, led by Chairperson Zingisa Motloba, was impressed by the calibre of candidates. However, Beth’s passion for the creative industries, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative approach ultimately made her the preferred choice. The board is excited to embark on this journey with her leadership.
BASA stated that Arendse’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the organisation seeks to position the creative economy at the heart of South Africa’s national development agenda. Under her leadership, BASA aims to unlock the full economic, cultural, and innovation potential of the creative sector as a driver of inclusive growth.
Arendse expressed her commitment to the role, emphasizing her belief in the creative economy’s power to shape South Africa’s future. She is honoured to lead BASA into its next chapter and looks forward to forging partnerships that position creatives as key contributors to economic and social progress.
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between the government and the private sector to encourage greater involvement in the arts by businesses operating in South Africa.