The South African Business and Arts Council released two statements last week announcing the departure of former CEO Ashraf Johardien.
The board of the Business and Arts Association of South Africa (BASA) has defended its decision to retract a statement announcing the resignation of former CEO Ashraf Johardien.
This comes after two statements were made after he left the organization, which led many to wonder if the CEO had been ousted or had voluntarily stepped down.
“Both statements are intended to address different aspects of the situation and are complementary,” BASA board chairperson Zingisa Mutsukhazo said. The Citizen.
“The second statement was issued by the Chairman of the Board to provide further clarification and updates in response to ongoing developments and stakeholder inquiries.”
Founded in 1997, BASA is a joint government and private sector organisation as part of a strategy to increase engagement among businesses operating in the arts sector in South Africa.
BASA is incorporated as a section 21 company, constituted under the Companies Act and registered as a public interest organisation.
BASA Statement
On Thursday (5 September), BASA released a statement saying that its board had convened and unanimously passed a motion of no confidence against Johardien.
The following day, a new statement was released saying that Johardien had offered to resign.
“The aim was to ensure transparency and effective communication throughout the process,” Mshazo asserted.
Updated statement pic.twitter.com/NWmaIu7B2k
— Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) (@basa_news) September 6, 2024
Mtsazo said there was no contradiction between the two statements which were worded differently.
“This change in language was made to more accurately reflect the broader, more comprehensive scope of the evaluation, which included a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's governance, operations and procedures.”
“The removal of the words 'unanimous resolution' from the updated statement does not indicate any division within the board,” the chairman said.
“The board was fully committed to the decision regarding Ashraf Johadeen and the decision was truly unanimous.”
Mshazo said the board's decision regarding Johardien's future was based on a lack of confidence in his ability to fulfil his responsibilities.
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Repulsion
Mtsazo maintains that Johardien was not forced to resign.
“Mr Ashraf Johardien was not forced to resign but resigned voluntarily, citing various reasons. The board's decision was based on its lack of confidence that he could perform his duties effectively.”
Many in the arts community have slammed the way the issue has been handled.
“I have said before that for the board to recklessly make such statements without finalising their internal processes could be destructive and potentially reputational,” renowned dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma wrote on his Instagram.
Mshazo said the committee was working to address the aforementioned issues.
“The board is committed to transparency, accountability and restoring trust. Measures have been implemented to ensure effective governance and communicate clearly with stakeholders, with the aim of rebuilding and strengthening the organisation's reputation.”
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Acting Representative Director
BASA's finance and operations manager, Abiwe Matandera, has been appointed interim CEO while BASA and its board of directors conduct a “thorough and rigorous selection” of a suitable successor to Johardien.
“BASA remains dedicated to its mission of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts and promoting a sustainable and vibrant cultural landscape across South Africa. This transition brings opportunities for growth, renewal and continued impact within the arts community,” Mtshazo concluded.
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