Eyebrows raised as pair quit department
Arts and culture rocked by celebs ’ exit
THE Department of Arts and Culture has been rocked by two high-profile celebrity resignations.
SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards founder and television star Zanele Mbokazi has jumped ship just a few months after she joined. Former
Generations star Sthandiwe Kgoroge has also quit.
The appointment of the two women raised eyebrows in arts and culture circles, with reports claiming they had close personal links with Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his wife Philisiwe.
They have since denied the allegations.
Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Mbokazi was at pains to deny she left the department after the end of the Africa Month celebrations on May 31. She was the Africa Month project manager.
“Do not sensationalise. I did not quit. I ’ ve said this in interviews from day one. I was at the department for special projects, and Africa Month in particular.
“This was wrapped up on May 31 and my assignment was finished,” she said.
Department spokesman Sandile Memela confirmed in a statement that Mbokazi and Kgoroge had left their posts.
“Mbokazi was contracted to work as a special projects manager in the office of the minister.
“Her special focus was on the celebration of the Africa Month programme that was successfully completed on May 31. She has since left to pursue her business interests. ”
On Kgoroge, Memela said she was employed as a stakeholder relations manager.
“But she too has chosen to leave her position to fulfil her ambitions in the performance arts sector.
“She has helped improve relations with the performance arts sector and society at large,” Memela said.
Kgoroge could not be reached for comment.