DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: ARTS, CULTURE, PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT

This senior executive role within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight across the entire arts, culture, and creative industries portfolio. Based in Pretoria, the Deputy Director-General will drive the transformation, promotion, and sustainable development of South Africa’s cultural and creative sectors, ensuring alignment with national government priorities and the department’s broader objectives. The position sits at the heart of policy implementation, stakeholder coordination, and programme delivery, requiring a visionary leader who can champion social cohesion, nation building, and cultural diversity while also fostering economic growth and innovation within the creative economy.

Candidates must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, alongside a postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Art Studies, Arts and Culture, Heritage Management, or Humanities. In addition, successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS) as endorsed by the National School of Government is mandatory. A minimum of eight years of experience at senior management level is required, specifically in policy development, strategic leadership, and stakeholder management within the arts, culture, creative industries, or a related cultural sector. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is a thorough understanding of Public Service Regulations, relevant legislation including the PFMA, Public Service Act, National Heritage Resources Act, and the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage, as well as knowledge of government policies and the national programme of action. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate deep insight into the transformation of the arts sector, domestic and international market trends, and the South African cultural landscape, coupled with strong competencies in strategic capability, programme and project management, financial management, change management, knowledge management, and service delivery innovation.

The role encompasses a broad range of duties. The incumbent will oversee and lead the development of the arts, culture, and creative industries, ensuring that programmes align with national priorities and promote sustainability and competitiveness. This includes facilitating the transformation of the sector in line with equity and redress imperatives, driving innovation and digitisation, and coordinating the implementation of the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) Masterplan. The Deputy Director-General will also establish and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders across government, civil society, traditional leadership, and international bodies, while overseeing governance, risk management, and compliance within the branch. A significant portion of the role involves managing creative nation programmes, supporting visual and performing arts, literary arts, music, crafts, and other cultural expressions, and developing artists and cultural practitioners. The position also entails promoting equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities, conducting research, supporting community art centres and schools, and overseeing funding and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the role provides strategic leadership for programmes that advance social cohesion, nation building, active citizenship, and a shared national identity, including national commemorative events and flagship initiatives. The Deputy Director-General will champion policies that advance cultural diversity, indigenous knowledge systems, and heritage preservation, while also monitoring and evaluating the impact of cultural interventions. Finally, the role involves representing the department in various forums, coordinating intergovernmental engagements, and fostering research and innovation within the sector.

This is a demanding, high-impact position within the Senior Management Service, offering an all-inclusive remuneration package structured according to applicable rules. The successful candidate must be willing to travel extensively and demonstrate cultural sensitivity, ethical leadership, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The department is committed to employment equity and will give preference to candidates from designated groups in line with its transformation targets. This is an opportunity for a seasoned leader to shape the future of South Africa’s cultural and creative landscape, driving both economic development and social cohesion through strategic, inclusive, and innovative leadership.