UFH Fine Arts HOD, Dr Potelwa appointed as council member of Nelson Mandela Museum
Dr Siphe Potelwa, our HOD of Fine Arts has added yet another feather to his hat, following his appointment by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthetwa to serve as a council member of the Nelson Mandela Museum.
The three-year appointment is effective from the 1st of November 2022.
This new role is an addition to his membership on the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC); the National Arts Council (NAC) Visual Arts Advisory Panel; the South African Skills Development Foundation (SASDF) Advisory Panel and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) sub-panel for evaluation of Scholarly Creative Outputs.
The Nelson Mandela Museum is a not-for-profit institution established by the government of South Africa as part of a portfolio of legacy projects that seek to transform the heritage landscape from the country's apartheid past. https://www.nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za/
According to the appointment letter issued by the Minister, the council will be expected to provide oversight and strategic direction to the Nelson Mandela Museum.
“As a member of council, our responsibility is to inspire positive change in society through the legacy and values of Nelson Mandela. Moreover, with the mission to preserve, research, disseminate knowledge and interpret the legacy and values of Nelson Mandela,” explained Dr Potelwa.
It is a great honour for the University to have a current academic appointed to serve on a structure that seeks to preserve the legacy of one of our esteemed alumni, Tata Nelson Mandela.
“This appointment contributes to the development of the University and the Fine Arts Department and its recognition at provincial and national level. My goal is to ensure that our students and young people are afforded more opportunities in museum curatorial positions so they may learn, share what they have learned, and ultimately sustain themselves in the Arts sector.”