Lemmenyane takes reigns at 'troubled' Arts Council
Larona Makhaiza | Thursday January 8, 2026 15:50
Lemmenyane takes over from Otsetswe Koboyankwe, who held the office on an interim basis for close to two years after Ellis was fired by the then minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture (MYSC), Tumiso Rakgare. Ellis challenged the decision before the courts but eventually lost the case.
Lemmenyane's appointment was confirmed by NACB through a press statement this afternoon.
“The National Arts Council of Botswana is delighted to announce the appointment of (Gaokgakala) Lemmenyane as the Chief Executive Officer,” the statement read.
The creative arts body has tipped the appointment of Lemmenyane as the right arsenal for the ailing creative industry, which has remained stagnant for over years.
The statement says Lemmenyane has the right academic credentials and experience to transform the creative industry, which has been identified as an avenue for economic diversification by the government.
“With a career rooted in building arts ecosystems, Lemmenyane brings a rare combination of sector-wide artistic literacy, institutional management and high-level policy and partnership experience,” read the statement.
It further reads, “With Lemmenyane at the helm, NACB is well positioned for continued growth and success. The council is excited about the experience, energy, and leadership he brings to grow the creative and cultural sector,” read the statement.
The institution highlighted that Lemmenyane’s career in the creative’s is decorated as he has served as the director of Maitisong Theatre, Maru A Pula School.
His academic leadership includes five years at Wits University as the head of the arts department and lecturer, where he contributed to teaching, research and strategic institutional performance.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education and a Master of Arts.