Cape Town Museum Appoints New Artistic Director

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) has announced the appointment of Elvira Dyangani Ose as its Artistic Director. This move marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Africa's most significant contemporary art institutions as the museum approaches its tenth anniversary.

Dyangani Ose will officially join the Cape Town museum on October 1, 2026, taking responsibility for the curatorial vision and artistic direction of the institution as it enters its second decade.

Her extensive international career returns to the city and continent that have long been featured in her creative practice. A specialist in contemporary and African art, Dyangani Ose has held leadership positions at institutions such as the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), The Showroom in London, and Tate Modern, and has also collaborated with Creative Time in New York.

She recently led MACBA from 2021 to April 2026 and is currently the Artistic Director of the second Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennale, which runs from 2026 to 2027.

Her connection to South Africa runs much deeper. In 2006, while working as a curator at Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Dyangani Ose co-curated the exhibition Olvida Quien Soy / Erase from who I Am with Gabi Ngcobo, Tracy Murinic, and Khwezi Guli. This exhibition gathered 14 young South African artists, exploring how artists used self-representation to challenge identity and develop new forms of aesthetic understanding.

A long-term engagement with artists and ideas from Africa and its diaspora has been a defining part of Dyangani Ose's career. Her curatorial work has included major exhibitions such as Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica, Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations, Betye Saar: Uneasy Dancer, and Ibrahim El-Salahi: A Visionary Modernist.

At Zeitz MOCAA, she will build upon the foundations laid during the museum's first decade while helping to shape its next phase in terms of exhibitions, research, collections, and public engagement.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the institution, as Zeitz MOCAA approaches its 10th anniversary and continues to develop the legacy of the late Executive Director and Chief Curator Koijo Kuo, whose leadership helped establish the museum as an important platform for modern art from Africa and its diaspora.

Co-founder and Co-Chair of Zeitz MOCAA David Green OBE stated that 'the appointment of Dyangani Ose reflects what we are as an institution—rooted in Africa, yet connected to the world.' He added that she will oversee the Museum's vision and direction, guiding the institution through its next chapter ahead of its second decade.

For Dyangani Ose herself, this role represents an opportunity to continue developing an institution that possesses both local roots and international reach. She expressed delight at the prospect of joining Zeitz MOCAA at this juncture to continue its journey as a leading African institution with a global presence.

She also noted that she looks forward to working with the museum's team, artists, supporters, and communities to create new collaborations and artistic exchanges between cultures and regions.

With experience spanning major museums, biennials, and independent art spaces across Europe, Africa, and the United States, Dyangani Ose brings a distinctly international perspective and a deep commitment to African artistic production to Zeitz MOCAA. Her tenure begins on October 1st, setting the tone for a new era at Zeitz MOCAA as the museum looks toward its second decade.

National Media Group (NMG) announced on Friday key leadership appointments and the acquisition of licensing rights for a number of authoritative South African publications. These steps mark the beginning of a transformative period for newspapers in South Africa, as the Group has acquired significant licensing rights to expand its portfolio.

The Group presented the appointment of Mr. Mzi Malungi as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Melanie Peters as Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Wesley Chetty as Head of Strategy. In its statement, the Group noted that these appointments are an important milestone in the establishment of National Media Group as a dynamic force in the South African media landscape. Further appointments will be announced in the future as the Group continues to build a world-class team to implement its long-term growth strategy.

Furthermore, National Media Group confirmed that it has applied for and received licensing rights from Sagarmatha Technologies for a portfolio of iconic South African newspapers. These publications include Daily News, The Mercury, Sunday Tribune, Independent on Saturday, Isolezwe Post, Cape Times, Cape Argus, Daily Voice, Weekend Argus, The Star, Saturday Star, Post Plus, Pretoria News, Business Report, and Personal Finance.

These publications, along with the upcoming launch of NMG's new premium national news brand—The National—will form a comprehensive portfolio covering daily, weekly, regional, and national publications. NMG expressed gratitude for the large number of applications from journalists, editors, production specialists, digital professionals, and commercial staff wishing to join this new chapter of South African media.

The Group forecasts that this project will provide employment for approximately 1500 people in editorial, printing, production, distribution, technology, and commercial fields, and will create over 200 new jobs through its expansion and investment program. NMG emphasized that the publication of any newspaper title will not suffer any disruption; all newspapers will continue to be published as usual, allowing readers to enjoy the trusted journalism they have relied on for generations.

Mzi Malungi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Media Group, stated that National Media Group is committed to ensuring journalistic quality for communities across the country. He noted that the company is building a sustainable media business that combines the proven traditions of the print platform with the opportunities provided by the digital age.

Melanie Peters, Chief Executive Officer of National Media Group, added that this is a defining moment for South African media. She pointed out that the priority is strengthening regional publications, expanding digital audiences, investing in talented journalists, and launching innovative products that meet the needs of modern South African readers. She also expressed appreciation for the immense interest shown by media professionals wishing to work at National Media Group.

National Media Group believes that a strong, independent, and innovative news media sector is crucial for the democracy and economic development of South Africa. The Group commits to investing in journalism, technology, print infrastructure, and personnel so that its publications remain relevant, accessible, and sustainable for future generations. Further information regarding NMG's senior management structure, operational plans, and the launch timeline for The National will be announced later.