Deputy Director-general: Arts, Culture, Promotion And Development – Pretoria – Department Of Cultural Affairs And Sport

Deputy Director-General: Arts, Culture, Promotion and Development in Pretoria, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 4 November 2026
Closing Date 20 November 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is seeking a committed and visionary individual for the role of Deputy Director-General: Arts, Culture, Promotion and Development, based in Pretoria. This leadership position is integral to nurturing and promoting South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and creative industries. Your work will directly impact communities, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities while fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. By engaging with various stakeholders, you will help elevate the importance of arts and culture within the public service, making a lasting difference in the lives of South Africans.

In this role, you will oversee the implementation of the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) Masterplan, aligning departmental programs with national priorities. Your efforts will focus on transforming the arts and culture sector to reflect equity and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. This is more than a job; it’s a chance to be a champion for social cohesion and nation-building through the power of culture, engaging with communities across Pretoria and beyond.

About the Department

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and heritage as essential components of South African identity and social development. With a mission to empower communities through the creative sector, the department plays a vital role in shaping national policies and strategies that enhance cultural expression and community engagement. Working here means being part of a dynamic team that values diversity and inclusivity while advocating for the sustainable development of the arts and culture landscape in South Africa.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the development and implementation of arts and culture programs aligned with national priorities.
  • Oversee initiatives that promote the sustainability of the creative industries and ensure transformation within the sector.
  • Foster partnerships with stakeholders in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors to advance collaborative efforts.
  • Manage the governance, risk management, compliance, and accountability frameworks within the department.
  • Provide strategic advice and support to stakeholders, ensuring integrated planning and reporting.
  • Champion policies that promote social cohesion, nation-building, and cultural diversity.
  • Oversee funding initiatives for artists and cultural practitioners, enhancing creative opportunities in communities.
  • Conduct research to support the development of the arts and culture sector and monitor the impact of cultural programs.
  • Manage resources and performance within the branch, promoting a culture of high performance and ethical leadership.

What You’ll Need

  • A Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent qualification.
  • A postgraduate qualification (NQF level 8) in Social Sciences, Arts Studies, or a related field.
  • Successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for Senior Management Service (SMS) endorsed by the National School of Government.
  • A minimum of 8 years of relevant senior management experience in policy development and stakeholder management within the arts or culture sector.
  • A valid driver’s license and a strong understanding of Public Service Regulations and government policies.
  • Exceptional leadership, project management, and financial management skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, along with a commitment to ethical leadership and cultural sensitivity.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

Requirements

Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification; Post graduate qualification (NQF level 8) as recognised by SAQA in Social Sciences/ Art Studies/ Arts & Culture/ Heritage Management/ Humanities/ Social Sciences or any relevant arts and culture qualification; Successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS) as endorsed by the National School of Government; 8 years relevant experience at Senior Management level in policy development, strategic leadership, and stakeholder management in the arts, culture, creative industries or any relevant culture sector environment.

Valid driver’s licence; Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge and understanding of the arts and culture sector; Knowledge of government policies, legislations, prescripts and National Programme of action; Knowledge of relevant legislation (PFMA, Public Service Act, National Heritage Resources Act, White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage, etc.

); Knowledge and understanding of the transformation of the arts and culture sector; Knowledge and understanding of domestic and international arts and creative industry market trends; Knowledge of the South African cultural landscape; Strategic Capability and Leadership; Programme and Project Management; Financial Management; Change Management; Knowledge Management; Service Delivery Innovation (SDI); Problem solving and Analysis; People Management and Empowerment; Client Orientation and Customer Focus; Accountability and Ethical Conduct; Presentation skills; Good communication and Interpersonal relations; Computer literacy; Visionary Leadership; Cultural Sensitivity; Collaboration and Networking; Analytical and Critical Thinking; Ethical Leadership; Willingness to travel

Job Duties

Oversee, lead and promote the development of the arts, culture and creative industries-Oversee alignment of Arts, Culture and Heritage programmes with national government priorities; Oversee programmes that develop and promote sustainability of cultural and creative industries; Oversee and facilitate transformation of the arts and culture sector in line with equity and redress imperatives; Oversee and promote innovation, digitisation, and competitiveness within the creative sector; Lead and coordinate the implementation of the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) Masterplan, in line with national priorities and departmental objectives; Establish and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors; Oversee governance, risk management, compliance and accountability within the branch; Provide support and strategic advice to relevant stakeholders; Promote integrated planning, monitoring and reporting within the branch; Oversee and ensure the development, review and implementation of policies, strategies, and frameworks for the promotion and development of arts, and culture; Oversee the development and promotion of creative nation programmes in the cultural and creative industry-Oversee and monitor programmes that support and promote visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music, crafts, and other cultural expressions; Manage and facilitate initiatives aimed at developing artists and cultural practitioners; Promote equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities across communities; Support the development of transformation, inclusivity, and diversity within the arts sector; Conduct research in support of the development of arts, culture and creative industries; Oversee and promote reading within the books and publishing industry; Oversee the promotion and strategic support to community art centers, schools and other structures that create growth in industry; Oversee funding and capacity-building initiatives for artists, cultural practitioners, institutions, and organisations; Manage and oversee cultural excellence and nation building programmes-Provide strategic leadership for the development 125 and implementation of programmes that promote social cohesion, nation building, active citizenship, and a shared national identity; Champion policies and initiatives that advance cultural diversity, social inclusion, indigenous knowledge systems, and the preservation and promotion of the nation's cultural heritage; Oversee and provide strategic direction for national commemorative programmes, cultural celebrations, and flagship nation-building initiatives; Drive transformation, equity, and inclusivity within the arts, culture, and creative sectors to ensure broad-based participation and access; Foster strategic partnerships with government, civil society, traditional leadership structures, and international stakeholders to advance national development objectives through culture; Monitor and evaluate the impact of cultural programmes and interventions on social cohesion, nation building, and cultural development outcomes; Promote South Africa's cultural identity and values nationally, regionally, and internationally; Manage and facilitate the establishment of partnerships with stakeholders and Intergovernmental engagements-Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government departments, public entities, academic institutions, research bodies, industry stakeholders, and international organisations; Coordinate intergovernmental and sector engagements to support collaboration and alignment on arts, culture, and innovation initiatives; Represent the Department in stakeholder forums, working groups, and collaborative platforms as required; Facilitate research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support evidence-based decision-making and sector development; Promote the adoption of innovative technologies, digital transformation, and best practices within the cultural and creative sectors; Coordinate collaboration with innovation agencies and strategic partners to advance cultural innovation and development; Establish and maintain knowledge management systems, processes, and repositories to preserve and share institutional knowledge; Monitor and evaluate innovation and partnership initiatives to assess impact and identify opportunities for continuous improvement; Manage projects that promote Arts and Culture sector-Manage programmes and projects undertaken within the Branch; Ensure planning, implementation evaluation, monitoring and alignment of all Programs/ Projects within the Branch; Ensure officials in the Branch are equipped with project management skills; Lead programmes and projects that promote cultural diversity through arts and culture initiatives; Promote intercultural dialogue, unity in diversity, and cultural diplomacy projects; Oversee partnerships with communities, civil society, private sector, and international stakeholders to advance cultural exchange and cooperation; Manage the resources of the Branch-Ensure appropriate management of assets, resources and facilities allocated to the Branch; Create stakeholder management platforms to ensure integration and alignment; Ensure delivery of all targets against the APP; Manage performance of employees in the Branch; Manage Budget of the Branch and ensure compliance to relevant policies and prescripts; Manage risks and monitor adherence to the Branch’s risk register; Manage audit related matters and ensure there are no repeat findings; Oversee sound governance, compliance, monitoring, and reporting systems; Promote a high-performance culture, ethical leadership, and professional development within the Branch.

Salary

R1 885 710 per annum, an all-inclusive remuneration package, consisting of a basic salary (70% of the total remuneration package), State’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund (13% of basic salary) and a flexible portion that may be structured in terms of applicable rules and guidelines.

How to Apply

Department of Transport, Private Bag X193, Pretoria, 0001 or hand deliver at the 159 Forum Building, Cnr Struben and Bosman Street, Pretoria for attention Recruitment Unit. Room 4034 or email to: [email protected]. Note: email applications must be sent as one attachment to avoid non-delivery of the email and only quotes the name of the post you are applying for on the Subject Line as directed on the post note. For Enquiries: Ms Z Lamati Tel No: (012) 441 3831 126 ANNEXURE R DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT Department of Transport is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with clear employment equity targets. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment will assist the department in achieving its Employment Equity targets at these specific levels in terms of the Department’s Employment Equity Plan, therefore White male / female, Coloured male/ female, Indian male / female and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.