Johannesburg - Joburg Ballet has suspended its chief executive officer Dirk Badenhorst with immediate effect, pending an investigation.
His suspension follows the outcome of a preliminary internal investigation that revealed concerns around the company’s finances, and issues of governance and oversight, according to acting chairman James Campbell.
However, Campbell refused to reveal details about the suspension, only saying that internal processes were under way.
He said a board meeting had been held where a unanimous decision was reached to suspend Badenhorst, while they waited for the formal investigation to be completed.
Badenhorst was excused from the board meeting, which was held on Monday, as members voted on whether he should be suspended, Campbell said.
Badenhorst has not provided a formal response to his suspension.
The Star’s efforts to get comment from him were unsuccessful, as he did not answer his phone.
Campbell said: “It is unfortunate that we have had to take this action but it is in the best interests of the company, its sponsors, patrons, dancers, staff and friends.”
Artistic director Iain MacDonald will take charge, alongside Campbell, in Badenhorst’s absence.
Joburg Ballet, which was established in 2012, markets itself as the country’s largest and most prestigious ballet company.
The company’s website lists its board of directors, apart from Campbell, Badenhorst and MacDonald, as acclaimed actor Mabutho Kid Sithole, Grant Rogerson, David Blyth, Lorna Lukhele, Ishmael Mkhabela and Cathy Powers.
The website also mentions that former Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni is a patron, alongside Carolyn Steyn and Mary Slack.
The Star