After 15 years at the helm of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, founder Rashid Lombard has stepped down from his position as director of the event.
“It is time for me to pass the leadership baton to others,” he announced in an official statement. In addition, he is also leaving behind his job as chief executive of espAfrika, the management company behind the festival.
“For some years a number of interesting opportunities have been knocking on my door that speak deeply to my knowledge and love of culture, and I will pursue them. It has been an incredible chapter in my life, but I am ready for the next phase of my working life.”
Group chief executive of Sekunjalo Investments Limited Khalid Abdulla will step in as acting chief executive of espAfrika. He said Lombard’s departure was a “bittersweet moment”.
Lombard, who founded the festival 15 years ago, was first known as a photographer capturing the struggle against the apartheid government.
In April he was recognised for The Order of Ikhamanga Award for his contribution to arts and culture over the past 40 years.
Handing the award to Lombard, President Jacob Zuma said: “We honour men and women who have left the definitive footprints in both the struggle for liberation and also in building a better South Africa.” – Staff Reporter