Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition gets new executive

The incoming executive includes King Phatudi-Mphahlele (chairperson), Tholsi Pillay (vice chairperson), Sipho Sithole (treasurer) and Lee Walters (GM). Although eligible, chairperson Andre le Roux and directors Peter Tladi and Sbu Tshabalala did not make themselves available for reappointment.

After three years at the helm, outgoing chairperson and SAMRO Endowment GM, Le Roux, reflected on the positives and strategic opportunities in place that makes Moshito "an exciting prospect."

He said there was stability within the organisation, it was recognised as a brand nationally and internationally and there is a strong focus on live music. He cited opportunities for synergy with the French season in South Africa and French and South African Season in France during 2012 and 2013; the Goethe Institute and the sub Saharan music portal and the opportunity to lobby support at the EUNIC gathering taking place in Johannesburg.

A major boost to the organisation

Le Roux said promises by the Department of Arts and Culture to include Moshito in its Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy and increase its funding allocation would be a major boost to the organisation.

Another positive was the inclusion of Moshito in the provincial government's planning in addition to interest shown by the Caribbean and Colombia, to develop South/South partnerships and networks.

"Lastly, there are strong continental networks built through programmes and networks such as Equations' Musique on the continent and including the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean Music Network (IOMN) which gives a continental reach to the premier African music market," he concluded.

Directors

All member organisations are represented through the executive

• King Phatudi-Mphahlele (Moshito Chairperson) representing National Organisation for Reproduction Rights in Music (NORM)
  
• Tholsi Pillay (Moshito Vice Chairperson) representing the Music Managers Forum of South Africa (MMFSA)
  
• Sipho Sithole (Moshito Treasurer) representing the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO)
  
• Musa Manzini (Moshito Executive Member) representing the Composers Association of South Africa (CASA)
  
• Simon Sibanda (NORM)
  
• Mhlanganisi Masoga (SAMRO)
  
• Steve Mashiya (South African Music Promoters Association - SAMPA)
  
• Sam Mhangwani (SAMPA)
  
• Oupa Lebogo (Creative Workers Union of South Africa - CWUSA)
  
• Mangaliso Ngema (CWUSA)
  
• Ron Brettel (CASA)
  
• George Lusenga (Association of Independent Recording Companies - AIRCO)
  
• Vusi Leeuw (AIRCO)