Pretoria - Thembinkosi Philemon Wakashe's term as Director General of the Department of Arts and Culture is to come to an end this month.
Wakashe, who has been serving in government for 14 years, will leave the post at the end of September.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana, has thanked him for his immense contribution in the Department of Arts and Culture and for his stewardship as the Director General.
"He helped to lay the foundation for the development of a truly South African arts, culture and heritage sector and also played a leading role in redressing the heritage landscape in the country and on the continent as a whole," said the minister.
According to the department, Wakashe will still be working in the arts and culture sector and will continue to contribute towards the advancement of the sector.
Wakashe was appointed Director General in October 2007, succeeding Professor Itumeleng Mosala to be the second Director General of an independent Department of Arts and Culture.
"One of the highlights of his career was in 2005 when he chaired the meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Durban. The World Heritage Committee manages and is responsible for the implementation of the Convention concerning the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
"One of the outcomes of this World Heritage Committee meeting was the establishment of an African World Heritage Fund to preserve, conserve and promote Africa's heritage. Given his wealth of expertise and experience in the sector, he was elected chairperson of the fund in 2006," said the department.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Department, Veliswa Baduza, will act as Director-General until a new appointment is made.
