By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The embattled Chief Director at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe, is accused of corruption, abuse of power and unethical behaviour. This comes after a startling letter written to the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi to intervene.
According to the author of the letter, the former acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Mabe, stands accused of leveraging his position to demand sexual favours in exchange for work opportunities—an outrageous abuse of power that perpetuates Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and corruption within the industry. The letter alleged that multiple artists in the North West, including women who have fought tirelessly to establish their presence in the arts sector, have come forward with shocking testimonies of their encounters against Mabe.
“A recent case study details how Mabe has stalled projects, refused funding and manipulated official processes to benefit only those who comply with his unethical demands. A formal email exchange, now made public, reveals the distress of artists whose career and livelihood have been severely impacted due to Mabe’s deliberate obstruction.
“The emails expose a pattern of manipulation, with promises made and broken, crucial work agreements delayed indefinitely, and projects sabotaged out of sheer spite. The cultural and creative community in the North West is reeling after disturbing allegations surfaced against Mabe,” it said.
In the letter, the victims, who have worked on nationally broadcast productions and led community-driven artistic initiatives, have allegedly faced professional exile simply for refusing to succumb to Mabe’s coercive tactics. It says many in the creative sector have been silent victims of Mabe’s abuse, with their careers deliberately stifled, while he fosters a network of favouritism based on personal gratification rather than merit.
“Despite mounting evidence, the department has failed to make any progress in investigating Mabe. This negligence raises serious concerns about accountability within the department and the protection of artists, who depend on these institutions for their professional survival.
“Mabe’s unchecked power is not only corrupting the system, but is also killing creativity and the potential of countless artists who refuse to compromise their dignity. The creative community is now calling for urgent intervention,” the letter said.
It says it is unacceptable that individuals like Mabe, who hold critical decision-making authority, is allowed to weaponize his position for personal gain, while artists struggle to make an honest living. The letter says it is time to speak up.
“The industry demands an independent investigation into Mabe’s conduct. Immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, protective measures for victims and whistleblowers coming forward and a complete overhaul of Mmabana’s leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in all artistic engagements.
“This is a defining moment for the North West’s artistic and cultural sector. The community will no longer stand by while careers are destroyed and dreams are crushed by corruption and abuse of power,” says the letter.
According to the letter, justice must prevail, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has noted with concern a “Media Statement” dated 25 March 2025, which came to our attention on or around 30 March 2025.
“The statement contains allegations that appear to be quite serious and have a potential to cause reputational damage. To this effect, an internal process has been initiated to seek clarity and further information from the official concerned, as the rights of parties are protected in terms of the law.”
Sebolecwe said the department intends to give this matter proper attention and can only do so provided there is a complaint with the identity of the said “victim/s”, which can be forwarded to the department or any other relevant legislated structure for investigation. He said if the information/records are provided to substantiate these allegations.
“On the strength of the aforesaid, we wish to assure the public that the department has a zero tolerance approach towards GBV, abuse of power, corruption and any other malfeasance.
“The department will do anything reasonably and practically possible to protect those who report such misconduct. The department will investigate such matters speedily, within the confines and provisions of all laws,” said Sebolecwe.
He said they appeal for calm, allowing the department to deal with this matter such that the rights of all affected parties are protected. Sebolecwe said any complaint should be directed to : HOD’s Office : 018- 388 2310/11 Legal Advisor : 018 – 388 3938 END Issued by Communication and IT Directorate For more info contact Director For Communication & Marketing Mr Shuping Sebolecwe on 018 388 2764 or 083 302 6318 email: ssebolecwe@nwpg.gov.za
The Guardian 