In a historic milestone, Dr. Cynthia Ntombifuthi Khumalo, affectionately known as “Stella,” has been appointed as the first female Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
This landmark appointment marks a new era for the department and sets a powerful example for women in public service leadership.
Dr. Khumalo, a KwaZulu-Natal native, brings over three decades of distinguished experience to the role. Her career began in education as a teacher and deputy principal, later transitioning to senior leadership in education, tourism, cultural affairs, and governance.
Most recently, she served as DSAC’s Deputy Director-General and Acting Director-General since March 2023. Her past roles include CEO of the KZN Liquor Authority and Durban Marine Theme Park (uShaka Marine World), where she managed multi-billion-rand budgets and drove policy development, earning clean audits and prestigious awards like the SAIGA Annual Public Sector Reporting Award and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame recognition.
A highly educated leader, Dr. Khumalo holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on corporate governance, alongside a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science, and certifications in executive coaching and human resource management. Her accolades include the 2016 Regional Businesswomen Achievement Award and the 2018 SHERO Award for public service excellence.
“Dr. Khumalo’s appointment is a testament to her integrity, bold vision, and inclusive leadership,” said Minister McKenzie. “She embodies excellence and inspires trust, paving the way for transformation in sport, arts, and culture.”
