Staff Reporter
Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) chief executive officer Peter Pedlar has been suspended to allow for an on-going investigation.
PACOFS, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture and the flagship of theatre activities in the province, announced the suspension in a statement but did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation or what prompted the move.
“PACOFS hereby confirms the precautionary suspension of the chief executive officer, Mr Peter Pedlar, with immediate effect due to an on-going investigation,” it said in the statement.
“An independent service provider has been appointed to enable an unhindered, fair and transparent process.
“In the interim, the entity’s artistic director, Mr Meshack Xaba, has been appointed as the acting CEO.”
PACOFS Council chairperson Nkosana Sifumba said no further statements will be made until the investigation is concluded.
“It is of utmost importance to the PACOFS Council that the integrity of the investigation and those it concerns be respected,” Sifumba said in the statement.
“We would like to assure our stakeholders, clients and the Free State creative community of our unreserved commitment to ensuring good governance at PACOFS.”
Pedlar joined PACOFS mid last year amid expectations that he would turn around the world-class institution that has over the years been dogged by allegations of mismanagement, maladministration and corruption among others.