Brenda Mtambo Takes on Leadership Role at CAPASSO
Singer Brenda Mtambo is stepping into a major leadership position while continuing to make waves in the music industry. At 41, the gospel and soul artist from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, has been appointed deputy chairwoman of the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), Africa’s leading digital rights collection management society. Known for hits such as Hamba Nathi and Longs for You, Brenda has earned recognition for her powerful voice and impactful music. Her new role expands her influence from performing and composing to shaping policies that protect the rights of creators across Africa. This appointment places her at the forefront of discussions on intellectual property and digital rights in the music industry.
Brenda’s journey with CAPASSO began in 2024 when she joined the board as a composer member. Since then, she has served on multiple committees and currently chairs the remuneration committee, giving her a deep understanding of the organisation’s operations. Her experience as an active singer-songwriter allows her to bring firsthand insight into the challenges faced by creators. In her statement, Brenda described her role as both an honour and a responsibility, emphasizing her commitment to ethical leadership and inclusive representation. She highlighted the importance of building systems that genuinely serve composers and publishers, aiming to create long-term value for the creative community.
The appointment of Brenda Mtambo comes alongside Meladi Mampane, a seasoned business leader named independent chairwoman of the CAPASSO board. Mampane brings over 25 years of expertise in human resources, corporate governance, and transformation management consulting. Her appointment marks a historic moment for CAPASSO as she becomes the first woman to serve as independent chairwoman. Together with Brenda, this is the first time the organisation’s top leadership positions are held by two women, signaling a shift toward more inclusive leadership. Both leaders follow respected predecessors, with Brenda succeeding Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Mampane taking over from Leslie Sedibe after their six-year terms concluded.
CAPASSO CEO Jotam Matariro praised the new appointments, noting that Brenda’s perspective as an active artist bridges the gap between the boardroom and the creator community. He highlighted her experience and insight as key factors in advancing CAPASSO’s mission. The organisation aims to strengthen the protection of music rights and ensure that creators fully benefit from the growing digital music landscape. Brenda’s dual experience as a performer and board member positions her to advocate effectively for composers, authors, and publishers in Africa. The combination of artistic experience and professional leadership is expected to guide CAPASSO through new challenges in copyright management and digital rights enforcement.
With Brenda Mtambo and Meladi Mampane at the helm, CAPASSO is poised for a new era of leadership and innovation. Brenda’s dedication to ethical governance, artist advocacy, and inclusive decision-making signals a commitment to the long-term interests of music creators. Her appointment highlights the growing influence of women in leadership positions within the African music industry. As digital music continues to expand, Brenda’s role will be pivotal in ensuring that creators receive fair compensation and recognition. Her leadership promises to strengthen CAPASSO’s ability to protect intellectual property while supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s creative sector.
