South African digital rights management organisation CAPASSO has announced new leadership appointments to its board.
The Johannesburg-based collective management organisation has named Meladi Mampane as Independent Chairperson of the Board and Brenda Mtambo as Deputy Chairperson. The appointments follow the completion of the six-year board tenures of former Chairperson Leslie Sedibe and former Deputy Chairperson Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
CAPASSO represents composers, authors and publishers and manages digital mechanical rights related to the reproduction of music in online and digital environments.
Mampane becomes the first woman to serve as Independent Chairperson of the CAPASSO Board since the organisation was established. Her appointment also marks the first time that both board leadership roles are held by women.
Mampane is the co-founder of Maletchaba Human Capital and joined the CAPASSO board in 2021 as Independent Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee. She has more than 25 years of professional experience in areas including human resources, transformation management consulting, corporate governance and strategic empowerment initiatives.
Commenting on her appointment, Mampane said the organisation plays an important role in protecting the interests of music creators.
“It is a privilege to step into the role of Independent Chairperson at CAPASSO,” she said. “The creative sector depends on strong governance and ethical leadership to protect and empower composers, authors and publishers. My focus will be on ensuring that the organisation continues to operate with integrity, clarity of purpose and a commitment to delivering meaningful value to its members.”
My Focus Will Be On Ensuring That The Organisation Continues To Operate With Integrity, Clarity Of Purpose And A Commitment To Delivering Meaningful Value To Its Members
Meladi Mampane
Mtambo, a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, joined the CAPASSO board in 2024 as a Composer Member. She currently chairs the organisation’s Remuneration Committee and is the founder of BUSA Music.
In addition to her work as a recording artist, Mtambo has been involved in initiatives related to women’s empowerment, music education and mental wellness within the creative industries.
Speaking about her appointment as Deputy Chairperson, Mtambo said the role carries responsibility for supporting the interests of creators and rightsholders.
“Serving as Deputy Chairperson of CAPASSO is both an honour and a responsibility I carry with deep respect,” she said. “As a composer, I understand firsthand the importance of protecting intellectual property and building systems that genuinely serve creators.”
As A Composer, I Understand Firsthand The Importance Of Protecting Intellectual Property And Building Systems That Genuinely Serve Creators
Brenda Mtambo
Jotam Matariro, Chief Executive Officer of CAPASSO, welcomed the appointments and highlighted the experience both leaders bring to the organisation.
Matariro said Mampane’s work as Chair of the Remuneration Committee demonstrated a strong understanding of the governance requirements involved in collective rights management.
“During her tenure as REMCOM Chair, she demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities of the collective management business and a strong command of independent governance,” Matariro said.
“As we navigate an evolving digital landscape in music consumption, her strategic vision and industry knowledge will contribute to the organisation’s continued development.”
Matariro also highlighted the perspective Mtambo brings as an active music creator involved in rights management.
“Her firsthand experience as a creator, combined with her engagement with the technical aspects of music rights management, provides the Board with a connection between industry policy and the artist community,” he said.
CAPASSO plays a role in administering digital mechanical rights for composers, authors and publishers in South Africa and works with international partners to ensure the collection and distribution of royalties generated through digital uses of music.
The organisation’s board appointments come at a time when digital distribution and streaming continue to influence how music rights are licensed, tracked and monetised across global markets.
