05 Nov 2024

The matter in which the founding chief executive officer of National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB), Shombi Ellis is challenging her former employer for termination of her contract is set for hearing on November 11.

The matter was initially scheduled for hearing on Monday, but Justice Tshepo Motswagole moved it to next  week after the legal representative for the first respondent, NACB, Mr Mboki Chilisa indicated that his team was only served with court papers by the applicant in the morning that the matter was set for hearing.

They, therefore, prayed for more time to file their heads of opposition. Justice Motswagole granted them their plea and ordered that both the first and second respondents file their heads of opposition today.

In the papers before the courts, Ellis has cited the NACB as first respondent while former Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare was cited as the second respondent in his capacity as the minister.

The matter came to court after the NACB made a decision to part ways with Ellis.

A press release that circulated on social media addressed to the creative arts industry and stakeholders, signed by the board chairperson, Mr Abram Kesupile, did not disclose any reasons for Ellis’ termination, but only indicated that it was taken following ‘thorough and careful consideration’. ENDS