Dr Mkhize has a thick history behind the arts sector, complemented by educational background.
Born in KZN, he’s the former CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation in Johannesburg and Chief Director of Cultural Affairs at the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
He also spent five years as the CEO of the landmark Robben Island Museum before joining The State Theatre.
Dr Mkhize obtained his Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) and also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, which he obtained last year.
“I am joining The State Theatre at a time when it is already receiving recognition for its dynamic artistic programme, which deals robustly with the realities of the new South Africa,” he says.
His credentials includes being a member of various arts, culture, heritage and history associations like the South African Historical Society (SAHS); the South African Museums Association (SAMA); the KwaZulu-Natal Oral History Association (KZNOHA) as well as the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA).
He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tatham Art Gallery from 2002 to 2004. He served two terms as a member of the Council of KwaZulu-Natal Museum from 2005 to 2011 and in 2007 he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Theatre Managements of South Africa (TMSA).
Then two years later Dr Mkhize, was elected its chairperson. In 2012 he was appointed a member of the Board of Cape Town Tourism for a one year term.
He has published various articles in local and international historical and heritage journals, and has also contributed chapters in books.
He replaces another genius Aubrey Sekgabi.
