Mandie van der Spuy

Prior to joining Standard Bank Mandie van der Spuy worked in the theatre industry in various capacities, starting her career at the Market Theatre in 1979 where she was involved in theatre management, production and public relations. In 1983 she joined the Playhouse Theatre in Durban as Head of Publicity and Marketing where she was closely involved in the launch phase of the newly renovated theatre complex and its respective companies. She returned to Johannesburg in 1987 to join the Drama Department of the State Theatre as the Head of Drama.

Mandie van der Spuy holds a degree in Languages and Literature and a post-graduate degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Cape Town as well as a Master’s Degree in Literature from the Sorbonne University, Paris.

In 2007 the French government awarded her a Chevalier Award of the National Order of Merit for her contribution to the promotion of cultural exchange between France and South Africa through her role in the presentation of various cultural projects, with special emphasis on the major French art exhibitions presented at the Standard Bank Gallery and Iziko South African National Gallery such as Picasso, Chagall and Miro.