Chairperson and colleagues, the Department of Arts and Culture's primary aim is to develop and preserve South African arts and culture to ensure social cohesion and nation-building.
We, in the IFP, recognise the central significance of arts, culture and heritage in the cultural, social and intellectual life of the country. Like many other departments, the Department of Arts and Culture's main area of focus now is the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
We are concerned, however, that out of the six programmes of the Department of Arts and Culture, the only programme showing a marginal increase is Programme 1, which is administration, at 0,51%. Of increasing concern, also, is Programme 2, which is for arts and culture in society, which shows a real decrease of 22,15%. Most of this allocation goes to the National Arts Council, NAC.
Consequently, the budget of the NAC, which played a big role in arts funding, has been decreased by R15 million. Ironically, the President's state of the nation address reiterated the important role played by arts and culture in society. This is a trend which has remained unchanged since at least the previous three budgetary cycles.
With the 2010 World Cup, the rest of the world will be focused on South Africa, so this is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase the country's arts and culture during the extravaganza. It remains to be seen whether the department's mandate and potential will be maximised to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Fifa World Cup beyond 2010.
There must be a greater effort to support and promote South African arts and culture activities in all areas of our country, especially in the rural and underprivileged areas. This can have a positive social effect for the communities in those areas, and lay the basic foundation for long-term commitment to artistic excellence.
With more than half of the young being unemployed, the IFP believes that arts and culture can have a positive effect on the lives of the youth. However, the biggest challenge is ensuring that they have access to facilities and organisations that promote these activities.
Young people, especially those who have been unable to obtain a matric certificate, pose a huge risk to social cohesion and communal-mindedness. These young people clearly do not have the best chance of becoming strong, healthy and participative individuals in society. The Department of Arts and Culture could, therefore, play a constructive role in reducing crime and poverty, as well increasing the health and development of marginalised young people.
The department must be seen to be providing real empowerment opportunities for unemployed people from the second economy through training and job creation in the arts, culture and heritage spheres. It should provide access to markets and skills as a tool for urban renewal, rural development and job creation. Youth cultural groups and other creative organisations should have regular access to multipurpose arts support centres. At these centres they should have access to funding, advice, advertising and planning skills in order to develop their capacity to grow.
South Africa is blessed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage and this is one of the defining ...