Chair, hon Minister, hon guests, the PAC contends that arts and culture can be effectively used to reduce poverty and dependency. It is a disgrace that today, 16 years after the advent of democracy, there are artists who die as paupers. The reason is that the industry is not properly regulated and the airwaves are dominated by foreigners. They are raking in millions of rands while our local artists are starving on the margins of the industry.
The state of the arts in this country is pathetic. The following facts cannot be refuted. Firstly, the community arts centres are not equipped to help communities. Instead, they are rented out for meetings and church services. They are fast becoming white elephants.
Secondly, the cancer of corruption has not spared the Department of Arts and Culture. What is happening with the suspended officials of the department, the ones who have embezzled public funds estimated at R200 million?
Thirdly, we think we can showcase South Africa to the world when we provide no cultural facilities to groom young artists. For instance, Limpopo province with a population of over five million people does not have a single theatre. There is not even a sign that there will be a theatre in that province. Even the existing theatres don't have money to produce shows. The money that is there is for administration. When you produce shows, you create income.
Lastly, the Fifa World Cup is commencing in 35 days. How many local artists, painters and crafters will benefit? The recent fire-fighting about the Orlando Stadium opening concert, where the hon Minister had to beg promoters to include more South African acts, clearly shows that the government is allowing Fifa to colonise our country for a month. Our people are in limbo, confused; they don't know what belongs to them and what belongs to Fifa.
We are facing the extinction of indigenous knowledge. Without the retention of indigenous knowledge, our claim to civilisation before colonialism will always ring hollow. The department must lift its performance in this regard.
Lastly, African languages have become ornaments. No one uses them to explore outer space and analyse protons and electrons. Why not? We cannot lose our languages without losing our culture; language retains and transmits culture. Thank you.