Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Annual Report 2021/22; with Minister

Meeting report

The Chairperson opened the virtual meeting, and the agenda was adopted. The Chairperson welcomed Members and all the guest delegations, including the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. He then announced that the core purpose of the meeting was to look at the Department’s Annual Report – what happened since the last budget, and if the Department met its objectives for the past year.

Apologies received were from the Minister, who was requested to chair another meeting. Another apology was from the Deputy Minister, who was in Tanzania for the South African Cultural Season.

Mr I Ntsube (ANC, Free State) raised a point of order. He raised a concern about the absence of the Minister and Deputy Minister, and how it affects effectively responding to questions. He added that a Committee meeting cannot be held at ransom, paused or deferred to any date due to the unavailability of the Minister and the Deputy Minister. The Committee should proceed.

Mr M Bara (DA, Gauteng) acknowledged the Minister’s presence on the virtual platform, as he had just joined.

The Minister greeted all Members and conveyed his apologies for not attending the meeting. He had been ready to appear before the Select Committee but was asked to chair a Cabinet meeting, considering that the President was not in the country. The task the Department came to do is very important.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Annual Report 2021/22

Mr Vusithemba Ndima, Acting Director-General, DSAC, delivered the presentation. The introduction highlighted the factors that characterised a year review.

COVID-19

The declaration of the State of Emergency by the President of South Africa in 2019 continued throughout the financial period, with the command council’s risk-based adjusted approach ranging from level one to four, and subsequently the end of the State of Disaster on 04 April 2022.

July Unrest

The country suffered a wave of civil unrest, which saw violence and looting in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, in July 2021. The resultant damage negatively impacted the country’s economic recovery efforts.

KZN Floods

In April 2022, parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province experienced several days of heavy rains – one of the country's deadliest natural disasters – causing irreparable damage and destruction to critical infrastructure. Relief efforts were made to contribute towards the country’s economic recovery.

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)

The scourge of GBVF among women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community continued to threaten social cohesion and democracy. While GBVF incidences may affect participation in sports, arts and culture (SAC) activities, these activities are also expected to contribute to eliminating GBVF.

Highlights of the Cultural and Creative Industries Sector

• SACO’s 2022 mapping study outcomes show that design and creative services provided 32% of the cultural and creative industries’ (CCIs’) contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), followed by audio-visual and interactive media at 30% and visual arts and crafts at 15%.
• The performance and celebration domain contributed only 6% of the CCIs’ contribution to the GDP. This can be attributed to the restrictions on gatherings, free association and movement due to COVID-19, in line with protocols and infographics of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• To mitigate the high youth unemployment rate, the Department supported several youth programmes, among them the Debut Fund Programme, The Young Patriots Programme, and the Artists in Schools Project just to mention a few.
• Direct impact of the CCIs in 2018 was R74,39 billion, which accounts for 1,7% of South Africa’s GDP. In 2022, this contribution increased to R161 billion, accounting for 2.97% of South Africa’s GDP.
• ArtbankSA partnered with CCIFSA, resulting in the employment of 95 artists and 10 regional coordinators in the creative industries, to create commissioned artworks.
• 47 social cohesion dialogues were held because of unrelenting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases and the intensification of Operation Dudula.
• The Department has cumulatively produced 5 231 language practitioners with various language qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Heritage bursaries were awarded to 61 students for language bursaries of which 43 were females and 18 were males. 54 of the students are black, five are white and two are coloured.
• 34 new modular libraries and 55 upgrade/maintenance projects were financially supported.
• 71 towns, three cities, six airports, over 100 villages and 40 post offices, among others, achieved new democratic South African identities through transformations of the heritage landscape programme.

Highlights of the Sport Sector

• The Department continued to support a total of 37 learners who were identified during the National School Sport Championships held prior to 2020 through the Sports Bursary Programme.
• The Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Awards in honour of the country’s sport legends, was awarded to eight beneficiaries, who received the special Green Jacket that is meant to set them apart from others in various sporting codes.
• 2 309 learners participated in the National School Sport Championship.
• 4 732 schools, hubs and clubs were provided with equipment and/or attire as per the established norms and standards;
• 101 740 learners participated in the district school sport tournaments;
• Over 2 416 teachers were trained;
• Over 252 jobs were created for school sport coordinators;
• Over 181 school sport structures were supported.
• Over and above the support provided to Boxing South Africa (BSA), the Department provided special support to the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) – an amateur wing of boxing in the country - in response to the need to improve governance and administration in SANABO.
• Following the Department’s intervention, SANABO has stabilised and managed to participate in the Zone 4 Boxing Championships held in Maputo, Mozambique, on 18 April 2022. Out of the eight countries that participated, SA was ranked second after the host country, winning 17 medals with five gold, five silver and seven bronze.
• The Department continued to provide much needed support to 61 sport and recreation bodies with
• special focus on organisational sustainability, priority programmes and projects - to prevent the collapse of sport and recreation bodies which had lost their main revenue streams because of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Over 100 municipalities were supported on technical norms and standards for sport and recreation infrastructure.

In terms of performance overview, the Department experienced a two percent improvement in the 2021/22 financial year compared to the 2020/21 financial year. The Department achieved 76% of targets for the 2021/22 FY.

The overall spending had been R5.6 billion (98.2%) against the final appropriation of R5.7 billion. Compensation of employees (CoE) amounted to R335.9 million, which was R43.1 million below budget due to vacant positions at different stages of the selection process. Spending on goods and services had been less than one percent below budget, at R507.8 million. The total budget of R2.1 billion for community libraries and mass participation conditional grants has been transferred to provinces and municipalities. There was minimal under-spending on Departmental agencies, but the under-spending of R1.5 million at higher education institutions was owing to the failure of the University of Stellenbosch to submit compliance documents. R5.5 million had been transferred to various international organisations for annual subscription fees, where the underspending of R193 000 resulted from the exchange rate at the time of payment processing.

[See presentation document for more details on performance per programme & financial statements]

Discussion

The Chairperson asked if there are international treaties that were mentioned as well as policy regulations and bills. Can a brief update be provided within the context of public participation completed? If they were not completed, why was it not done, and what can be done to improve on it?

On the National Sport and Recreation Bill 2021, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill 2021, and South African Geographical Names Council Bills 2021: the regulations of these bills are to be reviewed after the National Sports and Recreation Act has been amended. The following regulations have not been amended: the ‘Bidding and hosting of international sports and events (2010)’, ‘Funding of sports for recreational Bodies (2015)’, and the ‘Safety and Sports and Recreational Events (2015)’. Regarding reviewing these regulations, what challenges are being experienced, because these regulations have not been reviewed, according to the report? What has the Department done to overcome the above-mentioned challenges while awaiting the National Sport and Recreation Act to be amended?

Ms D Christians (DA, Northern Cape) began by thanking the Department for the presentation. On page 11 of the presentation, she noted that the Minister spoke at length about a diverse and socially cohesive society. Can more elaboration be provided regarding this programme, since it focuses on the prevalence of bullying in schools, Gender-Based Violence Femicide (GBVF), including the unrests in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng? Further, 47 social cohesion dialogues led by the social cohesion advocates were rolled out to foster cohesion in communities – according to the report on page 11. What impact was achieved from rolling out this programme, and did the individuals benefit from the programme? In other words, was this programme rolled out successfully? Does the Department think that social cohesion is on the right path? Regarding social cohesion in 2003, can the Department give the community access to what they are planning, so that the Committee can engage in oversight within the various provinces?

Still on page 11: she said that something that Ms Christians shared is dear to her heart, and that is the development of women. The page states that the development of women in any society is the cornerstone. However, according to Ms Christians, women are still unsupported and marginalised. Can the Department share how it intends to fight the notion of improved nurturing, and clarify to the Select Committee how and when this will be implemented?

Page four of the presentation states that some artists’ and athletes' sole source of income is from engaging in the Department’s supported programmes. During COVID-19, these artists and athletes really suffered. Are these programmes occurring frequently enough to offer artists and athletes a living wage, especially post-COVID-19? Also, is there a way that the Department can share with the Committee what the average income of artists is?

On page 80 of the annual report, the Department provided 30 young graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in the field of study, and interns are placed for a period of up to two years. Where were those young graduates placed – in which provinces? What are the details regarding their qualifications and the institutions where they were awarded their qualifications?

Ms Christians spoke about libraries currently being underused in every province. She was pleased that, as per page 43 of the Annual Report, the Department is fostering the culture of reading, as 93 titles have been reprinted and made available in libraries. Can the Department elaborate and provide links to schools to ensure teachers and learners are aware of libraries available to these youngsters? What is the Department doing to promote the longevity end livelihood of libraries so that learners can go back and know it is a safe space to learn and to grow?

Lastly, regarding the financial report on page 59 and 60 of the annual report, there is a concerning factor – as it is noted that there was huge underspending across the fields. Can the Department elaborate on the actions taken to overcome the challenges linked to the underspending, and why this underspending took place? Programmes such as the Caster Semenya Programme, the Incubator Programme and Arts Center programmes underspent on their budgets. What is the Department doing to oversee that this does not happen again and that the budgets are allocated and used effectively, to ensure that these programmes come off the ground?

The Chairperson expressed the same sentiments as Ms Christians, adding that it is worrying that there is all this under-expenditure while artists are starving, and there is a need to improve the lives of artists. In one of the slides, the DG talked about underperformance due to a judgement from the court. How does the judgement in court cause one to underspend?

Ms N Ndongeni (ANC, Eastern Cape) asked the Department to brief the Committee with an update on the following legislation, within the context of public participation: National Sports and Recreation Amendment Bill (2021), South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill (2021), and the South African Geographical Names Council Bill (2021).

She noted that the Strategic Plan 2020-2025 stipulated that the sector needs to decide if the White Paper on Sports and the White Paper on Arts and Culture will be used as separate policies or a combined policy document to the SAC sector. The two White Papers will have to be checked to ensure that they do not contradict, in any way, the mandate of the Ministry. Can the Committee be briefed with updates on the decision regarding the White Papers? Lastly, she noted that page nine of the annual report speaks of the finalisation of drafting the theatre and performance policy in literature and visual arts. Can the Department provide the latest progress pertaining to that?

The Chairperson posed a question regarding what inadequate collaborative evidence means, as it appeared about four or five times in the presentation. Who is supposed to collect that evidence and ensure the evidence is there? What happens if there is inadequate evidence? What kind of action is going to be taken to ensure there is adequate evidence to prove expenditures and there is deliverance on what is promised?

Ms Ndongeni had an additional question. On page seven of the Annual Report, the Department, in partnership with the Oral History in South Africa and the Free State Provincial Archives, is said to have hosted the 18th Annual Oral History Conference, from 13 to 15 October 2021. The conference was covered and broadcast on Free State Community TV and community radio stations such as the Qwa-Qwa FM, Dihlabeng F.M and Maholo FM. Can the Department elaborate on the actual number of individuals reached via the Free State online channel, and elaborate on the actual number of individuals reached via the community radio stations? Was an impact opinions survey conducted to establish the perceived value of tuning into the conference via available platforms? What lessons were learnt from the partnership, and how will these lessons be used during the planning and implementation phase of the next future conferences? 

Department Responses

Mr Ndima acknowledged and appreciated the Committee’s questions and inputs. He mentioned that his team would be responding to some of the questions.

He indicated that the South African Geographical Names Bill is in the process of consultation. The South African Geographical Cabinet Council is looking at the Bill to close all gaps that were identified towards the implementation of the Bill.

In response to the issue of inadequate collaborative evidence, Mr Ndima gave an example about granting bursaries to students. He said that the Department depends on universities providing information to conclude the MOUs with the universities. At times, the Department has to chase them to follow up towards the end of the year. Their legal services would mention that it does not make sense for them to get into a contract at the end of the year.

On the technical indicator descriptor, which is a source of evidence, the 65 bursaries might have been given without the MOA. But in terms of evidence where the MOA does not exist, one can say that they have not achieved that. Another example is the Mzansi Golden Economy, which is 90% project funded. Even though it is funded, one would need to get the report from the beneficiary, before the next final payment is done, and the report is not received. In that instance, one also cannot claim that they had fully achieved since it means total dispersed funds.

Mr Simphiwe Mncube, Chief Director: Federations Support, DSAC, responded to the questions about the regulations. He indicated that there is the main Act, which is the National Sport and Recreation Act – which has been going through various processes of consultation to have it amended. There are a number of areas that, over the years of implementing the Act, were identified to be deficient. For example, in the area of management or dealing with issues of disputes: there is no provision for a mechanism to settle those disputes more quickly and avoid instances where it lands in court. There is a recommendation of a tribunal.

There are a number of regulations that, by the nature of their age, are beginning to show deficiencies in dealing with prevailing situations. An example is the Recognition of Sport and Recreation Bodies Regulations. Things have changed in sports. There are now new forms of sport, such as electronic sports (e-sports) and other emerging types of sports, where the regulations did not provide for such during the time where they were developed. It is necessary to update those regulations to accommodate those needs.

Regarding the Institute for Drug-Free Sport Act, the amendment is prompted by the publication of the revised WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) code. There is a need to ensure that the national legislation aligns with the WADA code so there are no gaps. It is also to prevent a case where most people who may be found on the wrong side of the law when attempting to find loopholes, which tends to delay the fight against anti-doping.

Ms Mandisa Tshikwatamba, DDG: Corporate Governance, DSAC, first responded to the social cohesion programme. She explained that this programme was rolled out across all provinces, by the Department, from 2012. As the programme had been maturing, it started from a base of being driven through needs identified on the ground and needs identified through social structures in the communities. Out of that are volunteers who step in and assist in the cases where there is a need for interventions that contribute towards rebuilding and reconciliation of society. As the programme got formalised in the Department, there was a step taken towards formalising the structure called the Social Cohesion Advocates, which is made up of advocates – social cohesion champions coming across various parts of the county. It started with a good representation countrywide. When it started, it was just volunteers doing the work, some of whom later went into formal employment. There are about 40 volunteers, and 25 are active, with the number reducing. It has had an impact on representation across the provinces. There are efforts in place to ensure there is a re-balance across the provinces, with a concentration on KZN and Gauteng. Some people can reasonably work together in Limpopo and Eastern Cape.

There would also be community development and safety through facilitation in terms of peacebuilding and other facilitation activities, in cases where social justice is disturbed. Social cohesion advocates have also successfully bridged certain gaps by developing programmes that speak to social inclusion. The impact of the work has been witnessed in times such as when there was the KZN unrest last year, and when there were taxi wars – where social cohesion advocates facilitated the situation. The social cohesion advocates have also stepped out during Operation Dudula. In terms of programmes that focus on women: there are programmes geared towards GBVF, which targets women and economic empowerment programmes for women.

Mr Themba Mabaso, Director: Bureau of Heraldry, DSAC, began by addressing questions of artists. What preoccupies the Department is the life and well-being of an artist, considering that artists come from a fragmented sector with no standardised means. This is why there are various initiatives to assist artists, such as supporting national flagships throughout the country – like the National Arts Festival, the Macufe Festival and all other events that stimulate local economic development and create opportunities for artists to earn a living. The Department also runs a programme called Cultural Seasons, with the aim to expose local artists internationally – for them to work with their international counterparts and showcase their work. There are also calls for art practitioners to apply for funding.

There have been engagements with the Department of Labour to assess how best artists can begin to be professionalised by coming up with guidelines and conditions of services that will support their well-being. Through COVID-19, there was a realisation of how the sector was affected, compared to other sectors.

Pertaining the matter of the theatre and dance policy, a lot has already been approved. Each province had sent representatives to be part of the consultations and discussions. The sector itself has approved the document and it is currently with the National Language Services for editing purposes. In addition, the Department has also agreed that cultural infrastructure must be supported by proper infrastructure for dance and theatre to flourish. The Department aims to assist provinces in building more theatres. One was recently opened in the Northern Cape. The Department is looking to go to North West and Mpumalanga to ensure more work can happen in that space.

Regarding literature, there is a panel to develop the book policy. It has been working on developing a policy that seeks to guide how the book economy is supported and how opportunities will be created. Finally, the 300 artists are in a year-long programme where they go to various schools in the country and receive remuneration so that they are supported in showcasing their skills.

Mr Puleng Kekana, Chief Director: National Archives and Libraries, DSAC, answered the questions regarding the links to the schools. He said there are several ways in which partnerships with schools and public libraries are happening. An example is a national coordinating structure that coordinates and provides oversight over the grant's implementation. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is sitting in that national-level coordinating structure. That is how partnerships between schools and public libraries are encouraged.

The grant framework is very specific to ensure provinces can work with the DBE, in the establishment of what are called ‘dual purpose libraries’ to give material that is also contained in curricula. Learners were noted as being the biggest consumers of public libraries. Therefore, the partnership is very important. There are formal agreements between DSAC and the provincial departments of education. At a national level, there are flagships and projects through working very closely with the schools.

Regarding the history of the oral programme: there was a mechanism for people to connect online. A total of 100 people connected online to the conference, and a number of radio stations assisted with broadcasting the events. There is no clear number of people who listened. But through the radio stations, the reach was wide, in the Free State. The lesson learnt is that, going forward, all events should be in hybrid format so that more and more people are reached – even those unable to come to the conference.

Mr Israel Mokgwamme, CFO, DSAC, outlined the matter of the Constitutional Court. There were findings against National Treasury on the procurement regulation, especially regarding the BBEEE. On that note, the findings were from 16 February 2022. The Department cannot procure anything that is above R30 000. If there is a need to procure above R30 000, exemption approval is needed from National Treasury, on a case-by-case basis. This delayed the Department from spending 100% of the budget, and the process overlapped to the next financial year, for the first quarter.

Further discussion

The Chairperson asked further about the inadequate collaborative evidence, especially pertaining to slide 49 – which speaks about 66 students being supported. However, there was inadequate evidence to substantiate the support of five students. What happened to these five students? Are they ghost students? Slide 52 mentions delays in the implementation of projects, and there was inadequate evidence to support the work in that financial year. Amongst others are the Sarah Baartman Center of Remembrance, Winnie Mandela Memorial House and OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance. The Chairperson felt that not much explanation about these projects' progress was mentioned. How much was the budget, and what was the gap in terms of completion? Out of the money used, how much of it went into wasteful expenditure? Or were the funds misused? If so, what happened, and what action is taken to ensure it does not happen again?

Further Responses

Mr Irwin Langeveld, Director: Institutional Development, DSAC, responded to the Chairperson’s further questions. Regarding the bursaries, the Department is largely dependent on the universities for the submission of documentation necessary to facilitate the transfer of the funds to universities, for the students' bursaries. The key document is the memorandum of agreement signed with the universities, with supporting documents that would go with it. Universities often have challenges meeting the deadlines and requirements for documents to be in an original format and be accepted to the legal services unit.

On the 66 students: he indicated that all of them were paid. They were not “ghost students”, and they went through selection considered by the Department. On the issue of when the universities eventually sent their supporting documents for the five students, the Department’s legal services advised that it was already after the academic year and it would not be appropriate to sign the MOA. The Department could not provide a MOA when the six students were reported.

Most challenges have been resolved concerning the bursaries, especially compliance by the universities with the MOA and the supporting documents. Based on observation, signing a three-year MOA with the universities seems to be working better instead of a one-year MOA. The timeframes have also been brought forward to start the process earlier for the next academic year and get the documents in time. In addition, there have been frequent meetings with the universities.

The matter of inadequate evidence concerning the legacy projects speaks to the question of the technical indicator description. In terms of the title of the indicator, it says ‘a number of legacy heritage projects where exhibition content is developed’. In terms of planning, there are many phases – the first being the procurement phase. Due to uncertainty, it was not fully reported that there is procurement, and it was later added that the stages are not yet where the exhibitions are developed.

Regarding the project’s progress, there was an appointment of exhibition development expertise for the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance. The internal exhibition is complete. There is an outdoor digital exhibition at the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance. The equipment has been installed; what is required is testing.

The Chairperson thanked the Department and all participants for the engagement. If Members had further questions, it could be sent through the secretary for written responses.

The Committee considered and adopted the minutes of the previous meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.