Question NW2560 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
13 December 2021 - NW2560
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What are the reasons that he opposed the Culture Promotion Act, Act 35 of 1983, and is reluctant to apply the specified Act to support those independent entities that are in desperate need of funding, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Reply:
The Minister has not opposed the Culture Promotion Act 35 of 1983. The Department applies itself according to the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998, which specify that Declared Cultural Institutions are the responsibility of the Department regarding funding support for operational and specific artistic activities.
For an example; several Independent entities received support in the past few months from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program; and evidence of this is available. Further, the department opens opportunities through the different work-streams within the Mzansi Golden Economy, which are not excluding anyone in the industry; as long as they meet the set requirements. The department has multiple demands on its very limited financial resources and is not capable to cater for all. In order to afford equal opportunities for all in the entire creative and cultural landscape, including independent entities, funding entities such as NAC, NFVF, NHC etc. have been established to administer the disbursement of funding to all who meets the set out criteria. Funding efforts have been especially heightened during covid-19 pandemic.