Question NW1775 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
18 May 2022 - NW1775
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1).In light of the fact that certain persons (names furnished) were appointed as ambassadors for the Silapha Wellness Intervention Programme, (a) criteria were used to select the ambassadors, (b) specific experience and/or qualifications do the specified persons have to be ambassadors in matters of gender-based violence, mental health, drug abuse and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others matters, (c) work has each ambassador done and (d) total amount has each ambassador been paid; (2). how representative are the five ambassadors in terms of (a) race, (b) province, (c) language, (d) genre and (e) sexuality?
Reply:
1. a) The selection criteria was based on the relevance of the experience each ambassador endured that speaks to the mandate of the programme. Their social media following was also taken into consideration, to leverage on it to reach out to as many practitioners as possible.:
(b) & c)
Penny Lebyane - She spent most of her years struggling with the art industry challenges, openly discuss her mental illness struggle, she was in psychiatric ward for her mental illness. A committed activists for women’s rights in the arts, she's also an ambassador for other wellness programs and organizations and a Radio 2000 host, her show focuses on wellness. Social Media: Face Book - 201 000; Twitter - 244 000; Instagram - 172 000.
Portia Modise - A champion for the LGBTQ+ community, An openly gay women, a committed community activist with her foundation . Portia Modise Foundation that is helping young girls through challenges of life and developing their football skills. Soon to launch her Book "From Portia with Love" where she discusses all the women challenges in football and the LGBTQ+ Community. Social Media: Facebook - 26 084; Twitter - 3 185; Instagram - 4 441.
Dawn King - A champion for mental illness and GBV movement, a motivational speaker in her own right, as well as a spiritual healer. A GBV survivor and an activists. Host her own podcast show, dealing with Mental illness and the business of the arts. Social Media: Facebook - 1 194 809 Twitter - 261 000 Instagram - 1 900 000
Gigi Lamayne - She suffered with depression for many years and was once admitted in hospital because of it. She went on to say that her difficult upbringing had detrimental effect in her life and not having a mentor in life and as an artist. In one of the interviews she credited the help and counselling she received during the ordeal. Youth Activist that encourages artist to seek counselling if needed. Social Media: Facebook - 736 715; Twitter - 334 000; Instagram - 592 000
Jabu Mahlangu - Formerly Jabu Pule, a former great player, that has been and done it all from alcohol addiction to drug addiction. Currently an Ambassador for Super Sports, teaching young people about dangers of drugs and alcohol. A great motivational Speaker. Social Media: Facebook - 6 938; Twitter - 47 200; Instagram - 114 000
(d) Each ambassador was paid R35 000.00 for a period of 5 months= to R175 000.00 per ambassador
2. The selection criteria as per the TORs was not based on race, sexuality, language or province but rather on the relevance of the experience each ambassador endured that speaks to the mandate of the programme.
Ambassador |
Race |
Province |
Language |
Genre |
Sexuality |
Penny Lebyane |
African |
Originally MP but now in GP |
Sepedi |
TV/Radio presenter |
Female |
Portia Modise |
African |
GP- Soweto |
Sotho |
Athlete |
Lesbian |
Dawn King |
African |
Originally KZN but now in GP |
IsiZulu |
Actress |
Female |
Gigi Lamayne |
African |
Originally KZN but now in GP |
IsiZulu |
Artist |
Female |
Jabu Mahlangu |
African |
Gp- Ekurhuleni |
IsiNdebele |
Athlete |
Male |