Question NW3163 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

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28 September 2022 - NW3163

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

With regards to his department requesting information about the Theatre and Dance Policy Consultative Conference that was scheduled from 2 to 3 September 2022, what (a) number of submissions did his department receive in response to its call for submissions on the Draft National Theatre and Dance Policy document, (b) were the contents of the submissions that were received,(c) are the reasons that the submissions were not published by the department to ensure that the process was transparent,(d) number of persons and/or organizations that have been included and/or excluded from the conference, (e) are the reasons that the invitation was sent out to Mr. T W Mhlongo only at 19:21, and (f) are the reasons that invitations were not sent out by his department while it is now evident the conference is presented by his department?

Reply:

(a). 27 written submissions were received by the Department.

(b). Various submissions were received, some were just acknowledging and appreciating the invitation to be part of the policy development process. Whilst others were talking directly to policy focus areas such as education and training, research and information, 4th Industrial Revolution in Arts, funding, artists’ rights, social benefits, bursaries, networking, companies and career paths, awards, and recognition. These submissions are being consolidated into policy documents for ease reference.

(c). Submissions are currently being analysed, aligned, and consolidated into the final draft policy.

(d). Invitations were done through the Provincial Task Team members representing the sector. In addition, independent practitioners and institutions were invited from within different theatre and dance structures, including State theatre, Playhouse, Market theatre, PACOFS, Arts Cape, the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, ASSITEJ, TADA, SAID, SADAF, SACCYF, CCIFSA

Over and above the specified structures, invitations were also issued to various role players across the value chain of the theatre and dance sector. A virtual link was also shared for a wider reach to ensure that all those who wish to participate, can. We are not aware of anyone, or any structures being deliberately excluded from the Policy Conference

(e). We are not aware of the invitation that was sent out to Mr TW Mhlongo at 19h21.

(f). A service provider was appointed to project manage the policy development process inclusive of the policy conference on behalf of the Department.

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