Question NW4470 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Share this page:

13 December 2022 - NW4470

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

(a). What (i) research methodology and (ii) work plan was used for the formation of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and (b) will he furnish Mrs V van Dyk with the concept document containing the detailed (i) scheduling and (ii) budget in this regard?

Reply:

The need of a National Orchestra is embedded in the revised White Paper, of the then Department of Arts and Culture, which was approved by cabinet in August 2018 and endorsed by parliament in February 2020. So, the Department did not have to prove the need of a National Orchestra. All it did was to implement one of the recommendations of the revised White Paper. In doing so, it followed a clear four-step process. The Department appointed a three-person committee of arts policy experts who travelled around the country consulting different organisations and stakeholders. And they reported to the Department.

The Department established a task team to formulate the objectives and the mission and the purpose of the National Orchestra. Part of this process was conducting international best practice for national orchestras and other orchestral development initiatives. Such as the El Sistema in Venezuela.

The Department entered into an engagement with the National Arts Council and this process led to a signed agreement with the National Arts Council.

The Department appointed a board of the National Orchestra, which actually runs the day-to-day affairs of this national institution.

Lastly, the Department together with the NAC and the National Orchestra, submitted comprehensive reports to the Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture and engaged with them at least twice this year, including the meeting of 16 September 2022.

Source file