Question NW579 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation:

Reply:

The sectors (Sports and Arts) were affected by COVID-19 global health pandemic significantly; The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) as one of the twenty-one (21) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) is prioritizing, skilling and upskilling as critical enablers towards the reconstruction and recovery of these sectors, as also, amongst others identified in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

(b) How is his department harnessing higher education in this regard?

The CATHSSETA is one of the twenty-one (21) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) with limited revenue collected from levy payers. The CATHSSETA is responsible to facilitate skills development within the sector.

In the past three (3) years, the CATHSSETA has allocated R 29 460 483, 00 to support sports, arts, and culture training interventions. This allocation is broken down as referred to the table 1 below:

Table .1

FINANCIAL YEAR	AMOUNT
2020/21	R12 060 400. 00
2021/22	R9 701 025. 50
2022/23	R7 699 057. 50
Total	R29 460 483. 00

The CATHSSETA has also, amongst others, implemented the following programmes which have had a significant impact on the sectors:

Coaching: There has been an identification of a shortage of coaches at the junior level space in South Africa, therefore CATHSSETA has trained ten (10) coaches to increase the pool and ensure stability and continuation in that regard. Furthermore, the qualification is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is relevant and fit for purpose of the industry’s needs.

Talent Scout: The CATHSSETA has developed the talent scout programme which saw 20 learners attending and being qualified. The qualification is one of the first in South Africa, this programme aims to ensure that talent is identified, managed, and harnessed to ensure that the correct caliber of learners is placed in the right sporting codes.

Intellectual Property: The SETA is also looking into awarding providers to train the artists on intellectual property which will give them skills to manage their contracts and crafts in the 2023 fiscal year.

Volunteers Skills Programme: Training of five hundred (500) learners in preparation for the Netball World Cup to be hosted in South Africa from 28 July to 6 August 2023.

Life Skills Programme for Old and Active Artists and Sports Anchors: There’s a scary pattern that exists in the South African entertainment and sports industry particularly when black artists/celebrities pass on. Shortly after their passing on, it emerges that the artists were broke or in huge debt. It, therefore, cannot be right that artists and sports anchors work hard their whole life, and, in the end, they have nothing to show. The life skills programme will provide learners with the ability to manage their emotions, health, finances, and relationships.