Question NW1579 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Reply:

(a). The policy supporting the concept of the Creative Ambassadors is the Culture Promotions Act, Act 35 of 1983, read with Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998, which is stated under sub-paragraph (iii) below, was used to take this decision by the Minister. Amendment of section 2 of Act 35 of 1983 (Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998), as amended by Proclamation No. R36 of 1995.

1. Section 2 of the Culture Promotion Act, 1983, is hereby amended-

(a) by the substitution in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) for the words preceding subparagraph (i) of the following words: "(a) in order to foster develop and promote arts and culture.in the Republic-”.

(b) by the addition to paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of the following sub-paragraphs:

"(iii) develop pilot projects in order to further the work of the Department in promoting arts and culture throughout the country”.

The Creative Ambassadors concept is being piloted in 2023/24 for a year and is important in addressing the absence of targeted programmes that positively caters and engages the plights of many heroes/heroines of the creative industries sector in their post-careers lives.

(b). The criteria used is as follows:

In its Pilot/Inaugural Phase, the Minister used simple criteria to appoint Creative Ambassadors. Also, during this Pilot, the Minister will make a determination of whether to continue this way or whether to invite the public to make nominations that will later lead to their appointment.

The Ambassador:

1. must be a practitioner within the cultural and creative industry.
2. must be a leader in their Cultural Domain, with over 5 years’ experience.
3. must be a resident of South Africa and over 18 years of age.
4. must have national popularity and following based on having showcased their craft on National, and/or Continental and/or international level.
5. must have participated in community arts and culture initiative(s)/project(s) as either a leader or a supporter or a mentor.

In addition to the abovementioned, the Minister will use his prerogative (using Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998) to appoint Ambassadors in an inclusive manner that these persons represent all domains, considering – gender, geographic spread, disability, expertise/experience, and age (i.e., youth)