Question NW3079 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
18 October 2023 - NW3079
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Who are the real beneficiaries of the monitoring of the airplay of South African music across radio stations; (2). Whether the collecting society and/or radio airplay is the competency of his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, since what date does his department give out money for establishing business concerns for persons and/or businesses. (3). whether his department has awarded a two-year tender to a certain company (name furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what amount was the tender; whether the tender was advertised; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date was it advertised and (b) who are the directors of the company to whom the tender was awarded? NW4145E
Reply:
(1). The beneficiaries of airplay monitoring extend to various stakeholders within the music industry and the broader cultural landscape as well government, with each group using the data for different purposes to support the promotion and development of South African music.
(2). Section 2 of the Culture Promotion Act of 1998 grants the Department the mandate to establish, launch, or finance organisations or projects that have the potential to foster develop and promote arts and culture in the country. Therefore, monitoring airplay is about inculcating the developmental goals as provided in the said legislation. It allows, inter alia, for the Department to track the extent to which local music, representing the country's culture, is being broadcast and promoted on radio stations and other platforms, among others.
This information can help identify areas where support for local artists and music genres may be needed, aligning with the promotion of the country's cultural diversity. Airplay monitoring can also help identify emerging and talented artists who may benefit from financial support, mentorship, or other forms of assistance to further their careers. This aligns to foster and develop talent within the country's arts and culture sector.
3. Concerning the matter in this case, we do not have any records regarding the awarding of a two-year tender to a certain company.
THANK YOU