Hansard: Appropriation Bill : Debate on Vote No 13 – Arts and Culture
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 05 May 2010
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
THURSDAY, O6 MAY 2010
PROCEEDINGS OF THE PUBLIC COMMITTEE – COMMITTEE ROOM E249
_____________
Members of the Extended Public Committee met in Committee Room E249 at 14:04.
The House Chairperson Mr M B Skosana, as Chairperson, took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
APPROPRIATION BILL
Debate on Vote No 13 – Arts and Culture:
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Hon Chairperson, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished guests, today we deliver our Budget Vote in the year in which we celebrate 16 years of democracy and freedom in our country.
Speaking in his state of the nation address, President Jacob Zuma declared that 2010 would be the year of action. He stated that –
The defining feature of this government will be that it knows where our people live, understands what their needs are and will respond faster. We will not allow a distance to arise between government and its people.
The arts, culture and heritage portfolio seeks to bring government closer to the people, and the people closer to us.
In October 2009, we reached a milestone by holding the National Social Cohesion Colloquium with the theme, "Building a Caring Society" in Durban on 29 to 30October 2009. This gathering, attended by academics, civil society, government officials and other stakeholders laid the ground for the national conference that will be held later this year.
The colloquium raised issues around intergenerational dynamics and the need to reconcile parental authority with children's rights. Concerns were also raised about the gender relations between men and women within the home and the community. Delegates argued that there cannot be social cohesion without social justice, and they stressed the need to fully address the legacies of the past, as the inequalities created by the apartheid system impoverished most of the black people in our communities.
The colloquium also raised the need for the inculcation of a charter of positive values as well as the consolidation of the project for moral regeneration.
The Department of Arts and Culture is preparing to hold provincial dialogues on social cohesion to preceed the conference to be held later this year. A highlight of our engagement with the creative sector last year, was the imbizo organized by my department and led by President Zuma and relevant Cabinet Ministers. It was conducted with the performing arts sector on 17 November 2009.
The Cultural industries were one of the critical areas prioritised by President Zuma and our Cabinet colleagues when they addressed the artists at the imbizo. The department is, therefore, embarking on the mapping of creative industries in order to reposition and mainstream creative industries into the broader government goals.
As part of a research and industry mapping exercise, the department is also partnering with the UK, and engaging key stakeholders in their skills development arena.
In a visit undertaken by the Deputy Minister Mashatile to the UK, he also extended a provisional invitation to the leadership of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills to visit South Africa and provide guidance on the development of the envisaged South African academy.
The Department of Arts and Culture is in the process of finalising an agreement with the European Commission on calling for proposals on youth empowerment programmes through arts, culture and heritage. This will see the acceleration of skills development and empowerment for the youth in partnership with the European Commission.
An important issue is the matter of social security for artists. We are hard at work, together with the artists' union, other stakeholders and the private sector to find solutions to this critical priority.
With regard to music, on the broad international front, this year South Africa was also chosen as the country of honour at Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale, Midem, the annual music market held in France every. The department supported the participation of many musicians and emerging independent music producers in this event.
At a special ceremony, hosted by the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Minister Frederick Mitterrand, prominent artists, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, were honoured by the French National Arts and Culture, for their excellent and long-standing contribution to the global music industry.
Both Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu were awarded the National Order of the Ikhamanga Silver, last year, by the President Jacob Zuma. This year, Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwanga were awarded the National Order of the Ikhamanga Gold on Freedom Day, 2010. Miss Emelia "Nothembi" Mkhwebane was also received an Order of Ikhamanga Bronze by the President, also on Freedom Day.
At the forthcoming 22nd African Festival in Würzburg, Germany, in May, this year, South Africa is to be the country of honour and will be give a prominent status. My Ministry will lead a delegation of artists, including musicians Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka, Vusi Mahlasela and Lira, amongst many others. It is a very large African festival with an attendance of over 100 000 – the biggest in Europe. A South African musician will also be honoured at that festival by Germany.
On 28 April 2010, I inaugurated the Downtown Music Hub Board, following the purchase of Downtown Studios by my predecessor, Dr Pallo Jordan. Downtown Studios was purchased from Avusa in the 2009-10 financial year, and we have ensured that the music hub will be a music heritage centre as well as a state-of-the-art, local content music production hub that will produce high-quality content for the market place.
Under the able stewardship of Don Laka as the Chairperson of the board assisted by Nothemba Mlonzi, this music hub will be central towards supporting independent music creators and producers in terms of business investment.
My department has continued to support the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, also known as Africa's grandest gathering. This event has now, over the years, been able to host an audience of over 32 000. This Festival provides a great opportunity for South African musicians to perform together with their international counterparts and makes a huge contribution to the local economy and tourism in the city, the province and also nationally.
Workshops are also organised for young, emerging musicians, cultural journalists and technicians. We are pleased that the SABC has announced that there will be 100% local content for three months coinciding with the World Cup, this year. [Applause.] But we demand that this is not enough, it should be taken beyond this three-month period, and we are saying we expect at least 70% local content for our artists.
In pursuit of the objective of making the FIFA World Cup a truly South African and African experience, I have engaged with the Creative Workers Union of South Africa, CWUSA, and the Local Organising Committee, LOC, together with FIFA representatives to ensure that we showcase the vast talent of South Africa and African artists, so they should be well represented at all the arts and culture components of the FIFA World Cup. Thus far, our meetings have borne fruit and we shall continue to engage and ensure that our voices are heard through our actions and interaction to ensure that we achieve a lasting legacy for arts on the African continent.
The Department of Arts and Culture delivered the Grand Confederations Cup at both the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as a superb show at the final draw in December in Cape Town last year. This provided you with a preview of the ceremonies to come, which are being organised to be one of our greatest spectaculars.
The department is supporting the arts and culture component, especially of the opening and closing ceremonies. I would like to thank the task team, which I appointed, for their sterling work in helping to prepare the artistic programme, including for the final draw that was held in December as well as the Arts and Culture Programme for the 2010 World Cup.
The public viewing areas, PVAs, which are government-supported, are an important milestone, allowing the public access to view the games on large screens. A tapestry of all the disciplines of arts and culture will be displayed and performed at these PVAs.
The African Village, which is the welcome venue situated in Ekurhuleni Metro, will host the African qualifying countries, popularly known as the "African Six Pack", which will showcase the best that these countries have to offer in the arts and culture sector. The exhibition will centre around cuisine, fashion, books and our arts and crafts.
A build-up to this exciting Cultural Tournament Programme will be the Gauteng Carnival that will be taking place from 4 to 6 June, and the Africa Days celebrations on 29 May that will also be held in Gauteng. The Africa Day concert will showcase the African countries' most celebrated artists. Other provinces will host similar events in their PVAs, including African artists.
The overarching message of DAC is to use this World Cup as a platform to instil in the country our social cohesion and nation building programme. This has found expression through the Fly the Flag for Football Campaign and the National Anthem which have made a definite impact throughout the country.
Last Saturday saw the national finals of the My 2010 School Adventure Project, which helps through arts and culture to conscientise learners about their history, heritage and the role of the arts. This project has also taught them to be good citizens before they are good hosts.
As part of this unifying aspect, the Department of Arts and Culture has propagated multilingualism and has launched various technology lexicons. In the 2009-10 financial year, the primary and secondary term-creation phases of the soccer terminology project were distributed electronically to soccer commentators for both radio and television, soccer fans, and linguists.
Another important and exciting outcome is the creation of a centre of African excellence in performance arts at the Windybrow Theatre, where a new artistic director was recently appointed to stage performance arts from throughout Africa. The theatre has been refurbished to stage Africa's outstanding artistic work in preparation for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
We also plan to put out an entertainment guide advising visitors, tourists and citizens of the cultural and heritage shows and sights available in each of the host cities. Africa ke nako!
On the subject of legislation, the department will, in the course of this year, submit four Bills for our legislative programme. These will not only help us implement recommendations for the policy review process, but will also effect constitutional imperatives for our department. The Bills include the Cultural Laws Third Amendment Bill, the South African Community Library and Information Services Bill, the South African Language Practitioners' Council Bill, and the South African Languages Bill to effect multilingualism.
With regard to films, we are pleased to announce that we have decided to support the National Film and Video Foundation, NFVF, to the amount of R10 million. This grant will help them to set up co-operatives in rural areas and townships, and will also ensure that we focus on bringing cinema to our people and develop skills in areas related to film production, acting and film directing.
We keenly wish to see South Africa attain further success in the film industry, as the value chain benefits a wide number of businesses and creates many jobs. We have also supported the Durban Film Festival where a number of training programmes and workshops have been held for producers, directors, cinematographers and various technicians in the sector.
As part of our on-going cultural collaborations with the global community, we are proud to report that South Africa will finally be signing a film coproduction treaty with the French Republic. We are also working on signing agreements on film coproduction with Australia, as well the Republic of Ireland, in the year ahead.
In terms of design, the Department of Arts and Culture continues to unleash talent, ensuring that our design sector grows and is able to participate with the best in the world. The epitome is Fashion Fusion, a programme initiated by the Department of Arts and Culture. It was highlighted during the SA Fashion Week.
Its aim is to pair the creativity of rural-based crafters with leading fashion designers to produce sustainable products sold in leading stores nationwide and globally. This programme has not only opened up job opportunities, but has taken fashion design to greater heights.
This year's national Heritage Month celebrations will focus on the contribution of South Africa's living human treasures in the preservation and transmission of living heritage. In this way, we hope to highlight the contribution of communities and individuals who possess the high degree of knowledge and skills required to sustain livelihoods through generations.
This year, for the first time, the Department of Arts and Culture will be holding the South African Arts and Culture Awards on Heritage Day 2010. This will cover arts and culture disciplines such as craft, dance, fashion, design, visual arts, music, literature, theatre and film, as well as special categories to honour those who have become our living legends.
The South African craft industry continues to make headway in terms of building an export market with two exhibitions recently mounted outside the country. These include the Connection Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Borges Cultural Centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina and a craft exhibition at the 2nd Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algeria late last year, both of which provided exposure to different markets for our crafters.
Crafters also had a chance to exhibit in Nigeria at the 10-year anniversary of South Africa-Nigeria relations, which was a great success. Our crafts were also exhibited in Cuba. We have also mounted a crafts exhibition at Havana's Africa House in December 2009, which will be there forever, with many other African countries that are exhibiting in that museum.
The theme for Heritage Month last year was "Celebrating our crafts, celebrating our national heritage". An exhibition of the crafts of Limpopo was displayed. In a public-private partnership launched during Heritage Month last year, the Department of Arts and Culture, together with Old Mutual, offered crafts entrepreneurs trying to set up businesses a highly competitive interest rate for the first five years and sound business advice and further assistance.
The Department of Arts and Culture is also participating in the 2010 World Expo in Shangai, China, the theme of which is "Better Cities, Better Life". We are showcasing the vibrancy of South African cities and urban cultures. A Department of Arts and Culture crafts exhibition, "Beautiful Things," is being mounted at the expo. This expo, which started this month, will end in October 2010.
During this period we are also sending some of our leading women artists to participate in a Women's Day event on 9 August. We are also going to celebrate "Mandela Day" on 18 July in Shanghai when many top and emerging musicians will perform at a Concert at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. There will also be a parade and special activities at the pavilion. We are one of 180 countries participating at this expo, which is expected to draw over 70 million visitors from all over the world.
The department will be hosting a national cultural diplomacy conference in Pretoria from 20 to 22 May 2010, in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation. The event will attract some leading cultural figures, intellectuals, academics and artists to deliberate on the formation of cultural diplomacy policy for South Africa in the 21st century.
South Africa also hosted the 4th World Summit on Arts and Culture, held in Newtown Johannesburg from 22 to 25 September 2009. It was hosted by the National Arts Council of South Africa, supported by Department of Arts and Culture. The fact that this 4th World Summit took place on African soil afforded a large delegation from the continent a chance to attend and participate in this world event.
An African Chapter of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies, IFACCA, was set up in Harare on 30 April this year.
The Department of Arts and Culture recently hosted a televised breakfast session to launch The African Artists for Haiti Initiative. Significantly, this happened on the hundredth day of the earthquake disaster that devastated that country. The aim of the initiative is not to only use arts and culture to raise funds but also to raise consciousness and awareness, and to galvanise the artistic sector and the general public to continue to come up with concrete contributions that will ensure that we make the quality of life of the people of Haiti better.
We are pleased that representatives of the Gift of the Givers are also in this House today; they have contributed immensely in mobilising assistance for the people of Haiti. [Applause.]
Haiti was the first republic established by people of African descent more than 200 years. They were slaves who liberated themselves and inspired all Africans of the continent and the diaspora to fight for their freedom. It signifies the epic movement of African people towards liberation and self-determination.
I want to talk about an important aspect of our work this year: the recovery and repatriation of South African cultural heritage items. Mr Giuseppe Ciucci, a South African businessman of the Stonehage Group, who acquired the flag on auction in London and returned it to South Africa, is represented here today by Mr Koos Rossouw, who is present in the House.
I want to thank him for his public spiritedness and his patriotism. This is the flag that flew during the inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela. [Applause.] As we can all see, it was signed by President Mandela and the then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and President F W De Klerk.
It is part of our history and our heritage. [Applause.] I again want to thank Mr Ciucci for showing great patriotism by ensuring that he bought this flag at the auction in London and brought it back home. [Applause.]
I must also thank Colonel Jaco Klopper, who was one of the pilots who flew the helicopters for the inauguration. He supplied the department with invaluable information, which enabled us to act swiftly in this matter. The recovery of the Freedom Charter was also only possible due to the generosity and public spiritedness of many people and organisations.
We would also like to thank the Lilliesleaf Trust for their role in this regard. Tomorrow we shall be hosting a handover ceremony in which the Deputy President, hon Kgalema Motlanthe, will receive the Freedom Charter on behalf of our government and our nation. [Applause.] The recovery of the Freedom Charter, signed by Chief Albert Luthuli and the congress alliance leaders, has been a victory against those who wish to steal our precious heritage items.
We commend the National Archives and South African Heritage Resources Agency, Sahra, for refusing permission for artworks of outstanding significance to be exported out of our country. [Applause.]
These works include The Harvesters by George Pemba. Here is The Harvesters and The Landscape, also by George Pemba. [Applause.]
These paintings were also about to be sold with the flag in London and, thanks to the chief executive officer of Sahra, Mrs Sibongile Van Damme, who refused to give permits for the export of these beautiful pieces of art. These pieces by George Pemba were painted in protest against the Natives' Land Act, Act 27 of 1913 and, as we can see, they actually signify the importance of the use of the land for our people. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. [Applause.]
Over the coming year the National Archives and Sahra will focus on ensuring that we make certain amendments that will be addressed by my department, as a matter of urgency. The rescue of these iconic items of our heritage has highlighted the gaps that we have in our legislation, and I wish to assure the House that my department is addressing these as a matter of great urgency.
Certain amendments to the South African Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999, will be made in the Cultural Laws Third Amendment Bill. These are intended to close the loopholes currently being used by commercial concerns outside our country to loot our cultural heritage.
Over the coming year the National Archives will focus on digitising audio recordings in the Rivonia Trial collection. We intend to partner in this delicate and highly technical task with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, because the Rivonia Trial records are now listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. [Applause.]
The Republic of Korea will be hosting an exhibition based on collections listed in the Memory of the World Register, and South Africa will be showcasing the Rivonia Trial records in this exhibition.
Plans are afoot to have an annual Dulcie September memorial lecture hosted jointly by the department and the University of Western Cape in this August year. We intend inviting African writers to the event which will celebrates women's writing of the same period.
The Ministry has also been invited to the annual commemoration of the Dulcie September High School by the Mayor of Arcueil in France.
Following my undertaking last year to celebrate the significant role of South African women, Sahra has initiated the public consultation process for the grading and declaration of the graves of Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, by consulting the families and critical and interested stakeholders. The whole process will be completed by July 2010, and I will make a public announcement during women's month in August 2010 to celebrate the role of women in establishing South Africa's democracy.
South Africa was chosen, once again, as the market focus country at the recent London Book Fair which took place from 19 to 21 April. This honour provided an ideal opportunity to showcase South African authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries. The unprecedented situation arising from the Icelandic volcano prevented most of our delegates and I from attending this important event.
I would like to thank Ambassador or High Commissioner Skweyiya for ably representing us at this gathering. However, because of the unavoidable lost opportunities, further visits are being organised that will ensure that the South African book sector can showcase our achievements both in Edinburgh and Hay-on-Wye later this year.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon Minister, you are now going into your response time, but you are free that.
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: All right, I will leave it there. [interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): No, she is taking it from that time. That's what I'm saying.
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Thank you, hon Minister, and thank you very much for salvaging some of those historic moments in the form of the flag and some of the artefacts that you have there.
I am quite sure that all the members of this House are appreciative of that. The other thing I wanted to do was comment on your attire. It is a superb statement, appropriate for two things: the African culture and today's weather! [Laughter.]
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: I am nice and warm.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): That's why I envy you.
DR T S FARISANI
THE MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Dr T S FARISANI: Chairperson, our beloved Minister, hon members, it is the right of every South African citizen to touch these very valuable things, and I'm close enough to do that.
I dedicate my presentation to the living one whose lastborn child, the ninth, is 57 years this year, 2010, and whose seventh child and only son will be 63 on 30 August, less than 4 months from today – myself! [Applause.] Her first, second and third offspring are also still alive.
She is my mother, with one eye blinded by old age and the other still useful, thanks to medical science. While we know little about her real age, we know much about her royal origins. She is the lioness.
Tshivenda:
Ndi Ndou ya Ha-Mashamba, Kokwani la vhana vha ninga, li si na musidzana phende, muyakhuni a si na nnzi, a vhofha nga zwithu zwawe. Ahee ndou!
English:
I dedicate this speech on our Arts and Culture Budget Vote to my late father and to my three mothers – his wives, of whom only my blood mother is still alive. I am Tshidawana, the cub, born of this Ndau, the lion.
Tshivenda:
Muronga wa madi a mvula ane ari u vhalala na zwidula zwa lidza mifhululu. [Ululation.]
English:
I am born of rain water, which if spilt, incites even frogs to ululate.
Tshivenda:
Matare wa kumela, nndaa! Dada la mavhalavhala, khakhamela, tshiendeulu tsha mbudzi na kholomo ...
English:
... the multicoloured dragon. I stand in this august democratic House, thanks to the Freedom Charter, the charter that charted and inspired our liberation struggle at the constituent assembly, the maternity ward in which our beloved baby, the democratic Constitution, was born on 8 May 1996. It is this Freedom Charter that guided our Reconstruction and Development Programme, RDP, in our united democratic nonracist and nonsexist South Africa, and I qoute:
We, the people of South Africa declare for all our country and the world to know: that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.
We congratulate the Minister and the department for a willingness to be baptised in the waters and vision of the Freedom Charter, the River Jordan of our liberation. It is at the brickyard of the Freedom Charter that we get precious materials for nation building. It is at this tried and tested source that we get the vision that inspires all our programmes for socioeconomic, cultural, artistic and political cohesion. I quote:
Our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood ...
I add sisterhood –
... enjoying equal rights and opportunities. Only a democratic state can secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief. And, therefore, we, the people of South Africa, black and white together as equals, countrymen ...
I add women –
... brothers and sisters, adopt this Freedom Charter. And we pledge ourselves to strive together sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes here set out have been won.
We salute the department for its key strategic policies and plans up to 2012-13 to transform South Africa's arts, culture and heritage sectors in order to serve and service our rainbow of artistic and cultural variegations. The adoption and co-option of these artistic and cultural matters to promote economic growth; job creation; waging war against poverty; national reconciliation; nation-building; and social cohesion are highly commendable.
I come to our languages and their beautiful diversity.
Tshivenda:
Ri ya amba.
Xitsonga:
Ha vulavula hina.
IsiXhosa:
Siyathetha.
Sepedi:
Rea bolela.
Afrikaans:
Ons praat en gesels.
English:
We talk and speak.
Afrikaans:
Suid-Afrika, ons tuiste!
Tshivenda:
Afurika Tshipembe lashu.
Sepedi:
Afrika Borwa ya rena.
IsiXhosa:
Mzantsi Afrika, ikhaya lethu.
English:
This is the free South Africa. You take it or leave it; it is for all. My "Khotsimunene" - that's from an official language - my younger father, Tshifularo Petros Farisani does not regret even in his five-year-old grave that he travelled on bicycle from Alexandra township to Kliptown on 26 June 1955 for the launch of the Freedom Charter by the authentic, real, genuine, people-orientated and progressive congress of the people.
He used to say to me ...
Tshivenda:
Nwananga, helo duvha zwo vha zwi zwihulu. Ndo bva nga lukanyakanya nda dovha hafhu nda vhuya ngalwo, ndi tshi khou itela u shela mulenzhe musi Freedom Charter i tshi rwelwa tari. Murathu wanga, ndo vha ndi hone nga tsha vhukoma.
English:
We applaud the department and the minister for accepting no easy and cheap solutions; for adopting no hollow, fix-it-all panaceas and shortcuts; for following the long walk to freedom, the Mandela route and the Aluta continua! route as they address the plight of the vulnerable; programmes for young people; community arts centres; cultural participation by our South African and African artists in the 2010 Fifa World Cup; matters of heritage; and legacy programmes. The cross-pollination between local cultural industries and their international counterparts is a welcome phenomenon.
An overview of the budget and rogrammes is highly encouraging as is the cleaning and strengthening of administration; development of and promotion of arts and culture in social development; enhancement of linguistic diversity; promotion of mutually beneficial partnerships and co-operations between South Africa and international artists; conservation and promotion of cultural heritage; and facilitation of full and open access to the archival, heraldic, library and information resources of our land.
In conclusion, we shall highlight the challenges that call for urgent attention and resolution: equality of languages in court, including the need for simultaneous rather that consecutive translation or interpretation; equality of languages in legislation or legislative processes; equality of languages in sport and the need to develop relevant terms; attending to entities or agencies of the department that are in troubled waters, functionally and finically; ensuring that our world status heritage sites do not lose their status, either through dereliction, corruption or poor management; working with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure enhanced protection of our intellectual property rights; taking our indigenous languages to the highest academic levels, including research; further promotion of the moral regeneration movement to strengthen the norms and values of our society and enhance the soul of the nation; focused attention to arts in our prisons, among people with disabilities and those with mental problems; and striving towards sustainable and unqualified financial reports by the Auditor-General for the Department of Arts and Culture and her entities.
Finally, we appreciate the Department of Arts and Culture's legislative programme for 2010. This, we believe, will address legislative lacunae, grey areas and weakness in the laws governing arts and culture in South Africa and in our relations with the rest of the world.
Another fascinating programme is the quickly evolving developments on issues of cultural diplomacy. I have confidence in my colleagues who will follow me. They will address more sharply and in finer detail the issues that I have just skimmed through. South Africa, our land!
Swahili:
Twende sote juu, kwa nyumba ya baba, kwa nyumba ya baba!
English:
In Swahili, this means that this land is for everybody. I thank you. If I have some time left, I donate it to the Minister. [Laughter.] [Aplause.]
MS A LOTRIET
MR T S FARISANI
Ms A LOTRIET: Chairperson, I would like to start by commending the Minister for the steps she has taken to address corruption in her department. Minister, this has been long overdue and it is encouraging to hear that you have taken action to institute forensic investigations and to dismiss and suspend officials.
It is hoped that there will be real action and results and that the officials found guilty be dealt with accordingly, and that we do not have a situation where they are merely redeployed elsewhere. The Arts and Culture community cannot afford a situation where the limited funds available are mismanaged.
We are, today, 35 days away from the greatest sporting event on the globe – the 2010 Fifa World Cup – an event that could hold tremendous advantages for the arts and culture practitioners of South Africa.
I also have to thank you at this point, Minister, for your intervention following the outcry of our local artists when they were, to a large extent, excluded from the kick-off concert for the World Cup, and we look forward to seeing South African and African artists making us proud on the world stage. This outcry, indeed, also again highlighted the plight of South African artists in terms of opportunities and support. The great expectation of 2010 is that it will provide a wonderful opportunity for our artists and cultural practitioners to showcase the rich and diverse variety of what our country has to offer the world.
The question is, however: To what extent will these expectations and promises be fulfilled? As I have mentioned, we applaud the Minister for ensuring that our artists will be performing at the kick-off concert, but the question is: What has the Department done up to now to fulfil the promises made to the arts and culture community? Now Minister, up to this point, a few minutes ago, my answer would have been that I don't know.
Today is the first time that we do have some detail of what is going to happen with arts and culture in 2010. And I don't just say this; we have reasons for this.
In February this year, the DA asked questions about the alleged missing R150 million promised to arts and culture projects and productions for the World Cup. To date, we have not received any response.
In October last year we asked questions about the department's involvement in the opening ceremonies, and we were assured in a reply that the department is very closely involved in the planning and execution of these ceremonies, but, once again, no detail.
At a Parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on 10 March this year, it was announced that 43 proposals from the arts and culture community were approved for 2010 and that the list would be made available to the committee within two weeks. This is two months later and to date, no such list has been forwarded. I have also not received any replies to my requests made to the department officials.
It is, therefore, also not strange that we have heard on television, radio, from representatives of the arts community, for example, the Creative Workers Union, that they had no idea which projects and performances would be included. We only heard today and we are 35 days away from the World Cup.
This is unfortunately also the case with many matters in the department and this portfolio. We do not get answers from the Minister and if we do eventually, like for example last year, we only receive replies right at the end of the year. This seriously impacts on our ability to fulfil our oversight duties as required by the Constitution. The same goes for the portfolio committee, where we have not yet undertaken a single oversight visit.
But let's return to the World Cup. We have to realise that the World Cup is a once-off event. We also have to look beyond 2010 if we want to address the needs of South African artists. It is, therefore, a major reason for concern that the transfers to the National Arts Council have been reduced by R15 million in 2010-11 and R15 million in 2011-12.
At first glance this is not good news for our artists who are struggling to obtain funds for their projects. However, what makes it even worse is the reason for this cut in the budget. It is because of the council's large accumulated surpluses, mainly due to unallocated grants over a number of years. This is totally unacceptable.
We constantly hear of the dire need for funds in the performing arts community. A number of performing arts are literally on the verge of closing down. Emergency steps have to be taken by the performers themselves to save their art. Examples of this are dance, including ballet, and philharmonic orchestras, this while the National Arts Council has not been able to allocate the funds available for this purpose.
Minister, this situation cannot continue. We owe it to the arts community to ensure that the funds made available to promote and support it, are indeed used for this purpose. And in this regard, we have to promote and protect all the different forms of art and not only a select few.
Minister, in your budget speech last year you spoke about the department's Investing in Culture programme. As you said, this programme has the aim of providing empowerment opportunities for unemployed people through skills development, training, and job creation in the cultural industries. It is important that rural communities, the youth and vulnerable groups benefit from cultural industries. It is thus indeed a programme that one would expect to be given priority attention in its implementation, given the high level of unemployment in our country.
This programme was, in fact, meant to be a driving force in terms of a poverty alleviation strategy in government. However, the reality is that the Department of Arts and Culture is anticipating underspending on this programme. By the end of the third quarter of 2009-10 expenditure, it has only spent 33% of the R93 million allocated to this project. Surely this is not in the interests of the people who have to benefit from this programme. Hon Minister, this programme can actually make a difference in people's lives and therefore it should be a main priority with proper utilisation of the allocated funds.
The main priority, however, should not be international trips. In this regard the department has not had problems in spending money. And although this was not during your term of office, Minister – I acknowledge this – the expenditure on international trips for this department increased from R19 million in 2007-08 by 111% to R40 million in 2008-09.
One had hoped that this trend would not continue, but the worrying fact, however, is that the department has reported a high spending of 87% at the end of the third quarter of 2009-10 in current payments due to international travelling expenses and that overspending is in fact envisaged.
It is clear that the department has a challenge in terms of financial planning and it also seems as if the department uses the adjustment period to address financial planning capacity problems. Minister, although, as I mentioned earlier, your efforts in trying to root out corruption in the department is commendable, you will have to ensure that the financial challenges are addressed and that the suspension of officials does not impact negatively on service delivery.
It was also encouraging to hear from the director-general yesterday at a portfolio committee meeting that senior positions in the department will be filled in the near future and that the problem of acting senior officials, such as directors, will be a thing of the past. It is, however, not yet clear whether this also includes the position of chief financial officer, a position that has been vacant since early 2008.
Afrikaans:
Agb Minister, een van die belangrikste oogmerke van u departement is nasionale versoening en sosiale kohesie of samehorigheid, soos wat u ook na verwys het. Dit is egter twee sake wat die afgelope tyd ernstige skade gelei het deur onverantwoordelike uitsprake en die sing van kwetsende liedjies.
Op Vryheidsdag het die President ook verwys na Suid-Afrikaners wat nie mekaar se tradisies, kulture, godsdiens en gebruike ken en verstaan nie. Dit is inderdaad belangrik as ons in vrede as burgers van die land wil woon en werk.
Dit is egter ook so dat dit nie voldoende is om sodanige stellings van 'n verhoog tydens nasionale dae te maak nie. Dit is belangrik genoeg dat die regering daadwerklik leiding moet gee deur dade en dit is waar u department voor moet loop.
Alhoewel daar baie aspekte verbonde aan kultuur, tradisies, godsdiens en so meer is, is taal waarskynlik een van die meer prominente aspekte wat aandag moet geniet in hierdie verband. Dit kan gesien word in die heftige debat rondom taal. Voorbeelde hiervan is die kommer oor die voortbestaan van Afrikaans se status as hoëronderrigtaal, die afwesigheid van ons inheemse tale aan hoëronderriginstellings, die behoefte aan moedertaalonderrig op skool en gebrekkige toegang tot dienslewering as gevolg van taal, byvoorbeeld by polisiestasies, hospitale, klinieke en munispaliteite waar landsburgers nie in hulle eie tale bedien kan word nie.
'n AGB LID: Hoor, hoor!
Me A LOTRIET: Ongelukkig word die debatvoering oor taal dikwels afgemaak as minder belangrik en word dit eerder as 'n irritasie gesien. As daar egter gekyk word na wat onlangs in België gebeur het, waar die regering so te sê ineen gestort het primêr as gevolg van die taalkwessie in die land, wys dit hoe belangrik taal inderdaad is.
Taal is tot 'n groot mate wat 'n mens definieer. Dit sê wie jy is en hoe jy jouself sien. Hierdie aspek het duidelik na vore gekom tydens die onlangse openbare verhore wat die parlementêre Grondwetlikehersieningskomitee in Limpopo gehou het om te bepaal of Sepedi of Sesotho sa Leboa die amptelike taal moet wees wat in die Grondwet verskyn.
Uit die voorleggings was dit duidelik dat taal en identiteit onlosmaaklik aan mekaar verbind is. Sprekers van beide tale het te kenne gegee dat hul taal 'n aanduiding gee van hul geskiedenis sowel as hul status. Daar was ook duidelike ervarings van marginalisering, vervreemding en aanstoot wat geneem word ten opsigte van die naam van die amptelike taal. Daarom is dit, aan die een kant, belangrik dat die tale wat die burgers van die land praat, erken en gerespekteer word en, aan die ander kant, dat die sprekers van die tale erken en gerespekteer word.
Eersgenoemde het te make met die meganismes wat die regering in plek stel om te verseker dat alle tale, soos erken in ons Grondwet, hul regmatig plek en status geniet. Dit beteken dat alle amptelike tale dieselfde status geniet en dat die reg om daardie tale op alle vlakke van die samelewing te gebruik, deur die regering verseker en beskerm word. Dit is in hierdie verband waar die regering moet toesien dat daar voldoende wetgewing is om hieraan uitvoering te gee.
English:
In this regard an important ruling was made in March this year in the case of an attorney from Brits, Mr Lourens, by the judge in the High Court in Pretoria. In his ruling, Judge du Plessis found that contrary to the Constitution in terms of Section 6(4), the government had not regulated and monitored the use of official languages. He also instructed the Minister of Arts and Culture to ensure that there is compliance within two years.
This ruling is arguably the single most important ruling on multilingualism in South Africa since the adoption of the Constitution in 1996. This means that the government can no longer hide behind the National Language Policy Framework as the sole safeguard of our official languages. The Pan South African Language Board can now be empowered to ensure that people's language rights are adhered to. This has long been one of the main problems and reasons provided for as to why there is no compliance with the language provisions in the Constitution.
It is, however, a pity and a sad reflection on the government that citizens have to take government to court to get them to comply with and implement the stipulations in the Constitution.
This ruling does have specific implications for the department and specifically also for the budget. In the budget debate in June last year I stated that the budget allocation for languages was not sufficient. It had the smallest allocation of all the programmes in the department and, unfortunately Minister, it is the exact same situation again in this budget.
Although one realises and accepts that when the budget was compiled, the court ruling had not yet been given, provision will have to be made during the adjustment period to cater for this. This will also in future have to be taken into account by different government departments especially where there is direct service delivery to people.
An aspect that is not always realised when looking at the implementation of multilingualism, is the new possibilities it provides for job creation. This is good news, as our country is blessed with many people who have wonderful multilingual skills. Although it is quite admirable that the department wants to promote our South African languages by awarding bursaries to students in language practice, the reality is that the language practice profession presently does not offer that many opportunities. This is exactly because of the fact that we do not have a languages Act. There is no real obligation for government departments to render multilingual services, as it cannot be enforced.
Minister, in the interim, until we have a languages Act, your Department still has the responsibility to ensure that different departments provide multilingual services. In this regard it is also highly unacceptable and problematic, and to the detriment of the promotion and protection of all the languages of South Africa, that the CEO of the Pan South African Language Board has been suspended for more than a year. This is wasteful and fruitless expenditure, and given PanSALB's limited budget, something we cannot afford.
Afrikaans:
Die ander aspek, naas erkenning van die tale van Suid-Afrika, is die erkenning van en respek vir die sprekers van 'n taal. Dikwels het ons hier te doen met stereotipering, hoe die sprekers van 'n taal as sus of so gesien word. In Suid-Afrika het ons nie 'n gebrek aan stereotipering nie en ongelukkig word hierdie stereotipes versterk deur hoe ons na mekaar verwys en ook hoe ons na mekaar se tale verwys. Dit spreek boekdele van wat ons van mekaar dink.
Minister, dit is belangrik dat u en u departement die leiding in hierdie verband neem en dan gaan dit byvoorbeeld nie net oor die verandering van plekname wat kwetsend is nie. Daar is ook ander aspekte waar daar op kwetsende en beledigende wyses na mense verwys word, soos byvoorbeeld in amptelike dokumentasie.
'n Voorbeeld hiervan is die benaming van byvoorbeeld, Afrikaans, in die isiZuIu, siSwati, Sesotho en Setswana weergawes van die Grondwet. In die isiZulu en siSwati weergawes word na Afrikaans verwys as isiBhunu en in die Sesotho en Setwana weergawes as Seburu. Afrikaans word dus gesien as die taal van die Boere.
Alhoewel 'n mens begrip kan hê vir die moontlike historiese redes vir die benoeming, is dit gewoon net nie meer van pas vandag nie en versterk dit die stereotipiese persepsies wat daar oor dié taal en sy sprekers bestaan.
As ons dus werklik as gelykwaardige Suid-Afrikaners gesien en behandel wil word, waar ons almal gelyke geleenthede het om onsself tot ons volle potensiaal uit te leef, sal ons moet aandag gee aan hoe ons mekaar beskou, van mekaar praat en tot watter mate ons mekaar erken en respekteer. Hier, agb Minister, sal u die leiding moet neem.
English:
Chair, as the Minister has mentioned, besides the South African Language Bill, the department plans to deal with three pieces of legislation, namely the Cultural Laws Third Amendment Bill, the Community Library Bill and the South African Language Practitioner's Council Bill.
These are all very important Bills and we trust that they will indeed progress to the stage where they can be tabled, especially the South African Language Practitioner Council Bill, which was first drafted as far back as 1999. We also hope this delay is not going to happen to the rest.
Chair, 2010 is a year of legacy. In years to come we shall look back on 2010 and the legacy it left our country with. I trust that the legacy will also include a vibrant, thriving and creative arts and culture community that will enrich all our lives. Thank you.
Mr P NTSHIQELA
Ms A LOTRIET
IsiXhosa:
Mr P NTSHIQELA: Sihlalo, Mphathiswa wesebe, malungu onke eNdlu yoWiso-mthetho nabo bonke abamenyiweyo abalapha kule Ndlu, mholweni. Iyinyaniso into yokuba uMphathiswa xa ebebeka yonke le ntetho ayenze apha ugxile kakhulu kwizinto ezizezona zibonise impumelelo. Abanye bethu, ukuba ayisithi sonke, sakuyingqina loo nto. Ndiyaqonda ukuba zikhona ezimbalwa, ukuba azininzanga, ezingahambanga kakuhle angabangasazitsho. Andizukugxininisa kakhulu kwezo zinto, kodwa ke intetho yam iza kugxininisa kumba wokuqala ekuthiwa yi-"Promotion of arts and culture for social cohesion", ukukhuthazwa kobugcisa nenkcubeko ngokubhekisele kumanyano ngokwezentlalo ukutsho oko.
English:
South Africa is the world's most unequal society. The gap between the rich and the poor is really a gulf. On top of that, we are still very much divided because of our historical circumstances. In the past social exclusion was part of the state's policy. Today, social exclusion based on race, class, education, poverty, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation is not because of state policies, but social realities. Even so, this is a time bomb.
Social exclusion creates division, continuing mistrust and fear of fellow citizens with different cultural, social, racial and religious backgrounds. Our country needs to witness an aggressive implementation of our policies that seek to promote social cohesion through social inclusion. We, in the progressive Cope ... [Laughter] ... do not fault the department on its intention, but there is no doubt that implementation is neither adequate nor sustained.
Hon Minister, we need decisive and sustained action in this regard. It is not our fault that over R57 billion goes towards servicing the state's debts. Futile and wasteful expenditure combined with corruption leaves the government short of money to implement policies. We suggest that the Minister goes through her budget once again to effect savings so that the department can promote art more vigorously in order to achieve social inclusion.
Kweli lizwe loMzantsi Afrika [Here in South Africa], we have proof that all of us, notwithstanding our different appearances, have an African ancestry. Every one of us has the genes of an African mother. We therefore have our genetic make-up and our citizenship as common factors with which to achieve our common humanity and a common nationhood.
Unfortunately, too little is being done in this area of such great importance to this nation. With regard to the process of art and culture, let us ask a very tough question. In 16 years, how much of African cultural content has been developed and what level of investment opportunities has arisen out of that effort? Ngumbuzo ke lowo. [That is a question.]
Each year the department projects what it is still going to do rather than showing an accumulative record of what has been achieved over the preceeding years to create the platform for new advances.
IsiXhosa:
Amanye amagama esilungu aza kundibetha ke, ize ingabi yintlekisa ke loo nto. Ndavinjwa njengani ithuba lokuba ndiwafunde nyani lo magama esikolweni.
English:
I am certain - noko ndiyazama madoda [at least I'm trying gentlemen] [Interjections.] - that the Minister herself will appreciate having an investment trial to judge growth in investment.
If, as a nation, we could show that year after year, over the last 16 years, we have had a 5% or 10% growth in investment in the arts and culture field, and that labour absorption has grown by a similar margin, we would all be very gratified. We need to make a huge dent in unemployment and we need to see the contribution of each department in that regard. This is not a criticism, but an imperative. The progressive Cope also believes that it is very important for the department to measure the volume of products from across the various arts and culture groups.
IsiZulu:
USIHLALO WESIKHASHANA (Mnu L B G NDABANDABA): Mhlonitshwa Ntshiqela, sesiphelile isikhathi sakho.
IsiXhosa:
Mnu P NTSHIQELA: Kwangoku na? Khawundiboleke eminye imizuzu. Ndiyabulela. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [Laphela ixesha.]
Ms H S MSWELI
Mr P NTSHIQELA
Ms H S MSWELI: Chairperson and colleagues, the Department of Arts and Culture's primary aim is to develop and preserve South African arts and culture to ensure social cohesion and nation-building.
We, in the IFP, recognise the central significance of arts, culture and heritage in the cultural, social and intellectual life of the country. Like many other departments, the Department of Arts and Culture's main area of focus now is in the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
We are concerned, however, that out of the six programmes of the Department of Arts and Culture, the only programme showing a marginal increase is Programme 1, which is administration, at 0,51%. Of increasing concern, also, is Programme 2, which is for arts and culture in society, which shows a real decrease of 22,15%. Most of this allocation goes to the National Arts Council, NAC.
Consequently, the budget of the NAC, which played a big role in arts funding, has been decreased by R15 million. Ironically, the President's state of the nation address reiterated the important role played by arts and culture in society. This is a trend which has remained unchanged since at least the previous three budgetary cycles.
With the 2010 World Cup, the rest of the world will be focused on South Africa, so this is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase the country's arts and culture during the extravaganza. It remains to be seen whether the department's mandate and potential will be maximised to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Fifa World Cup beyond 2010.
There must be a greater effort to support and promote South African arts and culture activities in all areas of our country, especially in the rural and underprivileged areas. This can have a positive social effect for the communities in those areas, and lay the basic foundation for long-term commitment to artistic excellence.
With more than half of the young being unemployed, the IFP believes that arts and culture can have a positive effect on the lives of the youth. However, the biggest challenge is ensuring that they have access to facilities and organisations that promote these activities.
Young people, especially those who have been unable to obtain a matric certificate, pose a huge risk to social cohesion and communal-mindedness. These young people clearly do not have the best chance of becoming strong, healthy and participative individuals in society. The Department of Arts and Culture could, therefore, play a constructive role in reducing crime and poverty, as well increasing the health and development of marginalised young people.
The department must be seen to be providing real empowerment opportunities for unemployed people from the second economy through training and job creation in the arts, culture and heritage spheres. It should provide access to markets and skills as a tool for urban renewal, rural development and job creation. Youth cultural groups and other creative organisations should have regular access to multipurpose arts support centres. At these centres they should have access to funding, advice, advertising and planning skills in order to develop their capacity to grow.
South Africa is blessed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage and this is one of the defining ...
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr L B G Ndabandaba): Hon Msweli, unfortunately, your time has expired.
Ms H S MSWELI: At any rate, the IFP supports the Budget Vote. Thank you [Applause.] [Time Expired.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr L B G Ndabandaba): Hon members, before I call upon the next speaker, I would like once again to remind this hon House about a convention, which is very, very old. When you leave the House you must bow, when you enter the House you must bow.
MS R E NYALUNGU
MS H S MSWELI
Ms R E NYALUNGU: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, and distinguished guests, the ANC'S point of departure in the approach to the Budget Vote debate on Arts and Culture must start with our policies.
At the 52nd National Conference of the ANC in Polokwane in December 2007, we reaffirmed the belief that arts and culture is a cornerstone of any national democratic society, and a fundamental pillar in the transformation of society. The ANC recognises that social transformation cannot be separated from the revolutionary role and nature that culture plays in the transformation of any society.
The Reconstruction and Development Programme, RDP, of 1995, adopted by the ANC as policy, reflected upon the arts and culture in that they permeate all spheres of society and are an integral part of social and economic life, business and industries based on the arts.
In promoting cultural development and heritage, the RDP sought to inform and promote the rich and diverse expression of South African culture as a unifying national culture representing the aspirations of all South Africa's people. It also sought to ensure that the resources and facilities for both the production and the appreciation of arts and culture are made available to all. It sought also to conserve, promote and revitalise all national cultural heritage so that it is accessible to all communities.
The Arts and Culture Budget presents a unique opportunity to all South Africans to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The ANC is proud and privileged to lead a country that has a rich, diverse, and tangible cultural heritage, such as cultural expressions, oral traditions, craftsmanship, social practices, rituals and festivals. For the ANC, no culture is inferior or superior to the other. [Applause.]
Chairperson, the current budget must as a matter of principle contribute to the development of our culture and heritage. It is therefore of concern that the heritage programme reflects a decline. The overall budget has slightly declined for 2010-11.
However, since the 2006-07 financial year, the department's Budget increased from R1,3 billion to R2,6 billion in the 2009-10 financial year. Main contributors to an increased Budget allocation were the Freedom Park project and projects related to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Growth on expenditure trends demonstrates this progressive commitment. With focused programmes and appropriate use of this Budget, we can do more and better in the interests of our people.
Chairperson, heritage measures seek to promote South African national history with a focus on cultural development. Through this budget allocation, Arts and Culture will continue to embrace customs, tradition, beliefs, religion, language, crafts and other art forms like music, dance, theatre and written and oral literature.
The 2007 Strategy and Tactics of the ANC articulates that government needs to consolidate partnerships across society to strengthen cultural development and ensure that South Africa achieves the values of a caring society informed by the traits of human compassion.
Last year, South Africa celebrated the rich heritage found in its crafts. South Africa's craft industry produces a wide range of craft products across different styles and genres, and it holds high hopes for rural development.
The traditional and cultural expressions, such as the design and production of crafts that are handed down from one generation to another, either orally or by imitation, are constantly evolving, developing or being recreated within the community.
These expressions reflect communities' cultural and social identity and are created for commercial, religious and cultural purposes. Manifestations of traditional, cultural expressions include basket-weaving, crafts, instrumental music, singing and pottery.
South Africa is home to a unique and diverse crafts industry. Crafters have over the years produced a vibrant crafts legacy by using natural resources and recycled products, such as plastic bags, paper, cardboard boxes and wire found in their communities.
Although the crafts industry has gradually moved away from being just a mere expression of individual skills to entrepreneurship, practitioners still lack protection from exploitation. The industry does not provide for equitable benefits of profits or participation in the crafts economy or market, particularly from the rural development perspective. Together we must change that.
In recognition of the value created by these crafts, the ANC is encouraged to see that the Department of Arts and Culture is promoting national heritage in line with its commitment to a more focused concentration on rural women and young people. This Budget gives us an opportunity to highlight the socioeconomic value of the crafts industry and encourages further development and investment in it.
Part of the heritage of living among diverse groups of people, with equally diverse expressions, is the absolute responsibility to respect those who do not necessarily share one's views, culture or beliefs. This finds expression in engendering freedom of the human spirit to search for better ways of doing things, and to express oneself freely through the creative endeavours of humanity.
This finds compatibility with the Constitution's Bill of Rights which emphasises individual freedom, but with individual responsibility. It also emphasises collective freedom and collective responsibility. Our Constitution places immense value on our cultural heritage. It gives South Africans an opportunity to heal the divisions of the past through arts and culture and provides an opportunity to establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.
The ANC is committed to an overarching South African identity, recognising the diversity and rich heritage of the country's people in both rural and urban areas.
Cultural development whilst rooted within a social system is developed through the process of socialisation. The rise of globalisation during the colonisation of many parts of the world has had an influence on our cultures and there has been an assimilation of cultural activity, yet in an intricately diverse manner.
In conclusion, I have no doubt that our country has a rich heritage and culture that should be preserved and developed for a better life for all. It is through this budget that we can do so. My culture and your culture constitutes one nation. [Time expired.]
Mrs C DUDLEY
MS R E NYALUNGU
Mrs C DUDLEY: Speaker, hon Minister, the ACDP notes that the department's policies strongly focus on promoting the country's official languages and enhancing linguistic diversity. The National Language Service programme, however, shows a decrease of 6,08% in real terms. This will clearly add to the difficulties of achieving the constitutional mandate and imperative of promoting a multilingual society, and this is of concern.
Place name changes is another priority and national hearings will determine the tempo at which geographical name changes take place. Funding must be available in order for this emotive matter to be handled both transparently and sensitively.
The ACDP agrees that the fight against poverty must remain central in all we do, and Arts and Culture will be expected to pick up this challenge with even greater determination. The present lack of proper facilities in disadvantaged schools for the study of the performing and creative arts is preventing scores of talented youngsters from pursuing further education in these areas, because they have not acquired the necessary proficiency to enter higher education. This is a tragedy for us as a nation.
Talking about further education, hon Minister, has the department ensured that funds will be made available by FET colleges for developing skills in the arts and culture sector, and will these funds be accessible, especially in less-advantaged communities?
Enormous difficulties are also presently being experienced by performers and artists in general in getting support for what they do. Theatres like the Baxter and companies like the Cape Town City Ballet struggle to make ends meet, and their efforts to contribute to the artistic life of Cape Town are undermined. No doubt this problem is replicated in theatres and other artistic centres across the country. Hon Minister, how is government responding to this situation?
Human resource development forms a vital part of the development of all genres of artistic and cultural expression, together with issues of professional marketing skills and access to markets. These matters often do not receive the attention they deserve. The ACDP hopes that the reduced budget in heritage promotion, which focuses on programmes for vulnerable families, as well as training art counsellors in art therapy, will not impact negatively, particularly on artists with disabilities and the Early Childhood Development and Children At Risk programmes.
We welcome the envisaged reduction of the regulatory burden on small businesses with particular reference to South Africa's cultural industries. Strengthening South Africa's creative and export potential, small business development and entrepreneurship must be a top priority. Fighting poverty and unemployment will necessitate a strong focus on the development of cultural industries that benefit rural communities, youth and vulnerable groups. The ACDP would like to see greater efforts in facilitating the transfer of skills of older people to young people.
Lastly, hon Minister, how will work on the National Asset Register proceed with the seemingly zero funding available for that? The ACDP will, however, support the Budget.
Mr H P MALULEKA
Mrs C DUDLEY
Mr H P MALULEKA: Chairperson, hon Minister, director-general, hon members, distinguished guests, the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement of October 2009, clearly indicated that there would be a sustainable adjustment that would have to be made in order to meet the medium-term policy directives of the ANC for the five-year period which started in 2008. The 2009 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement stated, and I quote:
Our key short-term challenge is to support economic recovery and direct public spending towards key priorities. Our medium- and long-term objectives are to build a more labour-absorbing economy and to transform public service delivery to meet the aspirations of all South Africans.
The 2010 Budget is the first budget where noticeable shifts in line with the decisions taken at the 2007 ANC 52nd National Conference become noticeable. The 2010 state of the nation address gave a broad overview of how ANC policy proposals are being translated into government programmes and how the budget should respond to these.
The ANC recognises that through arts and culture a sense of national identity and pride can be cultivated. Arts and culture are thus a potential unifying force. Thriving and thought-provoking artistic and cultural practices can contribute to a democratic and tolerant sociopolitical environment. Culture is an integral component of the processes of development in that it contributes to such processes, but also in that it can play a facilitative or destructive role in the unfolding of the developmental process.
Culture also seeks to inform and contribute to nation-building efforts. These processes are of the highest priority in our country at present, and culture has a central role to play in the successful unfolding of this.
ANC cultural policy redresses the imbalances inherent in our society in terms of race, class and gender. In particular, our rich and diverse artistic traditions in the fine arts, literature and music must be nurtured and promoted, as must alternative and under-represented traditions.
The ANC recognises the need for progressive labour and copyright laws that protect the rights of cultural workers. Together with a programme of public education, such laws will attempt to eliminate and/or monitor the breach of copyright, and in particular, record piracy.
The ANC believes that a democratic state should allocate funds to the arts. This funding must be fairly and widely distributed, and be for the enrichment of the country, not merely for profit. Further funds for the arts should be raised from the private sector and taxes raised on local and overseas commercial exploitation of cultural products.
The ANC arts and culture policies affirm and promote the rich and diverse expression of South African culture. All people must be guaranteed the right to practise their culture, language, beliefs and customs, as well as to enjoy freedom of expression and creativity free from interference.
The state will ensure that the rich traditions and diversity of our country's music is promoted by promoting music as a national resource through, inter alia, lending support to the establishment of a music conservatory. Music must enhance socioeconomic development, promote social cohesion and nation-building, and nurture our sense of national identity through the development, preservation and promotion of arts, heritage and culture. Informed by our mandate, we always strive to make culture one of the drivers of reconstruction and development in our country.
During these past years, we have seen an expanding flow of rights and policies enshrined in the Constitution of our country. Central to the rights and policies are, among other things, the following main principles.
Firstly, culture is as vital to community life as social and economic concerns. Secondly, freedom of expression and artistic creation are key values in any society. Thirdly, like any other human right, culture is the right of all South Africans, as enshrined in the Constitution. Lastly, the development of national culture is a key issue that all players must work on, both the public and private sectors alike.
These statements are the foundation on which we adopted or forged new cultural development tools. We are deeply convinced that only when a state or government respects and promotes the principles of cultural diversity can all cultures survive and prosper.
We need to demystify the music business and take it into the empowerment mainstream so that everyone can participate in it on an equal basis. The music business cannot be for the rich elite, but must involve grassroots participation.
Our intellectual property laws must be enforced to bridge the existing gaps, thus ensuring maximum protection and compliance. Of particular importance is the protection of traditional knowledge through the intellectual property system. Intellectual property development has become strategic beyond mere copyright protection. Intellectual property development is the creation of wealth in the new knowledge economy.
As regards production rights, public broadcast and public performance rights, and all other related rights of performers, the infringement of these rights through piracy and noncompliance is a major challenge that we all need to work together to address.
Indigenous knowledge must be protected. The economic value that is generated from indigenous knowledge does not flow to the original inventors and custodians of that knowledge, but only to those who commercially exploit it. The effective use of the regulations contained in the World Intellectual Property Organisation and Unesco is critical if we are to protect and promote indigenous cultural expression. Traditional cultural expressions are the foundation of who we are, our heritage and the gift left to us by our forebears and ancestors.
We need a holistic approach to protect the rights emanating from the copyright system, and the various arms of government and the private sector have to join hands to deal with this challenge. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
MR L M MPHAHLELE
Mr H P MALULEKA
Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Chair, hon Minister, hon guests, the PAC contents that arts and culture can be effectively used to reduce poverty and dependency. It is a disgrace that today, 16 years after the advent of democracy, there are artists who die as paupers. The reason is that the industry is not properly regulated and the airwaves are dominated by foreigners. They are raking in millions of rands while our local artists are starving on the margins of the industry.
The state of the arts in this country is pathetic. The following facts cannot be refuted. Firstly, the community arts centres are not equipped to help communities. Instead, they are rented out for meetings and church services. They are fast becoming white elephants.
Secondly, the cancer of corruption has not spared the Department of Arts and Culture. What is happening with the suspended officials of the department, the ones who have embezzled public funds estimated at R200 million?
Thirdly, we think we can showcase South Africa to the world when we provide no cultural facilities to groom young artists. For instance, Limpopo Province with a population of over five million people does not have a single theatre. There is not even a sign that there will be a theatre in that province. Even the existing theatres don't have money to produce shows. The money that is there is for administration. When you produce shows, you create income.
Lastly, the Fifa World Cup is commencing in 35 days. How many local artists, painters and crafters will benefit? The recent fire-fighting about the Orlando Stadium opening concert, where the hon Minister had to beg promoters to include more South African acts, clearly shows that the government is allowing Fifa to colonise our country for a month. Our people are in limbo, confused; they don't know what belongs to them and what belongs to Fifa. [Time expired.]
We are facing the extinction of indigenous knowledge. Without the retention of indigenous knowledge, our claim to civilisation before colonialism will always ring hollow. The department must lift its performance in this regard.
Lastly, African languages have become ornaments. No one uses them to explore outer space and analyse protons and electrons. Why not? We cannot lose our languages without losing our culture; language retains and transmits culture. Thank you.
Nk M D NXUMALO
MR L M MPHAHLELE
Nk M D NXUMALO: Sihlalo, Ngqongqoshe, oNgqongqoshe abanye abakhona la, umnyango kaNgqongqoshe, amalungu ahloniphekile ePhalamende kanye nezethameli zethu, ngiyanibingelela.
English:
We are engaged in this debate today, nine days after we have celebrated our 16 years of democracy. We debate today conscious of the masterstrokes our ANC-led government has achieved in the areas of governance such as the creation of economic equity conditions and the fight against poverty and HIV/Aids.
Noting the big challenge we are still facing in the areas of communication and imparting information and knowledge, we remain firm in our support for the Constitution and the quest to promote and develop our indigenous languages. All linguistic rights enshrined in the Constitution need to be deepened by practical means in order for each right to yield linguistic freedom: freedom for all South Africans, the people of Africa and the people of the world.
Section 16(b), (c) and (d) of the Constitution state that everyone has a right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to receive or impact information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; academic freedom; and freedom of scientific research.
IsiZulu:
Sihlalo, ngizothanda ukuthi le nkulumompikiswano yami ngiyibeke ngolimi lwami lwebele, isiZulu.
NgoMasingane ka 2000, kwabakhona inkomfa yezilimi zendabuko nokubhalwa kwezincwadi eyayibanjelwe lapha e-Afrika, e-Asmara. Izihambeli zale nkomfa zabhala isivumelwano esibizwa nge-Asmara Declaration, esasithi phakathi kokunye okumele kwenziwe: "Ukubaluleka nokulingana kwezilimi zendabuko e-Afrika makuhlonishwe ngenhloso yokuthuthukisa bonke abantu base Afrika esikhathini esizayo. Nokuthi intando yeningi ibalulekile ekuthuthukisweni ngokulinganayo kwezilimi zendabuko e-Afrika. Kanye nokuthi izilimi zendabuko zibalulekile ekuthuthukisweni kwentando yeningi eyakhelwe phezu kwenkambiso yokulingana kanye nobulungiswa phakathi kwabantu".
Ngo 2001, izwe lase-Mali laphakamisa kwi-OAU ukuthi makusungulwe i-African Academy of Languages, ACALAN, ngenhloso yokuthuthukisa, ukunika amandla, ukuhlanganisa nobumbano lwezilimi zendabuko e-Afrika. Mhlaka 9 kuNtulukazi ka 2002, kwagcotshwa i-AU, African Union, eThekwini. Umthethwenisisekelo wayo izilimi eziyosebenza kuyoba, yizilimi zendabuko e-Afrika, i-Arab, i-English, i-French kanye ne-Portuguese.
Njengoba nje sigubha iminyaka eyishumi nesithupha sakhululeka, sigubha nokuthi saphuma engcindezelweni yokuthi sikhulume isiNgisi nesiBhunu njengezilimi ezazisemthethweni kuhulumeni wengcindezelo. Kulo hulumeni wabantu oholwa nguKhongolose sinezilimi eziyishumi nanye ezisemthethweni ngokoMthethosisekelo. Siyafuna ukuthu noLimi lweZandla lufakwe kumthethosisekelo njengolimi olusemthethweni.
Umthethosisekelo ugunyaze i-PanSALB, kanye ne-Commission for Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Rights ukuthi zivikele futhi ithuthukise amalungelo ezilimi, izinkolo namasiko aseNingizimu Afrika. Siyathokoza kakhulu ngokuvulwa kwe-TISSA okwenze kwabalula ukukhuluma ocingweni ngolimi lwakho, ikakhulukazi uma ukhuluma namaphoyisa noma izibhedlela ngaphansi kwezimo eziphuthumayo.
Imfundo iyithuluzi elibaluleke kakhulu ukwakha i-potential kanye namathuba okuthi umuntu athuthuke ngolwazi namakhono azomenza ukuthi abambe iqhaza kwezomnotho, aphinde adlale indima ekwakhiweni kwesizwe. Lokhu angeze kwenzeka uma ulimi lokufinyelela emfundweni lungolwabezizwe, ngoba asiluqondi kahle thina beNkashana kaMenzi.
Ulimi lwebele malube yithuluzi lokwaba nokwabelana ulwazi, imfundo kanye namanye amakhono anjengocwaningo lwezesayensi. Uma sithi izikhungo zemfundo kumele zifundise ngolimi lwebele, sisho ngoba sazi ukuthi noma ngabe yimuphi umuntu odalwe uNkulunkulu, usho kancono lokho afuna ukukusho uma ekusho ngolwimi lwebele. Unikeza kangcono ulwazi, izincazelo, ukuveza ikhono nesiphiwo uma ezosebenzisa ulimi lwakhe.
Konke lokhu kufuna imali Ngqongqoshe, ngoba ukuze abantwana bakwazi ukufunda baphinde benze nocwaningo ngolimi lomdabu kuzodingeka ukuthi ubucwepheshe obuqukethe izinhlelo zokufunda nokufundisa ziguqulelwe kuzo zonke izilimi ezivikelwe umthethosisekelo. Ukuze abafundi nabafundisi bakwazi ukwenza ucwaningo kanye nezivivinyo ngalo lolu 'limi lwabomdabu. Konke lokhu kudinga izimali ezishisiwe.
Kumele sibheke ukuthi le mali esabelwe yona ingasiza kuphi mayelana nokwenza intuthuko encike olimini. Ngoba kwezomnotho sibonile ukuthi umnyango uze nezinhlelo eziningana ukuthuthukisa intsha ngokuthi ingenelele kwezenhlalakahle nomnotho. Umbuzo esiwubuzayo ukuthi ngabe umnyango uyazenza yini lezi zinhlelo ngezilimi zendabuko na? Nokuthi uma lokhu kwenzeka ngabe abantu abahumusha lezi zilimi baqeqesheke ngokufanele na?
Kunohlelo olubizwa nge-Arts Social Development and Youth Programme olwenzelwe ukuthuthukisa intsha ukuze ingene ezinhlelweni zentuthuko. Sizokhumbula ukuthi ngo 2008 umnyango ubambisene nezinye izinhlangano [stakeholders] uvule inkomfa eyayibanjelwe eMdantsane ngaphansi kohlelo i-National Youth into Arts Programme. Lolu hlelo lwenzelwe ukuthi lwakhe izingxoxo ngenhloso yokubheka ukuthi intsha ingangena kanjani kwezomnotho ukuze ifunde amakhono.
Sithi kungabangcono uma ulwazi ngalezi zinhlelo lunganikezelwa ngazo zonke izilimi ukuze bazazi kangconywana. Zinhle lezi zinhlelo ngoba zikhuthaza intsha ukuthi ikhethe izifundo zobuciko, amasiko, kanye namagugu njengezifundo ezibalulekile zokuziphilisa.
Ukunikezelwa kolwazi ngezinsiza ezilethwa uhulumeni ebantwini kumele kwenziwe ngazo zonke izilimi zabantu kuwo wonke umuntu emagumbini ezwe lakithi. Ngifuna ukwenza isibonelo ngalesisitatimende engizosenza khona manje, ukuthi uma ngiya KwaZulu-Natal ngikhuluma isiSotho, uma ngifika kwamasipala nginenkinga uma ngingasazi isiZulu ngeke bangisize ngoba bazongitshela ukuthi ulimi engilukhulumayo alukho endaweni engikuyo. Lokhu akuhambisani nemgomo yomthethosisekelo echaza izilimi ezisemthethweni eNingizimu Afrika.
Sifuna kube khona imali yokulungisa le nkinga. Sihlalo, asikwazi ukuba nohulumeni wasekhaya ozoba nabasebenzi abahlala ngaphambili abaqashelwe izilimi ezimbalwa. Qasha abantu bazo zonke izilimi zendabuko singacwasi ngolimi ngoba lokho kuchaza ukuthi sicwasa ngokosiko, ngoba ulimi liwusiko.
Sihlalo, ngicela kesizifune sizibuze njengezishayamthetho... Siyasiseka lesi sabelomali singu-ANC. [Kuphele Isikhathi.] Ngiyabonga.
Mr R B BHOOLA
Nk M D NXUMALO
Mr R B BHOOLA: Chairperson, the MF has one concern and I am very glad that the hon President had told the multiparty leadership meeting that at functions you must reflect the broad cross section of the South African population.
Furthermore, I am glad that the promotion of arts and culture is definitely rising. But when we have provincial, national and international events, we must realise that there are great people in the field of arts and culture from the various communities in South Africa.
Indeed, when hosting the major events we must ensure that we present the rainbow nation. Let us, therefore, seize the opportunity as we host the World Cup to market our country in the international domain. Be it through kwaito, hip-hop, freestyle, Indian classical music and dance, gospel, etc. As alluded to by the President in the state of the nation address, the department has to become very active and involved, particularly in promoting cultural industries.
The MF is very concerned that only a few local artists will be given the opportunity to perform at the opening event of the Fifa 2010 World Cup.
Hon Minister, the MF makes a plea to ensure that local artists are given a once in a lifetime opportunity to display South Africa's talent, which would also assist immensely in increasing sustainable employment for artists.
The MF humbly submits that various Departments such as Trade and Industry come on board and provide marketing assistance to South African artists so that they can become a force to be reckoned with in a globally competitive environment and ultimately develop and continue with their artistic expression in a financially secure environment.
I would also like the hon Minister to discuss, at Minmec, the formula for the promotion of arts and culture. And we must always remember that there is a fine line between tradition and culture. I also believe that when overseas governments send groups to our country, they should not confine them to one community. We must start having a programme that says "Let us see other cultures, let us understand the culture of others". Remember that culture is the fabric of the soul of any country and any nation. as Mahatma Gandhi once said, the greatest integrity of an individual is his tradition and culture. The MF supports the Budget Vote. [Applause.]
M R MORUTOA
Mr R B BHOOLA
Ms M R MORUTOA: Chairperson, hon Minister Lulama Xingwana, hon MEC for Arts and Culture in Gauteng, the director-general and distinguished guests, let me begin by saying that the ANC supports Budget Vote No 13 - Arts and Culture. I would like to explain why we support it.
The ANC is committed to consolidating partnerships across society to strengthen social cohesion and to ensure that our nation achieves the values of a caring society inspired by the traits of human compassion, which informed our struggle against colonialism.
Indeed, the need to build co-operation amongst all our people applies more so to matters of spiritual sustenance such as beliefs and moral values which are as communal as they are profoundly personal. This we shall do, proceeding from the understanding that comprehensive social transformation entails changing the material conditions of all our people for the better, but also ensuring that we forge a nation inspired by values of human solidarity. It is the combination of these factors that describes the civilisation of the national democracy that we seek to build.
This budget must advance our cause of liberation. Liberation also means engendering the freedom of the human spirit to search for better ways of doing things, to express itself freely and to enjoy the creative endeavours of humanity. We are informed by the precepts of our country's Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights.
The ANC believes in working with all sectors of society to promote an overarching South African identity that recognises the diversity of our country's people. We will promote pride in our heritage, including geographic and place names, our African identity and our common humanity as global citizens.
Social cohesion begins with the home and within a community. Critical is early childhood development and the pedagogic development of a child throughout school-going years. It is the values that we teach that shape the mind and the moral consciousness that is left in the mind of the child as they grow towards being an adult.
The 2007 ANC National Conference had as its theme, "The building of a caring society". In building a caring society, the ANC is committed to building a society with human solidarity at its centre.
The ANC champions a positive role for the institution of the family and the community, youth involvement in a variety of social endeavours, patriotism and civil responsibility, community activism, sport and other social activities. Our movement promotes healthy lifestyles, moral integrity, role models informed by human compassion, generosity, incorruptibility and accountability. These are the values that underpin moral regeneration.
Our Constitution forms a critical part of the nation's collective resources in the promotion of humane values. Our Constitution is the cornerstone of our democracy. It enshrines the democratic values of human dignity and equality of all our people. These values and rights enshrined in the Constitution place an obligation on the state to respect, protect and promote a better life for all our people. This is why the case of a strong developmental state, which can ensure the capacity to advance a humane value system, becomes critical.
While encouraging individuals' initiative, drive and entrepreneurship, we want to encourage appreciation of the responsibility borne by those who command political, social, material and other forms of power over the poor and vulnerable sectors of society.
In this regard, our movement will continue to fight against all manifestations of racism, super-exploitation, patriarchy, ethnic afrochauvinism, religious and political intolerance and the abuse of women and children. It will discourage greed and the arrogant display of wealth, and will campaign against the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
In this regard, sport is a critical factor in society because it bridges all kinds of barriers and has the potential to promote tolerance, trust, respect and social cohesion. An investment in sports facilities is therefore part of the building of social cohesion.
Key in this endeavour will be the mobilisation of all our people to strengthen the nation's moral fibre, through moral regeneration informed by the ideals of human compassion and solidarity.
As part of the ANC's commitment to moral regeneration let us, in our families, give our children a sound beginning and teach them the enduring values of honesty, hard work, discipline, respect for self and others, responsibility, obligations and of doing unto others as they would have done unto them.
We need to lay a strong foundation for a society that cares for those less fortunate; a society that values human life; a society that is guided by respect and all the values that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution and the spirit of ubuntu.
Let us, in working towards the moral renewal of our nation, send a powerful message to criminals - that there will be no place to hide. Sizonithola. [We will find you.]
We can do this by bringing to justice those who kill, abuse children, steal, rob and maim.
I am of the view that the moral regeneration campaign should be strengthened with a sharp focus on all sections of our society. It is my belief that this campaign needs to be an essentially people-driven initiative supported by government.
Harmful traditional practices can be eradicated upon recognition that certain aspects of our past are no longer compatible with the value systems that are being built by moral regeneration. These harmful traditional practices seek to entrench the economic and cultural dependence of women on older men through patriarchal practices like ukuthwalwa and ukungenwa, as they constitute ...
IsiXhosa:
... anivumi, vumani nonke ndinive, namadoda. [Kwahlekwa]
English:
... as they constitute a gross human rights violation.
In a society where the rights of women are constitutionally protected, such practices can be perpetuated. They are directly linked to socioeconomic poverty. In other words, these practices are continued in the hope that they will bring about economic security.
We have seen business people making various contributions towards specific development projects. We have also witnessed ordinary citizens going out on the streets to help the police fight crime, to help teachers educate our children, and in many other areas.
The religious fraternity is one of the important stakeholders in the campaign to build the moral fibre of our society. Through the ecumenical movement, the building of the active participation of families in the moral regeneration campaign is central.
Let me also take this opportunity to appeal to this House to join hands in providing care and support to those who are infected and affected by HIV and Aids. Our people should feel free to test their HIV and Aids status in an attempt to fight the stigma and stereotypes. On this front, our President, President Zuma has led the nation by example.
Let us assist child-headed households, volunteer in hospices and home-based care and provide any kind of material and emotional support to affected families. In building a caring nation, we need to work together to fight the stigmatisation of those living with the disease and confront negative stereotypes and fear.
The Moral Regeneration Movement is founded on the principles of a nation working together to address the challenges it faces. Our belief, as the ANC, is that to manage, reduce and eventually defeat the disease, we need a strong partnership between all sectors of society and government.
The call has long been made for people to change their lifestyles in the absence of a cure for Aids. Preventing infection remains critical. We want to appeal to each and every person in our country to exercise their individual and collective responsibility to take care of their own lives.
In conclusion...
IsiXhosa:
... ungathi ndigqibe, Sihlalo, [Don't ask me to wrap up, Chair!] [Kwahlekwa.]
English:
... all our people in our diverse cultures have high moral values and are concerned about the antisocial activities threatening our country. That struggle can only be won when people face it and when they meet and act at the local level. Where we live is the site of the struggle in which the nation will conquer these challenges.
We need to network our concern to continue with the transformation of our country. We need to build a society with a strong moral fibre, refining the spirit of ubuntu - botho - and using the budget of the Department of Arts and Culture to empower our communities to develop and enjoy the ethical values embodied in our Constitution. I again say, the ANC supports Budget Vote No 13 - Arts and Culture. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Ms M R MORUTOA
IsiXhosa:
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Sihlalo, ndibulela usihlalo wekomiti ondiphe imizuzwana. Okokuqala ndifuna ukubulela amalungu ahloniphekileyo athe asixhasa kolu Hlahlo-lwabiwo-mali yonyaka wama-2010 yeSebe lobuGcisa neNkcubeko. Ndibulela ilungu elihloniphekileyo uBhoola noxa sele ebalekile ngokuthi akhumbuze iNdlu ukuba uMongameli uZuma uhlabe umkhosi wathi onke amaqela mawahlangane; onke amaqela makabekhona ekukhumbuleni iintsuku zethu zesizwe. Isizathu kukuba asingomcimbi weqela elithile. Iintsuku zesizwe ziyinxalenye yembali yethu. Ngazo ezi ntsuku sibhoyozela intando yesininzi yethu, inkululeko yethu kunye nelifa lethu.
Ndifuna nokubulela amaqela athe akhona xa besikhumbula uSuku lwamaLungelo aBantu eSharpville. Ndikhumbula kakuhle ukuba uMongameli wePAC wayekhona, siyabulela tata. Sibulela nazo zonke iinkokheli zemibutho. UTat' uShenge wayekhona, siyabulela. Siphinde kwakhona sakunye nayo imibutho ngoSuku lweNkululeko. Utat' uTrollip weDA wayekhona, uMfundis' uDandala, uNjengele Bantu Holomisa – hayi ke uzihamba zonke ke yena, kaloku ngumkhaya – nabePac babekhona –hayi ndiyaphazama, hayi iPAC – ...
English:
An HON MEMBER: We were not invited.
IsiXhosa:
... abeAzapo babekhona. Wonke umntu wayemenyiwe. Siyabulela ngokuthatha kwenu inxaxheba. Siye saba neentlanganiso njengoko uMongameli ebethe masibonane. Owokuqala ubukweyoKwindla, owesibini ubukwekaTshazimpuzi. Zonke iinkokheli zamaqela oplitiko zithabathe inxaxheba kakuhle kakhulu kwaye igalelo lazo liqatshelwe kwaye belulutho kakhulu.
Kodwa ke okuye kwasiphoxa, Mongameli, kukuba sibone iPAC apha kwaLanga isenza into engazange isonwabise. Andazi nokuba kuloo nomgogwana babenawo kwakuliwa ngezitulo okanye kwakusiliwa ngantoni na. Kodwa ke into esayibukelayo kukuba kwakungumbhodamo ... [Uwelewele.] ... sikude ke phofu. Yayinguphantsi phezulu, umntu esithi sisitulo sam nomnye esithi sesam esi situlo.
Ndikhumbula ukuba nangoSuku lweNkululeko akubanga kuhle sibona uMama uZille ehamba nesithandwa sakhe eConstitutional Hill noxa babemenyiwe njengoko kwakumenywe yonke imibutho yopolitiko. Ndicinga ukuba zizinto ezinjalo ezithi zahlule isizwe. Ezi mini ayizomini zokufumana amanqaku opolitiko, ziimini ezingokwakhiwa kwesizwe ...
English:
... and putting South Africa first. [Interjections.] I also want to say that is irrelevant. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R MDAKANE): Order, hon members!
The MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: The leader of Parliament was able to express himself at the Union Buildings. He was never barred from saying what he wanted to say.
I also want to thank members who have raised the issues of language. I think we have a number of projects on language or the promotion of our languages, and also on promoting the culture of reading and writing. This year, for instance, we have an international book fair which will be held here in Cape Town. We have invited 20 African publishers from all over the continent. This is the biggest book fair in Sub-Saharan Africa. The theme for this year will be, "Where the story begins".
IsiXhosa:
Isizathu kukuba ngokwenene sonke saqala eAfrika.
English:
We also had a programme to build libraries. To date we have refurbished 111 libraries. We have also built 11 libraries.
IsiXhosa:
Okubuhlungu ke kukuba kuloo mathala eencwadi ali-11 siwakhileyo amane atshiswa kuqhankqalazo olukhe lwenzeka, ingakumbi phaya eMpumalanga. Siyalucela ulutsha lwethu ukuba lungawatshisi la mathala eencwadi. Ndiyazi ukuba mhlawumbi zihlaseleka lula kuba zivutha ngokukhawuleza. Kodwa eza ncwadi likusasa lenu. La mathala eencwadi lilifa lenu. Ndicela ukuba masiwakhusele la mathala eencwadi singawatshisi ...
English:
... because they are part of the delivery that you are demanding from this government. This year we have allocated a budget to build another 12 libraries for our communities and we hope that that is another contribution. Within the programme of building libraries, we have embarked on a special project of reprinting and republishing African indigenous books. To date, twenty-seven titles have been produced and distributed to our public libraries.
This year we have targeted 18 titles that include: Apha Naphaya by D M Jongilanga, Ikusasa Alaziwa by O T M Nxumalo and Megokgo ya Bjoko by Oliver Kgadime Matsepe. We are also encouraging a reading nation. We will publish great African classics such as Mhudi by Sol Plaatjie, as well as books by Chinua Achebe and other African writers from the African diaspora.
I would also like to commend the the National Arts Council for purchasing the collections and documents of the late, great writer, Mazisi Kunene, South Africa's first poet laureate. With this valuable collection, we shall be able to keep a lasting legacy of one of Africa's finest literary sons who, throughout his life, wrote in isiZulu even when he was in exile. We hope that in due course this collection will be made accessible to scholars and the wider public.
IsiXhosa:
Ndifuna ukuthi siyabulela.
English:
The department has also supported the Baobab Literary Journal, with the purpose of providing a regular publishing platform for budding writers to appear alongside seasoned ones. The publication has included contributors from various countries across the African continent, including, again, the African diaspora.
We also continue to support the "Time of the Writer and the Poetry African Festivals" that are annually held in Durban. These festivals have also delivered developmental workshops for young emerging writers and schools. It has also had an initiative with correctional services to promote writing in prison. The implementation of these programmes is ongoing. We would like our hon members to promote this project and encourage reading and writing for our children and communities.
With regard to heritage, I also want to say that we have very critical projects on the ground. We have launched the national heritage liberation route which will trace and record the story of the liberation struggle in South Africa. This will also include SADC countries and other African countries beyond the SADC borders.
I am also happy to report that on 6 April 2010, Solomon Mahlangu's home was handed over to me by his mother, Martha Mahlangu, to be converted into a museum as part of our heritage. [Applause.]
The family of John Langalibalele Dube have also donated their house to the department so that it can also be developed to showcase our history and heritage as John Langalibalele Dube was one of the great leaders of South Africa, a writer and a publisher in his own right.
I would also like to report that, indeed, we have acted in terms of corruption. It was a very painful experience where we had almost 20 of our officials suspended. I must report that we were fortunate to have had a very good lawyer, who also was very sharp, and not really interested in making money for himself by protracting the process so that he can continue to earn. Our lawyer just dealt with the cases head-on and took serious decisions.
Currently, we have four senior officials who have been fired: Mr Madlavu who is a chief director, Mr Motsepe who is a director, and another chief director who was responsible for the "Investing in Culture" programme. We have also fired Deputy Director-General Selepe. As one hon member said, the R150 million is part of this investigation of 2010. These cases have been reported to the Special Investigations Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit to ensure that criminal investigations are going on. This will enable us to recover whatever we can in order to bring back these resources to government. [Applause.]
I want to conclude by saying that we commend South Africans for taking on the national symbols campaign. We would like to encourage members to teach their constituencies how to sing the national anthem properly, and to put the flag on their cars so that we can, in fact, become proudly South African. [Applause.]
To all the hon members, thank you for supporting us. I don't have time now, but at a later stage I will answer all the other issues about the investigations, the suspensions and the 2010 projects. I have agreed with the chairperson that he will give us time to come and give a full report.
Lastly, I want to thank the chairperson and the portfolio committee for all their support and for keeping us on our toes. I also thank my Deputy Minister, my Director-General Mr Themba Wakashe, our chief operations officer, our newly appointed Deputy Director-General Veliswa Baduza, for their hard work. I also want to say a big thank you to Mr K Buthelezi who chairs the audit committee.
I would like to thank all members who have participated in the debate. We would like to invite you very soon to the opening of freedom Park which will, we hope, be in June. It has now been completed, particularly the museum called //hapo: the dream. [Applause.]
Finally, I want to invite all of you to dinner this evening. It will start at about 18:00 at the Simon's Restaurant at the Groot Constantia Estate. Transport will be available outside 120 Plein Street at around 15:30 or so. I want to assure the members and the DA that this was paid for by a sponsor, thank you very much. [Laughter.] [Applause.] Let me thank the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, Sambro, for hosting us tonight. Thanks a lot. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
The committee rose at 16:32.
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