Report: Oversight visit, to public entities in the Free State and Northern Cape Province from 5-8 December 2011, dated 23 May 2012

Arts and Culture

APPLICATION FOR DAILY ALLOWANCE

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture on an oversight visit, to public entities in the Free State and Northern Cape Province from 5-8 December 2011, dated 23 May 2012.

The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture having conducted an oversight visit to the National Museum , Performing Arts Centre of the Free State , Military Museum in the Free State Province and the William Humphreys Art Gallery in Kimberley , Northern Cape Province reports as follows:

1. Introduction

The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture, inspired by its Constitutional mandate and Rules of Parliament to ensure effective oversight and greater accountability of entities funded through transfers from the Department of Arts and Culture, embarked on an oversight visit of entities residing under the auspices of the aforementioned Government Department in the Free State and Northern Cape Province for the period 5 to 8 December 2011.

2. Terms of Reference

The entities that the Committee conducted oversight over were the National Museum , Performing Arts Centre of the Free State , Military Museum , Community Arts Craft Centres and Community Libraries in the Free State Province and the William Humphreys Art Gallery in the Northern Cape Province .

The objective of the oversight visit was multifold. The visit sought to:

· Ensure that the Committee detects and prevents abuse

· Prevent illegal and unconstitutional conduct on the part of the government

· Protect the rights and liberties of citizens

· Hold the government answerable for how taxpayers money is spent

· Make government operations more transparent and increase public trust in government

· Assess whether the entities complied with Government priorities

· Assess the challenges that the entities were faced with.

3. Delegation

The delegation consisted of:

Committee Members:

Hon Ms TB Sunduza (ANC) - Chairperson and leader of the delegation

Hon Ms LN Moss (ANC) - Committee Whip

Hon Mr LP Khoarai (ANC)

Hon Ms TE Lishiva (ANC)

Hon Mr DW Mavunda (ANC)

Hon Ms MR Morutua (ANC)

Hon Mrs FF Mushwana (ANC)

Hon Dr A Lotriet (DA)

Hon Mr P Ntshiqela (COPE)

Hon Mr SZ Ntapane (UDM)

Parliamentary Officials

Mr J Van Der Westhuizen - Acting Committee Secretary

Dr H Baloyi - Committee Researcher

Ms V Magadana - Executive Secretary to the Chairperson

Department of Arts and Culture

Dr M Jokweni - Acting Deputy Director - General

Mr M Ledimo - Acting Chief Director, Arts Social Development

and Youth

Ms C Gcasamba - Media, Parliamentary Liaison Officer in the Office of the Deputy Minister

Mr R Mahasha - Chief Director, Heritage Institutions

4. Findings

4.1 National Museum , Bloemfontein , Free State Province

The National Museum was established in 1877 and was declared a cultural institution. Its motto is “Curator Hereditatis “– which means it regarded itself as the custodian of our heritage. Its main task is to document, preserve, conserve, restore and make available study and promote specimens and information that relate to our natural history, cultural history and arts.

In addition to the main National Museum there were several satellite Museums that worked and operated under it. These were Oliewenhuis Art Museum , Florisbad Quaternary Research Station, Freshford House Museum , First Raadsaal Museum and the Wagon Museum .

The Museum had received an unqualified audit report with matters of emphasis. Upon arrival at the Museum the Committee was welcomed by the Director of the National Museum, Mr R Nuttal who was accompanied by the Chief Financial Officer, Ms E Smith; Mr D De Bruyn, Historian: National Museum; Mr P Letsatsi, Oral Historian: National Museum and Mr T Mohlakane- Mafoeka, Head of Department: Education, National Museum.

The Committee was also accompanied by Hon Ms O Tsolo MPL, Deputy Speaker: Free State Provincial Legislature and Hon Ms SP Makae MPL, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, Sports, Arts and Culture and Recreation.

Mr Nuttal, Director, National Museum indicated to the Committee that the Museum was governed by a Council and that the Council had an Audit Committee and ad hoc Committees that were fully functional. Their internal audit functions had been outsourced to Ernst and Young. They regularly monitored their budget and expenditure and completed their asset register.

The Director pointed out that as part of their internal controls they had a risk management strategy and fraud prevention plan in place. Their financial policies were also regularly reviewed and aligned with legislative imperatives.

He indicated that the Museum pursued the achievement of strategic objectives in the following areas of operations namely: curation and conservation of collections research, education and public programmes support services.

The Museum contributed towards tourism as follows: Through partnerships with the Heritage Routes and significant media coverage of the Museums activities. He indicated that they had plans to develop the concept of the Heritage Tourism Routes further.

Mr Nuttal indicated that despite limited opportunities in specialized disciplines they trained heritage practitioners in the professional handling, cleaning and conservation of museum objects. They also assisted local sculptors with advice and selling of wood carvings and facilitated attendance of workshops. They also had an internship programme that had been funded by the Department of Arts and Culture.

Mr Nuttal pointed out that they also envisaged the development of Heritage Tourism Routes concepts with emphasis on the rural areas. They also had a Mobile Museum outreach programme in the rural areas where they educate the children on career information in Heritage. They envisaged other social development programmes in the near future in collaboration with the University of the Free State .

Mr. Nuttal highlighted the successes that they had experienced. He indicated that the Museum had experienced high visitor numbers for the 2010/2011 financial year with a total of 199 470 visitors, 23% of which comprised learners.

Mr. D de Bruyn, Historian and Mr. P Letsatsi, Oral Historian, National Museum proceeded to present to the Committee the Batho Community History Project. Mr. de Bruyn explained that Batho was established in 1918 after a decision by the Municipal Council to demolish Waaihoek. At that time Waaihoek was Bloemfontein ’s oldest black township, but due to its close proximity to white Bloemfontein the black people were moved to Batho and the Coloured people to Cape Stands . They were later moved to Heidedal. By 1941 Waaihoek’s last houses were demolished and the area was reclaimed as a white area known as Oranjesig.

He explained that Batho is a township with a rich history and that it was of great significance for a number of reasons. One reason was that in its early years Batho was seen as a model township in terms of its layout and infrastructure. Another reason for Batho’s importance lies in the many historical buildings and sites that may be found there. One such building was the Mapikela House. The house was built by Thomas Mapikela, a founder member and speaker of the African National Congress (ANC). Other buildings included the Caleb Motshabi Centre, Sehunelo Secondary School , Masenkeng Stadium and Ramkraal Prison.

Mr. De Bruyn explained that the purpose of the Batho Community History Project was to collect historical information by means of oral history, record, transcribe and preserve information, canvass photographs and artifacts, oral history and community history training.

The objectives of the Batho Community History Project were to use the information for research, display and educational purposes, and to explore the potential of oral history as a tool for community development and empowerment.

Mr. Letsatsi concluded by indicating that the Batho Community History Project contributed to a better understanding of history of the greater Batho area. It gave the Batho Community a voice, it created awareness of history and heritage, it created environmental awareness and it supported the National Museum ’s transformation objectives.

Mr. Nuttal concluded the whole presentation by explaining to the Committee the challenges they were experiencing. He indicated that the lack of appropriate storage facilities for heritage collections were becoming critical, and since space was extremely limited for collections, they found it difficult to attract appropriately qualified people to consider for employment, they did not have the necessary funds to pay market related salaries, they lacked the resources to replace old assets, they did not have the necessary expertise to evaluate heritage collections and did not have the necessary capacity to undertake the exercise.

The Director invited the Committee to undertake a tour of the National Museum exhibits.

4.1.1 National Museum exhibits

The Committee proceeded to the Karoo Paleontology Department. They were met by Dr Jennifer Botha-Brink and her assistant, world-renowned paleontology technician Mr. John Nyaphuli. Of the two interns that the department had, Mr. Nyaphuli was the second South African citizen to win the coveted award.

The Committee was informed that all their exhibits were in Sesotho, Afrikaans and English, and they were shown the Paleontology Hall that depicted the evolution of life on Earth, beginning approximately 4000 million years ago. The entrance display included information about the earliest environmental conditions and suggestions on how life first began on Earth. A paleontology display for the disabled included a “touch and feel” display and associated information was also provided in Braille.

The Committee proceeded to the Archaeology Hall that presented a broad view of the history of Southern Africa , focusing on human communities from more than two million years ago. Several aspects of past human behavior were highlighted through the interpretation of material remains from ancient human societies. The Director, National Museum indicated that the hall was still under construction.

They proceeded to the Anthropology Hall, which incorporated ten ethnological displays that reflected the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and a display of African musical instruments. The following cultural groups were depicted: Ovambo, Himba, San/Bushman, Pedi, Sotho, Tswana, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Venda .

The Committee moved to another Hall that depicted the Bloemfontein/Mangaung History. Mr. Nuttal indicated that the national Museum took the initiative to realize an exhibition where the history of the city and the role that all its inhabitants played, were portrayed.

The Historical Street scene Hall depicted the daily life of ordinary people in a Free State town at the end of the 19 th to early 20 th century. Household articles were shown in context, for example, a stove and a fridge of that period in a kitchen. Mr. Nuttal, Director, National Museum indicated that most of the furniture and household items were donated by the public, but certain pieces were purchased. The exhibition included scenes of a pharmacy, general dealer, blacksmith and a cobbler.

The Committee proceeded to the invertebrate hall that depicted certain aspects of the biology of invertebrates, such as movement and communication and also the biodiversity of invertebrates.

The Director of the national Museum then invited the Committee to undertake a site visit to one of the National Museum satellites, namely the Oliewenhuis Art Museum .

4.1.2 Oliewenhuis Art Museum

The Committee was welcomed by Ms. Ester Le Roux, Curator of the Oliewenhuis Art Museum . She gave a brief background explanation on the history of the Art Museum, stating that the Art Museum had a permanent collection on the ground floor and exhibited a temporary collection on the first floor of the Museum, which also housed a selection of watercolor and pastel works.

Ms. Le Roux further pointed out that the Museum had a data monitor installed, which consistently regulated the temperature in the room, so as to preserve the artwork for future generations, and indicated that the Museum also had exhibits in the garden, which was situated behind the main building. One such exhibit was the sculpture park.

4.1.2.1 Sculpture Park

Ms. Le Roux explained that the Oliewenhuis Art Museum received funding in 2003 from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) for a project that involved sculptors who resided and worked in South Africa . The sculptors were invited to submit proposals for sculptures to be permanently installed in the Museum gardens. The final selection took place during June 2004 and eleven sculptors were commissioned to produce sculptures for the project. These artworks now form the Sculpture Park .

4.1.2.2 Cement and Mosaic Project

Ms Le Roux explained that during November 2008 fourteen Mangaung residents, with various artistic abilities and experience, were selected to participate in the Cement and Mosaic Project. The first phase of the project entailed participants attending a workshop under the expert guidance of Museum artist, Ms Liz Ranger, where they were introduced to the use of cement and mosaic as a medium. During the workshop phase, participants created and decorated handmade ceramic tiles.

After the introduction phase they submitted “maquettes” to the advisory committee of the Oliewenhuis Art Museum which selected five sculptures to be erected in the gardens.

She explained that the objectives of the project were as follows:

· To create functional sculptures for the front garden of Oliewenhuis Art Museum.

· To introduce the artist-in- residence concept. The sculptures were created on site at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and visitors to the Museum had the opportunity to observe the creation process.

· To introduce the participants to marketing skills and thus enabling them to create self- employment opportunities.

Ms Le Roux informed the Committee that the project was made possible through financial assistance from the National Department of Arts and Culture.

4.1.2.3 African Carousel

Ms Le Roux explained that the idea of a carousel grew out of the Museum’s desire to initiate a public sculpture commission that would engage more than one artist working in materials not normally used for outdoor public commissions. The commission was a nationwide project that was aimed at integrating European as well as African concepts of mythology that reflected the diversity of cultures that coexisted in South Africa .

She explained that the project had its beginnings in 1994 and took approximately three years to complete. The project was also made possible through funding from the National Department of Arts and Culture and donations from the Foundation for the Creative Arts.

4.1.2.4 The Reservoir at Oliewenhuis Art Museum

Ms Le Roux explained that during the planning phases of the African Carousel at the Museum in 1994, they requested a site plan from the National Department of Public Works. An underground construction north of the building was indicated on the plan. The only access to the area was a manhole. She explained that upon further investigation an underground reservoir was discovered, containing water that was half a meter in depth.

The Art Museum considered renovating the reservoir into an exhibition space, but for this they had to make it completely waterproof. Planning for the transformation of the reservoir into an art gallery began as early as 1996 and the project was completed in November 2002. The transformation of the reservoir was financed by the National Department of Arts and Culture.

4.2 Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS)

The Performing Arts Centre is one of the biggest arts institutions in South Africa and was once an internationally recognized and respected institution. The institution staged high quality professional productions and housed many artistic companies. It is the flagship of theatre activities in the Free State Province .

The Committee was welcomed by Mr R Rashama, Chairperson, Council of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State . He was accompanied by Mr J Pooe, Acting Artistic Director, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State; Mr T Macholo, Chief Financial Officer, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State; Mr R Alexander, Human Resources Manager, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State; Ms M Kabi, Manager: Marketing and Communications and Mr W Lesenyelo, Development Manager, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State.

Mr Rashama, Chairperson of the Council of the Performing Arts Centre indicated that the Performing Arts Centre had received an unqualified audit report and that the Department of Arts and Culture had recognized their improvement amongst its institutions.

He pointed out that the Auditor- General emphasized the following matters. Unauthorised expenditure amounted to R9 193 133. Their action plan on this included the implementation of a new financial system to address the issue of over and/ or unauthorized expenditure. In terms of the new financial system, managers would have access to his/her own departmental budget. A Budget block has been put in place and if he/she envisaged overspending, application for permission to do so has to be obtained.

Irregular expenditure amounted to R 160 465.00. The matter has been referred to Council for condonation. The expenditure related to the appointment of a service provider to implement change management. The implementation never took place due to the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director. They were both still on the payroll of the performing arts centre.

Fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounted to R 830 455.00. He indicated that the necessary steps had been taken against the perpetrators.

Mr Rashama further informed the Committee that the performing arts centre budget allocation from the National Department of Arts and Culture was R31 million. They generated an income totaling R 313 029 from their Welkom Theatre and R1, 8 million on interest received. Their sundry income was R7614. This totaled an amount of R33 million that the performing arts centre received annually. He informed the Committee that they had thus far spent R 16 million.

On Human Resources he elaborated that they had a staff complement of 104. This consisted of 59 males and 45 females. He informed the Committee that the suspended Chief Executive Officer’s case had been handed over to the Council and that the Artistic Manager‘s hearing was in progress. The arts centre has also appointed the service provider to deal with the prevalent salary discrepancies. The service provider was also to assess and develop skills development plans.

The Chairperson indicated that the Department of Arts and Culture stepped in to assist with repairs to the roof of the Sand du Plessis Theatre. A total of R 8 million was spent on the repairs.

Mr. Rashama in conclusion highlighted their challenges. He informed the Committee that they experienced a lack of leadership due to the absence of the Chief Executive Officer and their Artistic Director. They also lacked the appropriate funding for the alignment of salary discrepancies, and generated their own minimal income.

He pointed out that notwithstanding aforementioned, the performing arts centre was endeavoring to implement strong sound financial management systems.

4.2.1 Red Carpet Foyer

Mr A Geyer, Technical Manager at the performing arts centre took the Committee on a tour of the facilities. He indicated that the red carpet has been in use for the last 25 years and that the performing arts centre was planning to replace it in anticipation of the centenary celebrations.

4.2.2 The Marble Foyer

Mr Geyer explained that the marble used in the foyer was extremely rare blue veined white carara. The marble covered the floors and columns. The area served as the main access to all public areas of the theatre and housed the Art Gallery and Restaurant. The area was also used as a cocktail area and had the capacity to host 800 guests.

4.2.3 Sand Du Plessis Theatre

Mr Geyer explained that the theatre was designed to accommodate European productions, and that the stage was designed as a stereotype cross stage. It also had a moveable stage lift that was divided into five independent stage lifts, which was recently upgraded at a cost of R 10, 2 million. He pointed out that all renovations including the repairs to the roof was 95% completed. He informed the Committee that the theatre had a seating capacity of 964.

4.2.4 Andre Huguenot Theatre

Mr Geyer informed the Committee that the venue was also recently renovated and that the performing arts centre was in engagement with the management of the adjacent shopping complex to build a bridge, linking the theatre to the shopping complex.

4.3 Military Museum Fort Bloemfontein

Fort Bloemfontein played a prominent role in the history of Bloemfontein and the Free State . The Fort was situated on a koppie and was completed in 1849. It was used both as military headquarters as well as a hospital. From 1913, it was used to care for mentally ill patients with serious criminal inclinations, as well as a jail.

The Committee was welcomed by Mr Aubrey Msibi who took them on a guided tour of the Museum, where the military history of the Free State was displayed. This also included displays from the Difaquane, the two World Wars and the liberation struggles of various African Countries.

4.4 Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation- Mmabana Community Arts and Crafts Centre and Selosesha Community Library

In the spirit of cooperative governance the Committee and the Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation undertook an oversight to one of the Provincial Department’s Community Arts and Crafts Centre’s and Community Libraries respectively.

The Committee was welcomed by Advocate TH Malakoane, Head of Department, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation ; Mrs. K Tlhakudi, Chief Director, Sports and Recreation, Arts and Cultural Affairs; Mr B Swanepoel, Director, Arts and Cultural Affairs ;Ms L Mbele, Communications Officer, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Ms A Wallace, Communications Officer, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Mr V Khetha , Director, Heritage, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Mr K Tlhapi , Deputy Director, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts , Culture and Recreation; Mr M Malapo , Deputy Director, Free State Provincial Department of Sports , Arts, Culture and Recreation; Mr J Makhalemele , Assistant Director, Zamdela Arts Centre; Mr T Dzorkpey, Head, Musicor; Ms JJ Schimper , Director, Library and Archives Services

Advocate Malakoane, Head of Department, Free State Provincial Department of Sports, Arts , Culture and Recreation indicated that his department managed four institutions namely the

  • Zamdela Community Arts and Culture Centre in Sasolburg
  • Thabong Community Arts and Culture Centre in Welkom
  • Mmabana Community Arts and Culture Centre in Thaba Nchu
  • Musicon- Music Academy

He indicated that they established a Provincial Arts and Culture Council in terms of Act 106 of the Free State Provincial Arts and Culture Council of 2007. The objective of the Council was to address the historical imbalances in the provision of infrastructure and funding for the promotion of the Arts. He explained that all 5 Municipalities had a delegate on the Board who had been appointed by the MEC, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Adv Malakoane informed the Committee that the Provincial Arts and Culture Council had thus far approved nine Music Bursaries, nineteen Music Project applications, ten Literature applications, one Visual Arts application, three Fine Arts applications, three Multidiscipline applications, one Film, Drama and Theatre application, eight Crafts applications and three Dance applications. He indicated that the funding was to be filtered into the MACUFE fringe programme and that the MACUFE festival generated R39, 8 million in revenue. In concluding his portion of the presentation he indicated that his department envisaged purchasing vehicles for all Community Arts Centres to enable them to do outreach work in the rural areas.

Regarding Community libraries, Ms J Schimper indicated that the Provincial Department was

funding 170 library service points and it consisted of 139 public libraries, 12 school community libraries, 15 depot libraries at institutions such as prisons, hospitals and places of safety, and 4 special libraries for specialized user groups at nursing colleges and the provincial government. They had a collection of library materials of 2, 3 million items, approximately 400 000 registered library users and about 400 000 non- registered library users. Ms Schimper further indicated that they had a budget allocation of R96 million, of which R47 million had already been spent, and that they had a deficit of R184 million.

She highlighted their achievements and challenges as follows:

· The provision of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

· The upgrading of library collections at 80 libraries since 2007/2008.

· The upgrading of staff capacity at libraries to ensure that all libraries were open at least 40 hours per week.

· The establishment of a variety of reading programmes for example “ A re Ithuseng” and reading is cool”

· The implementation of toy library services in accordance with a roll – out programme

· Equipping libraries with basic equipment such as photocopiers.

· The establishment of bursary programmes for the study in library and information sciences

Challenges that they experienced included the following:

· Matters pertaining to the funding of libraries ( Resolving schedule 5 issues)

· The high costs associated with on-line connectivity

· The lack of capacity for infrastructure and facility management

· The continuous maintenance and upgrading of library collections

· Slow delivery from the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) on the provision of network services.

She implored the following interventions:

· Better funding for the administration of public libraries

· High level interventions with the Department of Communication and the Department of Public Services and Administration to develop special tariff structures for the line costs of public libraries.

Adv. Malakoane proceeded to invite the Committee on a physical site visit of the Mmabane Community Arts and Culture Centre and the Selosesha Public Library.

4.4.1 Mmabana Community Arts and Culture Centre

Mmabana is a centre of excellence and was headed by Mr. Ntapelo. Adv. Malakoane indicated that National Treasury allocated an amount totaling R5 million to enable them to resource the Arts Centre.

4.4.1.1 Ceramics workshop

The Committee was welcomed by Mr. R Bolas. He indicated that the workshop was divided into two sections. The one section was used for beadwork and the other for clay work and pottery. He pointed out that the workshop facilitated 30 students in total and that they attended on a rotational basis. Attendees included students from 2 local schools. The workshop also had 13 students living with disabilities in attendance.

4.4.1.2 Music Studio

Advocate Malakoane indicated that the National Department of Arts and Culture donated 50 musical instruments, and that the centre in terms of training got assistance from the Free State , South African Police Services Band that was situated in Thaba Nchu.

He informed the Committee that 120 young people were currently undergoing training in the use of the musical instruments. He indicated that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Freedom Foundation and the National Film and Video Foundation. The Department envisaged purchasing a theatre truck to conduct outreach programmes in the surrounding areas.

4.4.1.3 Sewing Unit

Mr Ntapelo informed the Committee that this unit had an acute shortage of personnel and that the Head of the Unit has since left the employ of the Arts Centre. They currently only had 1 female instructor. The unit also had a machine that was dysfunctional and needed to be replaced.

4.4.1.4 Dance Unit

Mr Ntapelo explained that this unit had 4 qualified dancing instructors.. The dance group qualified to attend the World Championships, but due to financial constraints, could not attend.

4.4.1.5 Traditional Dance Unit

Mr Ntapelo indicated that this Unit was headed by Ms P Suping and that the group went to Belgium in 2004. The ages of the children attending the unit ranged from 8 years and upwards. The Department envisaged building a new studio for the unit in the new financial year.

4.5 William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG), Kimberley , Northern Cape Province

The Committee concluded its oversight in Kimberley , Northern Cape and conducted an oversight at the William Humphreys Art Gallery . The Art Gallery which was named after William Benbow Humphreys, a former parliamentarian, art collector and the gallery’s benefactor, was officially opened in 1952. In 1948 he made a substantial donation of his personal art collections that consisted of 16 th and 17 th century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, British and French paintings, antique furniture and other art objects to the City of Kimberley . It was largely due to his goodwill that the art gallery was named after him. The gallery’s main focus was the collection of South African art works. In addition to that the gallery also served as an educational and cultural centre. Facilities at the gallery included a 101 seater – auditorium and the reference library.

The Committee was welcomed by Mr. D Robbins, Chairperson, Council of the William Humphreys Art Gallery; Mrs. A Pretorius, Director, William Humphreys Art Gallery; Mr. L Stockenstrom, Chief Financial Officer, William Humphreys Art Gallery and they were accompanied by Mr. F Aysen, Head of Department, Northern Cape Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Mr. A Swartbooi, Acting Senior Manager, northern Cape Provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Mrs. Pretorius, Director, William Humphreys Art Gallery indicated that the 2010/2011 financial year saw the gallery without a Council. Despite this their report from the Auditor- General was unqualified and clear.

She informed the Committee that the Minister of Arts and Culture has since appointed a new Council, and that their budget allocation for the 2012/2013 financial year was R5, 2 million. They have also improved their ability to govern the Gallery according to the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act.

Mrs. Pretorius pointed out that, notwithstanding the fact that they faced capacity constraints in terms of finance, human resources and space they had a number of successes which proved that they had achieved their stated objectives as set out in their Strategic Plans.

She also indicated that their associated projects were aligned with national imperatives in terms of skills transfer, job creation, poverty alleviation, moral regeneration and the building of a national identity.

She explained that the art gallery had three outreach exhibitions of South African graphics from the permanent collection to deprived rural communities in the Northern Cape Province in the 2011 financial year. They were to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park , Richmond and Marydale.

The fourth outreach event was arranged during the Soccer World Cup. They also visited four small schools at Witput, Bethal, Orange River Station and Salt Lake in the Hopetown District.

She informed the Committee that the project presenting craft workshops for female offenders at the Kimberley Prison was in its sixth year with many offenders reaping the benefits of the project.

Mrs. Pretorius informed the Committee that the Sguzu Whag project that was developed to add substance to the concept of mentorship of emerging local artists had gone from strength to strength. Mr. Dumisane Mabaso, Rorke’s Drift graduate of 1978 had continued to pass on various techniques, technical aspects of printmaking and other skills to local aspirant artists.

Upon conclusion of her presentation Mrs. Pretorius invited the Committee on a tour of the facilities.

4.5.1 Art Studios

The Committee was welcomed by Mr. Mabaso. He indicated that their studio was the only studio to be housed by the William Humphreys Art Gallery . The Art Gallery was looking at employing recently matriculated students or graduates to act as agents and collect art forms and sell it.

Mrs. Pretorius informed the Committee that the gallery had a studio in Soweto , from which artists sold paintings to the William Humphreys Art Gallery . The William Humphreys Art Gallery then adds 50% commission and resells the artwork.

5. Conclusions

The Committee observed that the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State was not accessible to people living with disabilities. It expressed satisfaction at the performing arts centre’s development plans, and added that the current management should support the Chairperson of the Council of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State .

The Committee expressed concern around the lack of financial resources for the William Humphreys Art Gallery for their core business. It indicated that lack of proper funding would have an adverse effect on the livelihood of its artists.

The Committee also noted that despite the fact that the Art Gallery had brought the exorbitant auditing fees that the Auditor-General charged, for such a small institution, the Department of Arts and Culture had not heeded their pleas.

The Committee has observed that the William Humphreys Art Gallery did not uplift other races.

6. Recommendations

6.1 The Committee recommends that the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State should be made more accessible to people living with disabilities.

6.2 The management of the performing arts centre should improve their organizational structure.

6.3 The Committee encourages that the arts centre should foster closer relations with the private sector.

6.4 The Committee encourages that the Performing Arts Centre should give preference to people living with disabilities during its recruitment processes.

6.5 The Council of the arts centre should review its Strategic Plans.

6.6 The Performing Arts Centre should as a matter of urgency appoint a Supply Chain Manager.

6.7 The Performing Arts Centre should deal with the disciplinary processes of the Chief Executive Officer and the Artistic Director speedily.

6.8 The Committee encourages that the Performing Arts Centre should partner with all Universities in terms of youth development and to approach the National Youth Development Agency for funding.

6.9 The Performing Arts Centre should devise a strategy to make the Theatre a desirable employment option.

6.10 The Committee recommends that the Department of Arts and Culture should give clarity on the exorbitant fees that were charged, not only for the William Humphreys Art Gallery , but also other small museums under its auspices.

6.11 The Committee recommends that the William Humphreys Art Gallery should also foster closer relations with the private sector and local municipalities.

6.12 The Committee encourages that the William Humphreys Art Gallery should display the South African flag and other symbols of government.

Report to be considered.

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