Department, young artists’ forum at loggerheads

The national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has rejected allegations of its failure to support the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum (Saacyf) following protest action by members of the forum at the departmental headquarters in Pretoria last Friday.
Saacyf national Chairperson, Romeo Ramauda said they have noted that the department continues to marginalise artists in all provinces.
“We are saying that we will not sit down and watch while we are being tormented by those who are supposed to create opportunities for us. The department is only funding certain projects. They are funding their friends and families. There are so many artists in the country that apply for funding but they get nothing at the end. The forum has been flooded with many questions regarding the outcome of the Mzansi Golden Economy and the department has not given us the response,” Ramauda said.
He further stated that the forum has noted that the department has become the symbol of sabotaging the artists’ creative potential.
“The artists are undermined and made to beg for opportunities they are supposed to have by officials who are dedicated to keep the people resources for themselves and their friends. We are worried that while poverty is rife in the cultural and creative industry there is no one reminding Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his officials about their responsibilities. The Department must be clear about artist support now that it has been merged with Sport and Recreation,” Ramauda stated.
In response to the allegations the department on 8 June issued a press statement claiming to have funded Saacyf to an amount of
R2 950 000 in previous financial years.
It refered to having funded the Musina Heritage Festival done by the Limpopo Chapter of Saacyf in 2016/2017 financial year with R500 000 and stated that the chapter had reported in line with departmental requirements.
A further example given is that of a national project, ‘Pad A Girl’ in the 2017/2018 financial year being funded with R750 000 on which Saacyf once more in line with departmental requirements, according to the statement.
“The department is perturbed by the misleading insinuations on social media platforms galvanising public opinion based on the spewing of malicious misinformation. In fact we have gone out of the way to engage them more than once to ensure that proper reporting is done. The department remains committed to support deserving projects under the Mzansi Golden Economy programme. However we shall continue to expect beneficiaries to honour their contractual obligations to the fullest extent. We shall continue to exercise our fiduciary responsibilities, without fear or favour,” the statement concluded.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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