GMM welcomes investigation into theatre money

The office of the Sports, Art and Culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, will investigate the alleged disappearance of R3m meant for refurbishments at the Johannes Stegmann Theatre in Secunda.

This came after the DA in the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) called on the Sports, Culture and Recreation HoD to institute an investigation into the missing money meant for refurbishments of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre in the 2016/17 financial year.

According to a statement from the DA, the department approved the municipality’s request for funding and the money was allocated.

The DA said the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) was appointed as the implementation agency after the municipality conceded they found it difficult to maintain and keep the theatre at a standard promoting its use by local, national and international patrons.

The DA said that the municipality’s funding model request entailed purchasing the latest sound, lighting equipment and general improvements in the theatre, among other things.

After conducting an oversight at the theatre, though, it was found that:
• the lighting was not up to standard;
• some rooms had no lighting at all;
• makeshift cables ran across the audience centre;
• the sound booth’s windows were missing;
• the sound system is old and does not work;
• there are water leaks in the basement;
• the tiles in some bathrooms are broken; and
• the electrical backup supply unit was exposed to water.

The DA said it must be noted that the theatre has features that could easily attract businesses, enhance tourism, create jobs and entertain residents.

According to the DA, the GMM emphasised in its funding request that the theatre needed upgrading to ensure a sustainable business operating model for creatives. It reiterated that it would help restore the town’s dignity.

The DA raised this issue of money meant for theatre refurbishments in the council. When no mayoral committee members nor the mayor at the time offered a clear explanation, the DA escalated the matter to the provincial government for help.

The DA said it is unacceptable that public funds meant to benefit communities go unaccounted for. The GMM’s acting communications manager, Donald Green, said the assertion that the GMM received R3m to refurbish the theatre is untrue.

Green said the GMM received a letter of approval only for the funds to refurbish the roof and was later informed that the funds were returned to the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

“We welcome an investigation by the minister of Sports, Arts and Culture because there was no wrongdoing on the GMM’s part. The municipality remains committed to refurbishing the theatre so it can be the performing arts hub in the province again, should the funds be made available,” said Green.