By Nobuhle Ngema
On the 14th of May 2025, Practitioners in the Cultural and Creative Industries marched against the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) call that was opened by the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture (DSAC), for artists to actually send through their applications for a fund that ranges anywhere between two – nine million.
“It is not a new fund,” said Zama Ntshona, spokesperson for Cultural & Creative Industries Practioners, “it started in 2011, and since then it has been a fund that has been assisting artists throughout the country.”
What was strange about this, continues Zama, was that at that time that adjustication was supposed to be over and done with, the pronouncement was supposed to be done and Minister Gayton Mckenzie was supposed to make lateral decision, he restarted the process. “ Of which was never going to be a problem had he communicated with industry Practioners and artists.”
Zama went further to say artists sent different letters to different organizations on their statements, trying to get the minister to actually speak to the artists – which is what kickstarted this.
Zama continued to say this is not an isolated matter. “He does as he pleases with board members, and other institutions of government.
“This is why we decided to actually march towards ensuring the industry gets an individual who is able to grant the industry what it needs.”
They voiced their frustration on how much arts sector has been neglected.
“At first, he looked like an individual who would assist them, and be inclusive in his approach,” said one of the artists. “But as time went by, it became apparent that he has no interest in the industry.”
“We are marching because the minister has ignored the cries of the industry.” Another one said.
Artists and their Practioners said they don’t expect the administrators to fully understand the intricacies of the industry, but they expect them and their politicians to communicate with them; they would be doing a better job by doing Just That.
They are all looking towards a day where arts administration and distribution of funds would see local government as part of the ward budget and IDP’s, where there would be an arts project that is for arts budget.
“The same applies with provincial structure. If each of the 247 municipalities in this country is able to disperse a fund for Arts & Culture, and that be allocated to 4480 for wards, we’d be able to deal successfully with that problem.” stated Zama.
As artists, they are part of the 2.97% contribution to the country’s GDP, which translates to 161 billion rand. When you do not fund artists, or being inconsistent, Zama mentioned how that creates uncertainties as to whether artists would still have jobs, businesses that are likely to close down, families that are going to suffer, unconducive environments the artists have found themselves in – in October 2024, where there was a relief that was coming, which has not come till-date.
Overall, they are hoping that:
- Minister Gayton Mcknezie will release MGE funding results, and award money due to artists tenuously. And that he will move away from lateral decisions, and engage artists.
- Industry Experts would form part of the boards; people who can make sound decisions, and understand what they are doing.
Hopefully, they said, “this would be the last time to march to get the minister’s attention. When we write a letter, he would respond.”
Stay tuned as we’re bringing further details, and the minister’s response.
For further information, contact Zama Ntshona – who formed part of the organizers of the march.
063 943 0893
