Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Today the Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Ms Brigitte Mabandla, expressed deep concern at the SABC's announcement to discontinue its support of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
The Deputy Minister said, "while I understand the current budgetary climate, I believe that the SABC, as the public broad- caster, is a primary custodian of South African culture. I would therefore encourage the SABC to adopt an approach to the NSO which would give them an opportunity to diversify their sources of funding."
The Deputy Minister suggested that "all avenues should be explored in order to protect and promote South Africa's artistic life. In restructuring the performing arts councils, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology devised a medium term expenditure framework to allow the performing arts councils and their orchestras to prepare for reduced government subsidies. This strategy thus gives the orchestras the opportunity to diversify their funding base and to involve provincial and local government as well as the private sector."
She further said, "I find it disturbing that in the NSO, which is widely acclaimed for its talent, outreach programmes and its internationally reknowned conductor, Richard Cock, could be closed at short notice,"
The Deputy Minister said that she would be raising the matter directly with the SABC and the Minister responsible for broadcasting.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Mr Andile Xaba Tel: (012) 314-6313