Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR LIONEL P H M MTSHALI
Minister Mtshali, today, announced the names of the Interim Board of the Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal (PACT).
Speaking at the formal hand-over ceremony at the State Theatre, the Minister said that, after having consulted with the Gauteng MEC responsible for Arts and Culture, Mr Peter Skosana, it was decided that the following persons will serve on the Interim Board:
- Mr Sam Moss - Present Board Member - Mr Motsumi Makhene - Arts Manager nominated by the Gauteng - Kobus van Rooyen - Professor of Law: University of Pretoria - Mr Thulasizwe Nkabinde - Executive Producer for Music: SABC - Prof Mzilikazi Khumalo - Retired Head of African Languages Wits University and well known composer and performer - Ms D A Dludlu - Transnet Tender Board
The formal hand-over function was held at the State Theatre in Pretoria and was attended by all MECs from the four Provinces which until now have been serviced by PACT, as well as the Chairman of the present PACT Board, Dr John Kani, and Board members.
On 10 February 1998, the Minister announced a new policy thrust, in terms of which each Province will eventually establish its own performing arts institutions. The White Paper of Arts, Culture and Heritage of 1996 states that the Performing Arts Councils (PAC's) will eventually cease to be funded by the National Government as production houses, but will instead be funded as playhouses. Funding will only be availed for the core infrastructure and core staff. Their budgets have been adjusted accordingly.
Minister Mtshali also announced that the term of office of the Interim Board will be between 1 May and 31 October 1998. Its brief will be:
- to revise PACT articles of association;
- to review the administrative management systems at PACT and make recommendations to the Minister;
- to set out a transformation agenda, which links government funding to specific deliverables;
- to review the personnel situation at PACT and make recommendations;
- to set clear objectives and a programme of action in relation to the ultimate status of PACT as a prime venue within the Province;
- to do any other, as the Minister may give directions from time to time.
The Interim Board will be expected to submit monthly reports to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. On 31 October, it will submit its final report, based on its brief, to the Minister.
Minister Mtshali has thanked the outgoing Chairperson and board of PACT for their service and dedication during their tenure of office.