The Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, today invited and encouraged members of the media and the public to become involved with his Department's promotion of the arts and artists in South Africa. He announced the formation of a task group with high-level government involvement.
Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Dr Ngubane and his colleague, Deputy-Minister Brigitte Mabandla, said that the task team would investigate pertinent issues and facilitate support for artists in the country, while taking into account issues of intellectual property rights. The task team will be headed by Mr Themba Wakashe, Chief-Director for Arts and Culture at the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and will include Deputy-Minister Mabandla.
Dr Ngubane reaffirmed his Department's commitment to supporting the growth and development of all South African arts forms. He called for proactive engagement by artists, members of the press and other interested parties in ensuring the efficacy and success of the task team.
Deputy-Minister Mabandla affirmed the ongoing commitment of government to funding the arts.
Through the mechanisms of the National Arts Council (NAC) and Business Arts South Africa (BASA), the government, through the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, had contributed substantial fiscal support to artists in South Africa, Dr Ngubane said. He noted that the NAC's budget had been significantly increased this year to an amount of R25 million.
Enquiries: Kimberley Worthington Telephone: (021) 465 4850/70 E-mail: pd10@dacst3.wcape.gov.za
Issued by The Office of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
24 August 1999