Issued by: The Ministry for Welfare and Population Development
SPEECH BY MINISTER GERALDINE FRASER-MOLEKETI, THE MINISTER FOR WELFARE AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERED AT THE EISTEDDFOD CEREMONY ON 21 MARCH 1998, GALLAGHER ESTATE, AT 19:00
Molweni, Good evening, Nochani, Dumelang, Sanbonani, Abusheng, Goeie naand.
Honourable guests, ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls.
I feel humbled to be participating in this important event of the National Eisteddfod Academy. Particularly since it co-incides with Human Rights Day and the global March Against Child Labour which started in Manilla in the Phillippines on 17 January 1998 and is being continued from Cape Town today. Tonight, not only music and language came together on stage through the performing arts, but it seems to me as if the whole nation came together to celebrate its freedom and to celebrate a culture of hard won human rights.
Our Bill of Rights, which states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of artistic creativity" and that "Everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice", became a reality tonight!
This event is important because it signifies to coming together of different cultures. It highlights the fact that a South African culture includes all different cultures in this country which shows that there is unity in diversity.
The multi-cultural flavour of this event and the reflection of the diversity of culture are what makes the National Eisteddfod Academy different and appropriate to prepare us to enter the 21st century.
What also makes the National Eisteddfod Academy unique is the fact that the void is now filled. A void which existed where no national organisation offered both primary and secondary schools of different cultures the opportunity to compete on a healthy basis in the fine and performing arts.
This void was filled by, amongst others, incorporating ten languages, including Sign Language, in drama and verse. People with special needs were also given the opportunity to participate.
The success of including all people is reflected in the growth in the number of participants:
This year's launch of the Eisteddfod syllabus, which will benefit and stimulate young persons in schools, prisons and other institutions in the performing arts, promises to result in even more growth.
There is a definite need for the Eisteddfod as it, amongst others:
We are all gravely concerned about the levels of crime in our country. In recognition of this, Cabinet initiated a process for the development of a National Crime Prevention Strategy which was approved in May 1996. The vision of the National Crime Prevention Strategy is to have a peaceful South Africa where its people can pursue their daily lives in peace free from violence and crime. This is also in the line with of transformation of the Child and Youth Care System.
There is a direct link between poverty, a feeling of disempowerment, the unproductive use of time and the involvement in crime. Many young people who became involved in crime contributed it to the fact that their families lived in poverty and that crime generated an income. Through the National Eisteddfod Academy jobs are created, which not only provide an income, but also contributes to the youth being more productive and using their time to bring pleasure to themselves and others.
I want to urge those of you who can support the National Eisteddfod Academy financial to do so. This will not only enable the National Eisteddfod Academy to achieve its objectives or give exposure to you or your company, but you will be investing in a living, growing enterprise. Just as the sports industry grew into a enterprise, arts will as well, if you enhance the economic potential thereof. You will also be investing in the future of our children and our country.
The time has come for us - men, women, boys, girls, government, politicians, the community, the private sector and business - join hands to heal our nation. Our country and nation are precious and wonderfully diverse with many languages, cultures, religions, believes and values.
A particular input is needed to take this initiative further, we need an input by Business towards healing/restoring rebuilding of our society.
Culture to me, is the one medium of communication which cuts across language, age and cultural barriers. Through art people are given the freedom to express their inner most being without the fear of being ridiculed.
There are few factors which create such unity amongst different nations, nationally and internationally, as the introduction to, knowledge and understanding of each other's cultures.
The National Eisteddfod Academy has already gained impressive prestige in that:
Tonight we share in the showcase of the National Eisteddfod Academy and the South African nation.
I share the vision of the National Eisteddfod Academy, namely:
"To utilise the performing arts of all cultural groups to create and build a quality of life for all South Africans and to cultivate mutual respect for each other's cultural heritage".
Each person should retain his/her own individual culture, but blend with others to create an even richer culture.
In conclusion, I want to quote the President in his book long walk to Freedom when he says: "I have walked that long walk to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill one only finds that there are more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me to look back at the distance I have come. That I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I do not linger for my long walk isnot yet ended."
As patron of the National Eisteddfod Academy I wish all participants and the National Eisteddfod Academy great success.
I thank you