the dti to Host Workshop in Thohoyandou to Empower Artists

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) will hold a workshop for the Limpopo artists in Thohoyandou on Wednesday, 29 May 2013. The purpose of the workshop is to assist members of the creative industry, including musicians, actors, composers, film producers, dancers, poets, and artists to formalise their businesses.

The South African government’s strategy to assist the creative industry is as a result of the sector meeting and consultation with the industry that President Jacob Zuma had in November 2009, as well as a subsequent meeting that the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Thandi Tobias-Pokolo had with artists in April 2010. In both meetings, numerous problems dogging the industry were raised. These include allegations of mismanagement in the distribution of copyright royalties.

“One of the commissions at the conference and launch dealt with the need to assist artists to formalise their businesses by providing them with information on how to register their businesses, how to access financial and non-financial support from various government departments and agencies, how to protect their intellectual property rights, as well as issues related to copyrights and collection of royalties. This is intended to assist artists to commercially use their talent, skills and knowledge as business rather than for entertainment only,” says Deputy Minister Tobias-Pokolo.

She adds that the ultimate objective is ensure that the creative industry is an economically viable sector that will also contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and address some of the ills and inequalities that the creative industry players have been complaining about for some time. It is also intended to elevate the industry’s capacity to create sustainable and decent jobs.

”the dti views the South African creative industry as one of the strategic industries, which has the potential to create meaningful economic opportunities for various types of artists,” says Deputy Minister Tobias-Pokolo.

Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Acting Chief Director
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 299 8512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade and Industry
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti

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