Sports, Arts and Culture

Sport, Arts and Culture

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is mandated to provide leadership to the sport, arts and culture sector to accelerate its transformation; oversee the development and management of sport, arts and culture in South Africa; legislate on sports participation, sports infrastructure and safety improve South Africa’s international ranking in selected sports through a partnership with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC); preserve, develop, protect and promote the cultural, heritage, linguistic diversity and legacy of South Africa lead nation-building and social cohesion through social transformation; enhance archives and records management structures and systems; and promote access to information.

In its efforts to enable transformed, capable and professional sport, arts and culture sectors, over the medium term, the department will focus on: promoting and protecting heritage; creating job opportunities in the cultural and creative sector; and providing integrated and accessible sport infrastructure and events.

South African practitioners and artists who continue to raise the South African flag high, particularly on the international front, include:

• Thuso Mbedu – 2021 Hollywood Critic’s inaugural Association Awards Winner for her performance as Cora in Underground Railroad, and the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards Winner for Best Female Performance in a Scripted Series.
• Prof Pitika Ntuli – 2021 Global Fine Arts People’s Choice Award Winner.
• DJ Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo) – 2022 Grammy Award Winner at its 64th annual chapter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
• Mandla Dube directed a world renown “Silverton Siege”, a story on the fervent offensive by MK cadres fighting for the release of Nelson Mandela. This iconic piece premiered at Sun City and was further shown in 192 countries in April 2022.

Promoting and protecting heritage

In order to expand access to knowledge and information, the department plans to build 96 new libraries, upgrade 135 community libraries and procure 310 000 library materials over the medium term.

Igniting economic growth through the cultural and creative industries

As part of the department’s efforts to realise the potential of cultural and creative industries to stimulate growth and contribute to South Africa’s  economy, over the medium term, a targeted 900 artists will be placed in schools to teach art and 750 language bursaries  will be awarded to develop qualified language practitioners.

Promoting and developing sport and recreation

Sport has the potential to bring together diverse groups and create a socially cohesive society with a common national identity. Netball South Africa to host the Netball World Cup in 2023.

Youth programmes

To mitigate high youth unemployment rate, the department supported several youth programmes. The following are amongst notable youth programmes that were supported:

• Debut Fund programme
• The Young Patriots Programme
• Artists in Schools, and
• Film.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

As part of the global community, the South African sport and creative industries were the hardest hit by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Government’s response through relief, grants and the Presidential Economic Stimulus Package went a long way in softening the negative impact of COVID-19. The DSAC supported athletes, artists and their organisations financially to the tune of R808  million, benefiting 59  224  artists  and athletes  with 37  556  jobs created and retained.

In an endeavour to reopen the sector again and guarantee livelihoods, the department initiated the “Return to Play, It is in Your Hands” campaign. The campaign’s roadshow covered seven provinces, with the key objective of getting the nation to vaccinate.

Role players

Boxing South Africa (BSA)

The BSA administers professional boxing, recognises amateur boxing, creates synergy between professional and amateur boxing, and promotes interaction between associations of boxers,  managers, promoters and trainers.

Netball South Africa (NSA)

The NSA is the peak governing body for the sport  of netball in South Africa, which is responsible for overseeing the practice of the sport across the country. Additionally, the NSA is the managing body for the National Netball Team – the Spar Proteas. The NSA will host the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023. This is a historic first for the sport in Africa.

Tennis South Africa (TSA)

The TSA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in South Africa created to standardise rules and regulations and to promote and develop the growth of tennis in South Africa. The not-for-profit organisation invests its proceeds to promote and develop the growth of tennis, from the grass-roots to the professional levels, and to raise funds for and on behalf of tennis players and the game of tennis within South Africa.  The TSA is affiliated to both the International Tennis Federation and Confederation of African Tennis.

GolfRSA

GolfRSA is the unified body of the South African Golf Association and Women’s Golf South Africa, administering, operating and providing service to amateur golf in South Africa. GolfRSA’s role is to look after the interests of more than 460 golf clubs and 139 000 men, women, boy and girl club members, produce champion golfers and provide the opportunity for everyone in South Africa to experience the game of golf.

South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS)

The SAIDS promotes participation in sport without the use of prohibited performance enhancing substances and methods, and educates sportspeople on fair play and the harmful effects of the use of prohibited performance enhancing substances and methods.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee

SASCOC is the national multi-coded sporting body responsible for the preparation, presentation and performance of teams to all multi-coded events, namely the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Games, All Africa Games,  Olympic Youth Games,  Commonwealth Youth Games and Zone VI Games.

It also looks after the various national federations affiliated to it, together with the various provincial sports councils. SASCOC is responsible for the awarding for National Protea Colours to athletes/officials who have  met the criteria  to represent South Africa in different sporting codes and arenas. South Africa is also represented on the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and on the Confederation of Southern African National Olympic Committees.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

The  WADA  was established  in 1999  as  an  international independent agency composed  and  funded equally by the sport  movement and  governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of antidoping capacities and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code – the document harmonising anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries.

Athletics South Africa (ASA)

ASA, which reports to the SASCOC, is the national governing body for the sport of athletics in South Africa  that is  recognised by World Athletics and is  also  a member of Confederation of African Athletics.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA)

The MSSA is a non-profit association affiliated to the International eSports Federation, Federation de Jeau du Mondiale, and the International Wargames Federation. Due to its membership of such international bodies, the MSSA is the sole authority for the games that it caters for in terms of the Sport and Recreation Act of 1998 (as amended).

The MSSA is responsible for the good governance and promotion of historical figure games  (also  known as wargames),  board  games (such as Diplomacy, Checkers, Draughts,  Morabaraba,  Sport  Stacking, etc), card gaming, robotics, and eSports  (whether they are played on ‘cell  phones, Sony® PSP’s, personal computers or similar).

Major events

Big Walk

The Big Walk is staged on the first Sunday of October to encourage participation in physical activity.  The annual Big Walk takes place in October.  It is aligned with The Association for International Sport  for All World Walking  Day,  which encourages and lobbies countries to walk by creating advocacy and awareness during October.

Annual National Recreation Day

Although not a public holiday, the day provides an opportunity to all South Africans to be actively involved by participating in recreation activities that will improve their health and wellbeing.

National Indigenous Games

The National Indigenous Games festival forms part of South  Africa’s annual heritage celebrations  and  brings  people from culturally diverse backgrounds together. The popularity of the festival  in recent years has contributed to an increase in the number of active participants in sport and recreation events. The games played included khokho, intonga, ncuva, morabaraba,  diketo, drie stokkies, kgati, dibeke and juskei, all of which are indigenous to South Africa.

Major sporting activities

Sporting codes

Major sporting  codes in South Africa include: Athletics; Biking; Mountain Biking; Cycling;  Boxing; Cricket;  Canoeing; Rowing; Golf;  Hockey;  Ice Hockey; Motorsport; Flying; Netball; Rugby; Running (including South Africa’s  two world-renowned ultra-marathons – the Comrades Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal  and the Two Oceans Marathon in the Western Cape); Soccer; Surfing; Sailing; Swimming; Tennis and Chess.

Services rendered by the DSAC

Some of the services  rendered by the department include the:

• National Archives, which makes archival material available to the public. Although actual  access to  archival  documentation is  free  of  charge,  the public is charged for the reproduction of material for further use,  either on film or paper. Publications are also sold, and the public is charged for the transfer of data by magnetic means.
• Video and Sound Archives which collects, preserves and provides access to audio-visual records created both by government and private bodies or individuals.
• Bureau for Heraldry, which registers the heraldic representations, names, special names and uniforms of individuals, associations and institutions. It also renders advice on heraldic and related matters and provides financial assistance to institutions, boards, committees or other public bodies or persons in order to promote the functional objectives of the Bureau of Heraldry.
• National Language Service, which provides a translating and editing service to all government departments. It also provides policy development support relating to official language development, particularly related to the Use of Official Languages Act of 2012.

Promoting and preserving heritage infrastructure

The department’s infrastructure development initiatives aim to achieve redress for South Africa’s historical imbalances and contribute to social transformation by establishing and maintaining world-class heritage sites to boost tourism and create job opportunities, particularly in historically disadvantaged areas.

Community library services

In addition to building and upgrading libraries, the department, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the DSAC also plans to build 70 dual library service  points to support school curricula and enhance learning outcomes.

Cultural and creative industries

The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) seeks to  create economic and job opportunities in the arts,  culture and heritage sector by supporting programmes designed to develop audiences, stimulate demand, increase market access, and develop skills.

New names of towns

The names of towns that have been changed in the post-democratic dispensation include the following:

• Limpopo: Bela-Bela (Warmbaths); Lephalale (Ellisras); Modimolle (Nylstroom); Mokopane (Potgietersrus); Musina (Messina); Polokwane (Pietersburg); Senwabarana  (Bochum); Mogwadi (Dendron); Morebeng (Soekmekaar); Modjadjiskloof (Duiwelskloof) and Mookgophong (Naboomspruit).
• Mpumalanga:  eMalahleni  (Witbank);   eManzana   (Badplaas);   KwaDukuza (Stanger); Mashishing (Lydenburg); Makhazeni (Belfast); Emgwenya (Waterval Boven);   eNtokozweni  (Machadodorp);  Mbombela;  (Nelspruit);  eMkhondo (Piet Retief) and Thuli Fakude (Leandra).
• Free  State: Mamafubedu (Petrus Steyn), Hlohlolwane (Clocolan) and Intabazwe (Harrismith).
• Eastern Cape: Gqeberha  (Port Elizabeth); James   Calata (Jamestown); Maletswai (Aliwal North); Cacadu (Lady Frere); Komani (Queenstown); Khowa (Elliot); KwaBhaca (Mount Frere); MaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff); Dikeni (Alice) and Makhanda (Grahamstown).
• KwaZulu-Natal: eMthonjaneni (Melmoth) and KwaDukuza  (Stanger).
• Gauteng: Sophiatown (Triomf).
• Western Cape: Bo-Kaap (Schotchekloof).

New names of airports

• King Phalo Airport (East London Airport).
• Mthatha Airport (KD Matanzima Airport).
• Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport  (Port Elizabeth International Airport).

Some of the remarkable awards through which South Africa celebrates excellence in arts and culture are:

• South Africa Music Awards.
• South African Film and Television Awards.
• South African Fashion Industry Awards
• South African Literally Awards
• Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series.

Cultural Development

National Art Bank of South Africa (NABSA)

The NABSA is a national programme of the then DAC, as part of the MGE Strategy implementation. The vision of the NABSA is to promote, foster and stimulate a vibrant market for the collection of South African contemporary visual art.

It is tasked  with purchasing artworks  from South African artists,  particularly that of emerging artists  in order to lease  and sell the artworks  to South African Government departments, private companies and private individuals.

Young Patriots Programme

The  Young  Patriots   Programme  was  launched  in  2016  to  encourage  young people to participate  actively  in building the capacity  of the arts,  culture and heritage sector, and gain meaningful skills  through service delivery improvement and moral regeneration initiatives,  and the youth social  cohesion advocates programme.

National heritage

As  part  of  efforts  in  recognising  the  work  of  South  Africa’s   Living  Human Treasures, the department has produced two books on women artists  who have made a unique contribution to the living heritage. The first two books are about Noria  Mabasa,  a  world-renowned (ceramic  and  wood) sculptor  from  Tshino Village in the Vuwani area in Limpopo and Esther  Mahlangu, world-famous for her largescale paintings referencing her Ndebele heritage.

Languages

South Africa is a multilingual country. The Constitution of the Republic of South of 1996 guarantees equal status to 11 official languages to cater for its diverse people and their cultures. These are:  English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.

Other  languages  used  in  South  Africa   include  the  Khoi,   Nama  and  San languages,  Sign  Language,  Arabic,  German,  Greek,   Gujarati,   Hebrew,  Hindi, French,  Portuguese,  Sanskrit, Tamil,  Shona,  Telegu and Urdu. South Africa has various structures and institutions that support the preservation and development of languages.

Arts and culture organisations

Some of the organisations which are playing an active role in upholding the mandate of the DSAC include the following:

• The National Heritage Council engages heritage stakeholders in public and private institutions, including the various organs of civil society, mobilises debates and builds awareness  about heritage.
• The South African Heritage Resources Agency is the national administrative management body for the protection of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
• The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) facilitates opportunities for people to practice and appreciate the arts.
• The National Film and Video Foundation develops and promotes the film and video industry in South Africa.
• The Pan South African Language Board is a constitutional institution that promotes an awareness of multilingualism as a national resource and supports previously marginalised languages.
• The South African Geographical Names Council is an advisory  body that facilitates name changes by consulting with communities to advise the Minister of Arts and Culture.
• Arts institutions include the State Theatre in Pretoria,  Playhouse  Company in Durban, Artscape in Cape Town, Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State  in Bloemfontein and the Windybrow Theatre in Johannesburg.
• Heritage institutions include Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en monument, Paarl; Ditsong  Museums  of South Africa, Pretoria; Iziko Museums, Cape  Town; KwaZulu-Natal  Museum,  Pietermaritzburg;  National Museum, Bloemfontein; National  English  Literary  Museum,  Grahamstown;  Robben  Island  Museum, Cape Town; Voortrekker  Museum, Pietermaritzburg; War Museum of the Boer Republics,  Bloemfontein;  William Humphreys Art Gallery,  Kimberley;  Luthuli Museum, Stanger; Nelson Mandela Museum, Mthatha; Freedom Park  and the Engelenburg House Art Collection.

Festivals

Some of the different arts and cultural festivals in South  Africa include the following:

• The Aardklop National Arts Festival is held annually in October in Potchefstroom, North West. Although it is inherently Afrikaans, it is universal in character.
• Arts Alive International Festival in Newtown in Johannesburg provides the best in homegrown and overseas  entertainment in September.
• The Cape Town International Jazz  Festival  features international and African artists. It also features photographic and art exhibitions.
• The Grahamstown National Arts Festival at the end of July is the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent and consists  of drama, dance, theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual art exhibitions, film, lectures, a craft fair and workshops,  as well as a children’s arts festival.
• The Kirkwood Wildlife Festival attracts visitors to see the game animal auction, agricultural exhibitions.
• The Dance Umbrella is a festival of contemporary choreography and dance, presenting work ranging from community-based dance troupes to international companies. The Dance Umbrella has established itself as the main “stepping stone” for many South African choreographers who now work internationally.
• The Klein Karoo Nasionale  Kunstefees, a vibrant festival for the performing arts, is held annually in Oudtshoorn and presentations include drama, cabaret, and contemporary and classical music.
• The Moretele Park Tribute Concert is an annual festival which is held at Moretele Park in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
• The Cape Town Minstrel Festival sees the minstrels taking over the streets of Cape Town (Mother City) annually on 2 January for a parade that dates back to the mid-19th century. Minstrels in troupes parade throughout the city centre in their colourful garb.
• The Mangaung African Cultural Festival in Bloemfontein is one of the biggest cultural tourism events in southern Africa. This 10-day festival in October showcases the cream of African and international talent.
• The National Arts Festival, held annually in July in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, is one of the largest and most diverse arts gatherings in Africa.
• The Splashy Fen Music Festival near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal offers a variety of mainstream and alternative rock and pop music.
• Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is Johannesburg’s biggest annual jazz festival, with local and international artists performing at different venues across the city.
• Up the Creek is a popular music festival held in February on the banks of the Breede River near Swellendam in the Western Cape.
• The White Mountain Folk Festival in the Central Drakensberg mountain range offers great music in an awesome setting for three days in September. It features acoustic performances by some of South Africa’s top folk musicians.
• 503 Music Festival takes place twice a year in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal.  It is all about celebrating and thanking icons who were born and raised in the area, also bringing other national icons to the township.

Other festivals that attract both national and international visitors are: Innibos in Nelspruit,  Mpumalanga; Taung Cultural Calabash  in North West;  the Awesome Africa Music Festival in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal;  the Windybrow Theatre Festival in Johannesburg;  Hilton Arts Festival  in KwaZulu-Natal,  and the One City Many Cultures in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Cultural tourism

Cultural festivals, African-cuisine projects, cultural villages, heritage routes and storytelling are areas that benefit from South Africa’s booming tourism industry. Many cultural villages have been established throughout South Africa to reflect the different cultures and traditions of the country’s people.

Initiated by the DSAC through the MGE Strategy of 2011, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is a statistical and socio-economic research project, launched in 2014,  which charts the socio-economic impact of the arts, culture and heritage sectors and the cultural and creative industries in South Africa.

The SACO supports the collection and analysis of data, influences policy, shares insights and builds on the intellectual capacity gained across the arts, culture and heritage sectors. It works across the breadth of all cultural domains, including the arts, heritage, tourism, museums, libraries, archives and creative industries.

Theatre

There are over 100 active venues across the country offering everything from indigenous drama, music, dance, cabaret and satire to classical opera and ballet.

Performing arts

Performing arts institutions are schedule 3A public entities established in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act of 1998. They are mandated to advance, promote and preserve the performing arts  in South Africa; enhance the contribution of arts and culture to the economy; and create job opportunities and initiatives that further nation-building.

The following arts institutions receive annual transfers from the DSAC: Artscape (Cape Town); The Playhouse Company (Durban); The Market Theatre (Johannesburg); Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (Bloemfontein); and the South African State Theatre, (Pretoria).

Music

Music is  one of the key  cultural industries  identified in the Cultural  Industrial Growth Strategy  Report and government has committed itself to harnessing its potential. In addition to its cultural value,  music plays  an important economic role in the country, generating significant copyright revenue. In this industry, the department has solid foundations on which to build.

These include the annual South African Music Week,  the in-school education programme run in conjunction with the DBE, and the Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition. The Taking South African Music to the World Programme is aimed at improving export opportunities for South African music. Government funds a number of musical  ensembles directly and indirectly,  through the NAC.  South Africa is the 25th largest market for recorded music, with the industry employing more than 20 000 people. Local music accounts for a third of all the music bought by South Africans.

Township jazz  and blues,  especially  the kwêla music of the 40s  and 50s,  are being redefined; the country also has a rich choral tradition, and pop and rock musicians  have made their mark  internationally.  Even  techno-rave  and house music have found their own variations  in local culture. Kwaito and hip-hop are very popular, combining elements of rap, reggae and other musical styles  into a distinctly South African style. Kwaai Jazz  is also gaining momentum.

South African Music Awards (SAMAs)

The 28th edition of the annual SAMAs  was held at the Sun City Superbowl near Rustenburg in North West on 28 August 2022. The winners were:

• Album of the Year: Musique – Chymamusique.
• Best Duo or Group of the Year: Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma.
• Best Female Artist of the Year: Platinumb Heart Open – Msaki.
• Best Male Artist of the Year: Musique – Chymamusique.
• White Star Newcomer of the Year: Khanyisile Mthetwa – ‘African Bird’.
• Best Hip Hop Album: B4NOW  – Blxckie.
• Best Collaboration: ‘Osama’ – Zakes  Bantwini and Kasango
• Best Amapiano Album: Notumato – Young Stunna
• TECNO Record of the Year: Vula Mlomo – Musa Keys  ft. Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi.
• TECNO Music Video of the Year: Ghanama – Makhadzi ft. Prince Benza.
• SAMPRA Artist of the Year: Haksul MUZIQ.
• TikTok Most Viral Song of the Year: ‘uMlando’ – 9umba, TOSS & Mdoovar
• SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award: Osama – Zakes Bantwini.
• CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year: Abalele’ – Kabza  De Small,  DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku.
• International Achiever Award: Black  Coffee.
• Lifetime Achiever Award: Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata.
• Best Adult Contemporary Album: Platinumb Heart Open – Msaki.
• Best Classical/Instrumental Album: African Bird – Khanyisile Mthetwa.
• Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Cwaka  – Mandisi Dyantyis.
• Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album: Volume – Die Heuwels Fantasties.
• Best   Traditional   Album:  Tshihwilili    Tshanga    –   Dr   Mercy    Masakona Madzivhandila.
• Best Reggae Album: Trailblazer – Reign Afrika.
• Best Jazz Album: History In A Frame – Jimmy Dludlu.
• Best Contemporary Faith Music Album: Sacrificial Worship (Live) – Pulane Maphari.
• Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Vela Nkosi – Jumbo.
• Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album: Similapha Nkosi – NUZ Voices of Joy.
• Best Maskandi Album: Idaymani – Thokozani Langa.
• Best Alternative Music Album: Glow – Alice Phoebe Lou.
• Best Rock Album: Partypocalypse  – Springbok Nude Girls.
• Best R&B/Soul Album: It’s  All You – Brian Temba.
• Best Pop Album: Trouble In Paradise – Shekhinah.
• Beste Pop Album: Niks Vergelyk – Posduif.
• Best Afropop Album: Amagama – Nomfundo Moh.
• Best Produced Music Video: ‘When House Was House’ by Mobi Dixon feat. Mariechan and JNR SA– Mabi Ntuli and Shona.
• Best Engineered Album of the Year: It Takes  Three by Charl Du Plessis Trio – Peter Auret.
• Rest of Africa Award: ‘If Orange Was A Place’  – Tems (Nigeria).
• Remix of the Year: Sun-El  Musician,  Azana and Da Capo – Uhuru by Sun-El

Musician and Azana.

• Best Kwaito Album: Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma.
• Best Gqom Album: Umshunqo Reloaded – Dladla Mshunqisi.
• Best Dance Album: Musique – Chymamusique.
• Chairman’s Award: Yvonne Chaka  Chaka.
• Best Selling Artist: Notumato by Young Stunner.

South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards

The 17th annual SATMA  Awards  event was  held at the Mbombela Stadium in

Mpumalanga on 1 October 2022 and the winners were:

• Best Afro Soul Song: ‘We Dance Again’ – Daniel Brothers.
• Best African Jazz Artist & Group: Mthobisi Mthalane.
• Best Reggae Artist & Group: Burning Fire.
• Best Praise Singer Artist & Group: Venda Boy.
• Best Indigenous Poet Artist & Group: Ntombi Ya Mutsonga.
• Best Upcoming Artist & Group: Ma’onas  The Melodian.
• Best Mbhaqanga Artist & Group: Nombika Black  Boyz.
• Best Traditional Acapella Artist/Group: Nombika Black  Boyz.
• Best  Traditional Music  Community Radio Presenter: Lunga  Mgamle  – Zibonele FM.
• Best Department of Arts & Culture: North West.
• Best Department Cultural Affairs Chief Director: Limpopo.
• Best Traditional Outfit: Nomsa Mkhonza.
• Best Traditional Social Media Influencer: Zamamboe Mkhize.
• Best Sepedi Artist Group: Katalia.
• Best Venda Artist Group: Vha Venda Cultural Group.
• Best Xitsonga Artist Group: Nurse Matlala.
• Best Ndebele Artist Group: Allentjie.
• Best Isixhosa Artist Group: Sivuyile.
• Best Setswana Artist Group: Dikwena Tsa  Matlosana.
• Best Siswati Artist Group: Msa Lomshiyo.
• Best Indian Artist Group: Pritisha  M.
• Best Sesotho Artist/Group: Khopolo Khuluoe.
• Best Boeremusiek Artist/Group: Vatvas  Dansorkes.
• Best Maskandi (T&D) Artist/Group: Udumakahle.
• Most Voted Song Of The Year: Inhlupheko – Gatsheni.
• Best Traditional Music SABC Radio Presenter of the Year: Tom Perez –Motsweding FM.

Orchestras

The  NAC  is  responsible  for  funding the  KwaZulu-Natal,   Cape  and  Gauteng orchestras  as well as the Cape Town Jazz  Orchestra.

Dance

Dancing is  part of the African  way of life and has  become a prime means of artistic expression,  with dance companies expanding and exploring new territory. Contemporary  work  ranges  from  normal  preconceptions  of  movement and performance art or performance theatre to the completely unconventional.

The DSAC’s Breathing New Vision  into Theatre and Dance in South Africa,  a National Theatre  and Dance Policy  aims  to nurture and celebrate theatre and dance,  embracing and celebrating the diversity  of theatre and dance forms in South Africa. The policy builds on a number of proposals that have been made by civil society and other organisations and institutions over the last decade.

Visual arts

South Africa has a rich variety of visual art, with influences ranging from prehistoric, ancient and indigenous art to western, Asian and contemporary art. Art galleries, ranging  from  small  privately  owned  commercial  galleries,   to  major  regional galleries  such as  the South African National Gallery  in Cape Town, the Durban Art Gallery in KwaZulu-Natal,  the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Gauteng and King George  VI  Gallery  in Gqeberha  in the Eastern  Cape,  showcase  collections  of indigenous, historical and contemporary works.

Rock art

There are many traces  of ancient cultures that existed in southern Africa in the distant  past.  Experts  estimate  that there are  250  000  rock-art  sites  south of the Zambezi.  The San  people left a  priceless  and unique collection of Stone Age paintings and engravings in the region, which also  represents  the largest collection of its kind in the world.

Photography

With its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, diversity of cultures and rich historical heritage,   South   Africa   is   a   photographer’s   paradise. Many   South   African photographers have been acclaimed  for their work,  which features  in coffee-table  books,   documentaries,  local  and  overseas   exhibitions,  magazines  and newspapers.

Architecture

South Africa  has  a  rich architectural  heritage,  reflecting contributions from all the cultural groups in the country.  Through the centuries,  a  unique trend has developed in South Africa’s  architectural  style,  which has  been referred to as an innovative marriage of traditions. This is evident in the variety of architectural structures  found all over the country,  ranging from humble dwellings, historical homesteads  and public buildings,  to modern, commercial buildings reflecting state-of-the-art  technology and designs that match the best in the world.

Crafts

South African beadwork,  once the insignia of tribal royalty alone,  has  found a huge range of applications,  from the creation of coverings for everything from bottles  to  matchboxes.   With  workplaces   ranging  from  the  pavements  and markets of the big cities to dwellings in deep rural areas, South Africans produce a  remarkable  range  of  arts  and  crafts,   including various  forms  of  traditional artwork and innovative new products.

These range from jewellery, tableware, home decorations, embroidery and key rings to skilfully crafted wooden engravings and wirework sculptures.  In addition to the standard  materials such as  beads,  grass, leather,  fabric and clay,  many other mediums are also used, including telephone wire, plastic bags, empty cans, bottle tops and even food tin labels,  to create  brightly coloured paper mâché bowls.  Shops,  markets  and collectors  dealing in African  crafts  provide much- needed employment and income to communities.

Literature

South Africa has a rich and diverse literary history, and the local literature sector has become globally competitive and the country’s writers continue to command respect throughout the world. South Africa commemorates the annual National Book  Week  (NBW)  in September.  It is  an initiative of the South  African  Book Development Council, in collaboration with the DSAC.

The NBW  is an important initiative in encouraging the nation to value reading as  a  funand pleasurable  activity  and to showcase  how reading can easily  be incorporated  into  one’s   daily  lifestyle.   The  commemoration coincides   with International Literacy  Day on 8 September. The 2022 theme was “Transforming Literacy  Learning Spaces”. The NBW  was celebrated from 5 to 11 September 2022.

South African Literary Awards (SALA) 2022

The 17th SALA ceremony was held on the 31st International African Writers’ Day, on 7 November 2022, at the Freedom Park Museum and Heritage Site in Pretoria.

The winners were:

Children’s Literature Award:

1. André Trantraal,  Keegan & Samier – Die Strokiesprent-Kompetisie.
2. Nandipha Nomsobo – Qashi Qashi, Injani?
3. Niky Daly – On My Papa’s Shoulders.

First Time Published Author Award:

1. Razina  Theba – A Home On Vorster Street.
2. Herschelle Benjamin – In Slavenhuis 39.
3. Mmabore Gladys  Mogashoa – Bohwa bja rena.

Youth Literature Award:

1. Theodora Lee – Hashtag Happy.
2. Daniëlla van Heerden – As jy droom.
3. Themba Qwabe – Imizila Yegazi.
4. Thatayaone Dire – Se sa feleng se a tlhola.
5. Maureen Ngwanamahlole Ramusi – Matlampulele Meduping ya Lerato.

Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award:

1. Nick Mulgrew – A Hibiscus Coast.
2. Mzoli Mavimbela – Amazwembezwembe KaGxuluwe.

Poetry Award:

1. Ashwin Arendse – Swatland.
2. Bafana  Charlse  Peter – Umkhumezelo umqulu 1, Umkhumezelo umqulu 2.
3. Takalani Lishivha – Khali Ya Lufuno.
4. Thatayaone Dire – Kgatsele ya puo.

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award:

1. Mzoli Mavimbela – Zigqitywa Kuhlwile Zibonwe Liwuhlabile.
2. SJ Naudé – Mad Honey.

Creative Non-Fiction Literary Award:

1. Ebrahim Harvey – The Great Pretenders: Race and Class Under ANC Rule.
2. Nicol Stassen – Van Humpata tot Upingtonia.

Literary Translators Award:

1. Tuelo Gabonewe – Tshika Fa E Ya Baneng.

Novel Award:

1. Damon Galgut – The Promise.
2. Ingrid Winterbach – Voorouer. Pelgrim. Berg.
3. Yamkela Ntwalana – Intlungu Yevezandlebe.
4. Patrick  Khosa  – Nhlokonho wa vele.

Posthumous Literary Award:

1. Gisela Ullyatt – Die waarheid oor duiwe.

Chairperson’s Literary Award:

1. Nokuthula Mazibuko Msimang.
2. Deela Khan.
3. Lebogang Mashile.

Lifetime Achievement Literary Award:

1. Deena Padayachee.
2. Vusi Benedict Mchunu.
3. Mothobi Mutloatse.

Film

The South African Government recognises  the significant  role  played  by  the film  sector  in  nation-building,  promoting social   cohesion,  reconciliation  and supporting economic growth and job creation. Government offers a package of incentives to promote its film production industry. The Foreign Film and Television Production incentive aims to attract foreign-based film productions to shoot on location in South Africa,  and the South African Film and Television  Production and Co-production Incentive aims  to assist   local  film producers  in producing local content.

The South African Emerging Black  Filmmakers  incentive, a subprogramme of the South African Film and Television Production and Co-production Incentive, which aims to assist  local emerging black filmmakers to nurture and grow them to take up big productions and thus contribute towards employment creation. The  three  largest  film  distributors  in  South  Africa  are  Ster-Kinekor,  United International Pictures  and Nu-Metro.  Ster-Kinekor has  a specialised  art circuit, called Cinema Nouveau, with theatres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria.

Film festivals  include the Durban International Film Festival;   the North West Film Festival;  the Apollo Film Festival in Victoria West; the Three Continents Film Festival (specialising in African, South American and Asian films); the Soweto Film Festival;  and the Encounters  Documentary Festival,  which alternates  between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Museums

South Africa  has  more than 300 museums ranging from museums of geology, history, the biological sciences  and the arts,  to mining, agriculture, forestry and many other disciplines.  The Nelson Mandela Museum in Soweto, Johannesburg had signed a partnership with Google to launch the Google Expedition that would provide a virtual tour of the museum.

The  Apartheid Museum opened in 2001  and  is  acknowledged  as  the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South  Africa,  at  the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.

An architectural  consortium,  comprising several  leading architectural  firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is  a superb example of design,  space  and landscape  offering the international community a unique South African experience.

National Library of South Africa (NLSA)

The NLSA  was established in terms of the NLSA  Act of 1998,  which requires it to contribute to socio-economic,  cultural, educational, scientific and innovative development  by  collating,   recording,   preserving   and  making  available   the national documentary heritage, and to promote awareness  and appreciation of the national documentary heritage.

It provides services  to community libraries.  These include, in partnership with provincial  library  services, ICT  support;  training in preservation  and resource development; and marketing and exhibition services.

South African Library for the Blind (SALB)

The SALB was established in terms of the South African Library for the Blind Act of 1998,  and is mandated to provide a national library and information service to  blind and  print‐handicapped  readers  in  South  Africa.   The  SALB receives an operational subsidy  from the DSAC. It is  committed to providing a quality service to meet, as fully as practically possible, the information needs of all South Africans who are blind or print handicapped.

Blind SA

Blind SA, based in Johannesburg, provides services for blind and partially sighted individuals to uplift and empower them by publishing books,  magazines and other documents in Braille.  It equips blind people with the skills  they need to fully and independently participate in society.

This includes support in living without assistance, getting  about, using technology, reading, working and socialising. Braille  Services of Blind SA  is the only producer of Braille in all 11 official languages of South Africa.