19 February 2007
As Minister of Arts and Culture I have made a commitment to the growth,
development and promotion of every aspect of our national culture. The arts,
especially the theatre, played a significant role in the transformation of
South Africa into a unified, non-racial democracy by constantly challenging the
dogmas of racial superiority by depicting the simple humanity of all
people.
The future of South African theatre resides in the thousands of our people
who attend the theatre to share the joys and the sorrows, the laughter and the
tears of stories depicted on the stage by skilled actors and players. That
future is being moulded daily by the artists, the managers, the owners and
promoters whose commitment to this discipline has kept theatre in our country
alive.
South Africa is particularly rich in the materials that make for good
dramas. By tapping into this seam, South African playwrights and dramatists
have in the past produced exceedingly moving works that have made a mark on the
stages of the capitals of the world. South African theatre can continue to
entertain, amuse, delight and uplift audiences at home and in the world at
large by exploring the unique features of our experience as a nation.
While government policy attempts to correct the skewed distribution of
theatre resources; the imbalances in the skills base and the neglectful
practices of the past, we also want to encourage the advance of theatre as an
artistic discipline with great promise. The Naledi Theatre Awards recognising
excellence in all spheres of the theatre will continue to enjoy the moral
support of the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
I wish all the nominees for this yearâs awards good luck. To those who did
not make the list, we say the theatre has a proud history and a promising
future. Persevere and next time might see your name among those of the
nominees.
Issued by: Ministry of Arts and Culture
19 February 2007
