KwaZulu-Natal Arts and Culture MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha has tabled her 2015/16 Budget Speech at the KZN Legislature today. The budget vote totals R783 914 million.
Key programmes that the MEC mentioned include the allocation of R68.7 million for library infrastructure, the transfer of R212 586 million to local municipalities to assist with administration costs and R12 million to transform KZN Music House to a music development agency that will benefit artists across the province. A further R12 million will go towards art and culture organisations, R21 million for art programmes in art centres and R15 million for cultural events that promote tourism and contribute to job creation as well as economic growth.
The department will introduce e-learning kiosks in several libraries. These are touch screen facilities which provide information for downloading learner support and small business information, among other services.
A site has been identified in Hilton in the uMgungudlovu District for the construction of KZN’s first Arts Academy. Consultations between Arts and Culture and the Department of Higher Education are continuing to develop a curriculum.
As part of the Ward Based Intervention Programme the Department has provided sewing machines to 300 women based in rural areas to promote job creation. Musical instruments have also been distributed to developing artists along with national identity passports, memory boxes and SA flags to instil a sense of patriotism, especially among the youth.
The Department’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme will see research on themes such as traditional marriage and rites of passage during the current financial term. We are also working with UKZN to offer short courses in isiZulu and French as part of our Learn Another Language Campaign.
With the recent xenophobic attacks in the province, the Department will intensify its Social Cohesion Programmes which aim to improve social trust and social capital amongst communities. This will be anchored by campaigns such as Africa month, social dialogues, intercultural exchange programmes such as food tasting and performing art.
The Department’s Oral History Unit is leading the task team that is investigating the mass graves that were recently discovered in Dududu on the South Coast. The unit has already started a process to establish systems that will integrate all government agencies that are entrusted to assist with the investigation.
Museum Services is working to create a digital museum of all KZN’s heritage. We have also allocated funding towards research into the content of the Nelson Mandela Capture Site Museum.
