Museums can play a crucial role in forging national unity and putting South Africa on the international map, said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mrs Weziwe Thusi.
Speaking at an International Museum Day celebration ceremony, in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, MEC Thusi said since museums were incorporated in the Arts and Culture department, there has been a remarkable increase in budget allocations because of the important work they perform in preserving the country's heritage.
"The museum sector has been given a lifeline with a budget that has improved from R7 million to close to under R29 million. We are building new museums, which will be provincially managed. Most affiliated museums are to receive improved subsidies in this current financial year,” said MEC Thusi.
MEC Thusi challenged museum practitioners to fast-track the process of transformation of museums so that they would reflect the country's demographics and are easily accessible to people who were previously disadvantaged.
Enquiries:
Ncumisa Fandesi
Cell: 083 447 0958
Vukani Mbhele
Cell: 083 307 8964
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation
Museums have role to play in forging national unity
Province
