Programme Director
Representatives of MNet
Honoured guest
Ladies and gentlemen
We have met here this evening to celebrate the success of Dr John Kani's multiple awards winning film; 'Nothing But the Truth'. These celebrations also coincide with the launch of the African Film Library.
Both these events are taking place during Heritage Month, a month in which as South Africans we celebrate the profound power of our cultural heritage to help in the renewal of our society, to promote patriotism and a common nation-hood.
It is therefore fitting that during this important month, we have come together, among others, to honour the achievements of one of the best sons of this country, who has made an enormous contribution in the arts, culture and heritage sector.
Dr John Kani, known correctly as the father of South African theatre, remains one of the most prolific and distinguished sons of theatre and cinema in our Continent. Sustained nominations, numerous published works and accolades bestowed upon Dr Kani, culminating in the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for excellent contributions to theatre, the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa, paints a picture of a selfless icon imbued with humility and a passion for his people, his country and the arts.
This makes it a great honour indeed for us to be part of this momentous occasion, where we share in the trials and successes of this distinguished son of Africa. Dr John Kani is one of the few individuals who held the fort for South African theatre and cinema when it was less fashionable to do so.
The sacrifices he made are consistent with his conviction that is steeped in the cultural influences and struggles that have been passed down from generation to generation, asserting that; we are born free and that freedom of expression should the hallmark of humanity.
Programme Director, as the Ministry of Arts and Culture, we believe that; arts, culture and heritage are the cornerstone, the soul and the architect of our nation. Arts, culture and heritage have an important role to play in shaping our identity as a nation - a nation united in diversity, a nation that has overcome adversity and a nation founded on the noble principles of equality and human dignity for all. It is when we get the fundamentals right in these areas of human endeavour that we will have a healthy soul and a solid foundation upon which to build a winning nation.
The challenge we face, going forward, is to continue highlighting the social and economic contribution of the cultural industries and ensure that it is given the prominence it deserves. This must go hand in hand with the development of concrete programmes which seek to elevate the role of the arts, culture and heritage as well as practitioners in this field.
As the Department of Arts and Culture, we have set ourselves the objective of continuing to engage with practitioners in this sector, including luminaries such as Dr. John Kani. This we are doing with a view to ensure that this sector contributes to the national effort to build social cohesion and the creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods.
It is our hope that when we have fully engaged with the sector, concrete proposals will emerge that will set us on a trajectory to success. This success must be underpinned by mechanisms that would helps us to compete with the best in the world, to develop audiences, foster appreciation for our home grown talent and strengthen enterprises within the sector.
We equally want to create a platform that seeks to harness the expertise and experiences of eminent persons in the arts, culture and heritage sector. We are confident that the distinguished work done by eminent persons such as Dr John Kani will remain an inspiration and help propel the growth of our cultural industries.
In this regard, as the Department of Arts and Culture, we are investigating the feasibility of putting together a reference group of eminent persons in the sector, with the view that this group will strengthen ongoing efforts to further highlight the contribution of the arts, culture and heritage sector to nation building as well as to economic development.
We believe that the foundation laid by Dr Kani will continue to inspire us into taking action that will yield a vibrant and sustainable sector that we can all be proud of.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
23 September 2009
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
