KwaZulu-Natal Arts and Culture to hand over R1,273 000 million grants,
14 Mar

14 March 2009

Ululation and dancing marked a ceremony organised by the Department of Arts,
Culture and Tourism to hand over R1,273 000 million grants in aid to 36 arts
and culture organisations. This in a bid to promote arts and culture in the
province.

Addressing multi racial guests at the event, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts,
Culture and Tourism, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, said significant strides had been made
in developing the arts and culture industry in the province.

“The introduction of the arts and culture council has assisted the
department in its quest to arm our arts and culture organisations with the
necessary skills to manufacture products that can compete both nationally and
internationally. The department also offers workshops that help organisations
with business and marketing skills to ensure that their small enterprises are
sustainable.

The department is committed to assisting in this regard by helping, not only
with skills, but also by paving the way for locally-made products to enter both
national and international markets. We are working hard to reverse the pains
that have emanated from the exploitation of our hard working artists and I
believe we are making a difference. I am confident that our workshops aimed at
assisting artists to protect their work through copyright and other relevant
legislation are also playing a critical role in this regard,” said Thusi.

She added that the department would ensure the funds were utilised
effectively by beneficiaries.

“I must also mention that the department will make follow ups to ensure that
the money is spent in a proper way. This means that the beneficiaries will be
expected to account for each and every cent they received from the department.
This is important so as to ensure that taxpayer’s money is used accordingly. We
have blacklisted organisations in the past who have failed to account for their
grants to protect our integrity as a department and the abuse of taxpayers’
money,” she said.

For more information contact:
Vukani Mbhele
Cell: 083 307 8964

Issued by: Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
14 March 2009