P Nkonyeni on behalf of Z Mkhize: Fundraising Gala Dinner for Tim
Omototso Global Outreach Initiative

1 November 2007

Theme: '2011 and beyond'

Master of Ceremonies
Deputy President of the African National Congress, Jacob Zuma
MEC for Social Development, Meshack Hadebe
eThekwini Municipality Acting Mayor, Councillor Loggie Naidoo
Lucky Moloi
Suncoast Casino Chairman, Musa Myeni
Tim Omotoso Global Outreach Founder: Reverend. Tim Omotoso and Omotoso
Representatives of various government departments
Business community
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

I would like to begin by expressing a sincere apology on behalf of the MEC
for Finance and Economic Development Honourable Zweli Mkhize who could not
deliver this address in person. He is currently out of the country attending a
special conference on economic development.

It is a great pleasure for me to be afforded the opportunity to address
stakeholders who have converged to reaffirm their commitments to advancing the
interest of our young people.

Since my arrival I have observed that the overall co-ordination of this
event especially the theme that has been chosen and speakers and guests who
have been invited reflect an understanding of the nature of a 'developmental
state.' The focus of a 'developmental state' is ongoing interaction between
government, private sector and the civil society to ensure peace, stability and
prosperity. This is what we are working to achieve in KwaZulu Natal.

KwaZulu Natal's economy is now rated as highly competitive. During 2005,
KwaZulu-Natal contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood
at 16,3% with approximately 3,5 million economically active people out of 6,7
million population. This achievement is as a result of many elements of
transformation which are part of the day-to-day work for government, civil
society and the private sector. We have joined hands to ensure social and
economic transformation.

The provincial transformation agenda continues to highlight future
requirements of our communities. We continue to engage role-players on critical
issues such as poverty alleviation, Broad-based Economic Empowerment and youth
empowerment. Collaboration on these issues will result in the creation of
sustainable communities.

Collaboration

I am mentioning the issue of collaboration simple because government cannot
do it alone. Through the collaboration between government and industry
stakeholders we’ve seen a significant change on a number of areas such as
access to quality healthcare, provision of decent education and houses, and in
the racial distribution of land ownership.

The music industry and the nurturing of young talent are equally important.
It is precisely for this reason that we are here today. This event is the
product of the vision of the Reverend Tim Omotoso who after careful assessment
of the needs of South Africa's young people decided work very hard.

Many young people from previously disadvantaged communities have benefited
from Timo Omototso Global Outreach initiative (TOGO). His vision epitomises the
commitment of a true leader whose main objective is to meet the expectations of
the whole nation. I commend him for his foresight.

TOGO's main focus is the provision of music training to young people. This
is important. Music is a fast growing industry with limitless potential. As one
of South Africa's most significant cultural industries, the music industry is a
powerful means of enhancing the country's identity and distinctiveness, while
simultaneously creating employment and developing human skills. The music
industry, however, like any South African industry, is infused with the legacy
of apartheid’s political economy.

As a cultural industry, the music industry suffered additional setbacks
because indigenous culture was actively suppressed and distorted by the
apartheid regime. One of the most devastating aspects of this legacy is that
local music is not developing as fast as it should. Eighty percent of the music
sold in South Africa is international. While international music is thriving in
the South African markets, the development of local music is not keeping
pace.

To deal with this problem the Department of Economic Development
commissioned a feasibility study for the establishment of a Ladysmith Black
Mambazo Music Academy. This study was completed last year and a business plan
has been completed.

This project is envisaged as a promoter of economic sustainability via the
creation of opportunity for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) and
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) development, community beneficiation, a driver
of economic development in the area and ultimately poverty alleviation in the
province.

The Music Academy will serve as an outstanding opportunity to trail-blaze
the serious consideration of the actual teaching of indigenous musical styles
in the classroom situation. Music teachers in schools must not only train music
pupils the western notational systems but also oral, aural and philosophical
notational systems inherent in our indigenous styles as exemplified in
isicathamiya music and other local styles.

The academy presents a unique opportunity to meet the following
objectives:
* to promote competitiveness and growth of the indigenous music sector,
* to establish viable and sustainable business opportunities in the music
industry, in particular for SMME and BEE,
* to entice local investment in the eMnambithi municipality and in the province
by industry stakeholders and other sectors,
* to provide skills development for indigenous musicians that will translate
into the ability to create sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities within
the music industry,
* to preserve the traditional music theatre such as Isicathamiya and Maskandi
music,
* academic, theatrical and practical training in indigenous musical
categories.

Professional training of young people

There are many musicians who have entered the music industry without a clear
understanding of how the industry works as a result they has received a raw
deal. Government is committed to addressing this problem. Together with
industry stakeholders and organisations such as Tim Omototso Global Outreach we
should strive:
* to increase the number of artists and musicians who are able to understand
different types of record deals they can sign
* help them know how to calculate royalties
* help them understand the concept of music marketing and event marketing and
management.

Digitising of traditional music

Currently the music industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Technical
advancements have significantly changed the way in which musicians interact
with consumers. There has been an increase in the number of consumers who
prefer web and digital downloading. This year alone, sales of digital songs
have risen 54%, to roughly 189 million units in the United States (US) alone.
Pop music, rap, R&B, Jazz and in South Africa, Kwaito hits appears to be
enjoying successes.

Although digital downloading is relatively new but there are strong
indications that it is set to change the landscape of the South African music
industry. We should not let traditional music play the catch-up game. Record
companies should begin to digitise traditional music to ensure that traditional
musicians are able to access this market.

Conclusion

I strongly believe that our gathering tonight will yield positive results.
The hosting of this event is befitting considering that this year various
government departments embarked on awareness campaigns in order to encourage
young people to take advantage of some of the opportunities that this
government has created.

To individuals and companies who have supported this worthy initiative I
would like to thank you for your selfless contribution to the reconstruction
and redevelopment of this province. I believe that your gesture will inspire
these young people to work hard for their communities.

The journey to prosperity began many years ago and it was started by
courageous men and women like you. We are encouraged by your determination. As
government we believe that it is people like you who will ensure that we
sustain this young democracy for future generations.

Thank you

Issued by: Department of Finance and Economic Development, KwaZulu-Natal
Provincial Government
1 November 2007