With South Africa having sworn its newly elected President, RISE Mzansi has written a letter
to President Cyril Ramaphosa in anticipation of the announcement of his new Cabinet,
requesting for the appointment of a suitably qualified Minister in the Department of Sports,
Arts and Culture.
After various engagements with different stakeholders, members and artists in the Cultural
and Creative Industry (CCI), have expressed profound concern regarding the current state of
leadership within the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
The CCI urgently requests that the President appoints a minister who not only possesses a
profound understanding of the sports, arts, and cultural sectors but also has a proven track
record of effective leadership, management, and a high level of EQ to effectively apply
themselves to the strategic and social complexities of these sectors. The appointed Minister
should have demonstrable experience in policy formulation and implementation,
stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to fostering the growth and sustainability of
these sectors.
Furthermore, to ensure accountability and measurable progress, we demand that within the
first 100 days of the new Minister's appointment, a national convention be convened. This
convention should bring together key stakeholders from across the cultural and creative
industries to develop a comprehensive performance appraisal plan for the minister. This plan
should outline clear objectives and measurable targets aligned with the Cultural and
Creative Industries Masterplan, ensuring that the Minister's performance can be effectively
and transparently assessed and held to account.
The objectives of this performance appraisal plan should include, but not be limited to:
1. Economic Development: A collaborative effort between the departments of Sports
Arts and Culture, Small Business and Trade, Industry and Competition to develop
clear strategies for increasing investment and economic growth within the cultural
and creative industries.
2. Job Creation: Plans for job creation and support for small and medium-sized
enterprises within these sectors.
3. Infrastructure Development: Initiatives to improve and expand infrastructure in
material ways for sports, arts, and cultural activities.
4. Educational Programs: A collaborative effort between the departments of Sports
Arts and Culture, Basic Education and Social Development to develop clear
educational and training programs that create career pathways for creatives and
nurture talent and skills development.
5. Inclusivity and Diversity: Policies to ensure inclusivity and diversity within all
cultural, sports, and arts initiatives across geographical, technological, and economic
divides.
6. International Collaboration: Plans to promote non-exploitative international
collaboration and exchange programs to enhance global presence and
competitiveness.
Given the economic and social impact potential of the Cultural and Creative Industry, it is
imperative that it receives the support and leadership it deserves. RISE Mzansi, together
with the CCI trusts that this matter will be given the attention it requires and necessary steps
to appoint a suitably qualified Minister who can lead our sports, arts, and cultural sectors
towards a brighter and more prosperous future will be taken.