Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais: 2017/18 Budget Vote Speech

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT, ANROUX MARAIS

2017/18 BUDGET VOTE SPEECH

29 MARCH 2017

Honourable Speaker
Premier
Cabinet colleagues and Members of the Provincial Parliament
Chairperson of the Standing Committee
Head of Department and managers of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Our partners in the sport and cultural sectors 
Media 
Residents of the Western Cape

Good day, goeiedag, molweni nonke

Introduction

Speaker, it is indeed an honour and privilege to present to this House and the greater Western Cape community the Cultural Affairs and Sport budget for the 2017/18 financial year. I will elaborate on how the Department will use the appropriated R725 049 000 to enable a socially inclusive, creative, active, connected and united Western Cape. The following presentation embodies our commitment to responding to the needs of the communities we serve and highlights the instrumental role the Department has to play in nation building, inspiring hope and in the holistic development of the individual through sport and cultural affairs.

Cultural Affairs and Sport: Powerful tools to reignite hope and unity

Speaker, in light of our current circumstances, it is no secret that the future of South Africa, for many, for the majority, is bleak. We have all felt ourselves fade into a state of hopelessness at some stage. There now exists a mutual despondence in our criminal justice system, our national government, the status quo, job availability, options to improve our livelihoods, which all ultimately lead to a loss in confidence in the very institutions that ought to enable these democracies for us. Each day we see a new form of division, either on the basis of race, cultural backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, language, appearance, sexual orientation and levels of education. More concerning is the prevalence of perpetuated racial divides eroding at the very moral fibre of not only our communities but our humanity.

The four programmes within the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport speak directly to redressing the damaging effects of social ills as they contribute to positive youth development and negotiate a collective identity for the province. All four of our programmes co-functions holistically to accelerate unity, hope, reconciliation, respect, pride and a celebration of our diversity and simultaneously creates an enabling environment for all who call the Western Cape home.

Programme 1: Administration

Speaker, R63 304 000 is vir die 2017/18-boekjaar vir Program 1: Administrasie toegeken. Hierdie toekenning stel die departement in staat om uitmuntende diens te lewer deur die deurlopende verbetering van finansiële bestuurspraktyke. Hierdie toewysing sal steun aan al die ander programme verseker en hulle in staat stel om dienslewering aan almal in die Wes-Kaap te verbeter. 'n Toekenning van  R30 901 000 (30 miljoen, 901 duisend rand) sal 'n algehele finansiële bestuur-steundiens aan die departement verskaf, insluitend finansiële bestuursdienste aan die 3 openbare entiteite wat aan my kantoor rapporteer: die Wes-Kaapse Kultuurkommissie, die Wes-Kaapse Taalkomitee en Erfenis Wes-Kaap. Hierdie 3 entiteite word almal vandag hier in die gallery verteenwoordig.

Speaker, ek maak graag van hierdie geleentheid gebruik om vandag die teenwoordigheid van die amptenare van ons Departement onder die leierskap van ons departementshoof, mnr Brent Walters, te erken. Ek dank julle almal vir die professionele gees waarin julle deur middel van Kultuursake en Sport met sorg, bevoegdheid, verantwoordbaarheid, integriteit, innovasie en responsiwiteit 'n impak op die inwoners van die Wes-Kaap maak.

Speaker, I also welcome our newly appointed Chief Director of Cultural Affairs, Mr Guy Redman and Director of Library Services, Ms Cecilia Sani to the department. I trust that together we will continue to proactively promote, develop and transform cultural affairs in the Western Cape.   

Programme 2: Cultural Affairs

Speaker, the budget allocation for Programme 2: Cultural Affairs has decreased in the 2017/18 financial year by R4.116 million and currently stands at R106 145 000. Despite the limited funds and resources, we will provide the much needed arts, culture, museum, heritage and language related services to the inhabitants of the Western Cape.

At a time when we are faced with a climate of protests, cultural differences and negative news, the promotion of our different cultural affairs will become a supporting tool to incorporate a mutual understanding of and respect for our unique backgrounds.

Our different societal backgrounds, beliefs, traditions, mother tongues and socio-economic status are the vital qualities that make us unique and authentic. Our identities have different meanings to various people, but as the human race, we have more in common that bind us together. Speaker, tolerance should be the golden thread unifying us and as Nelson Mandela once rightfully said “Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our nation”. Speaker, we are mandated by those who elected us to personify the preamble of our Constitution which constantly reminds us to “Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations”. Speaker, Cultural Affairs indeed plays a pivotal role in delivering on this mandate.

Arts and Culture

Speaker, in 2016, regardless of differing race, cultural backgrounds, language proficiencies and class, groups of youth showcased their talent in drama across the province and shared profound messages with packed halls of audiences. The Department’s drama festivals took place in each district of the province and the winners were afforded the opportunity to perform at the Zabalaza Festival at the Baxter Theatre Centre, the Suidoosterfees, at the Artscape and the KKNK in Oudtshoorn, amongst other platforms. The most remarkable outcome of the drama festivals was when the winners of the Tri-district Drama Festival: Robyn September from Heidelberg, 19 years old at the time, Llewellyn Bond from Sedgefield, 15 years old and William Michaels, also from Heidelberg, 27 years old starred in the an episode of the popular South African Drama Series, Suidooster. I personally accompanied the three winners to the Atlantic studios on the day of their filming. Their overwhelming excitement and nerves were nothing compared to their sense of achievement and impatience to get home to share their experience with friends and family. The following are their very own comments after filming concluded for the day: Llewellyn said and I quote, “Drama changed my whole life and put my struggles behind me”; Robyn said, “It is tough to practise for long hours but when you enjoy it you don’t call it work. Meeting the real actors on the set makes you feel valuable and special” and William, “These opportunities opened big doors for me. I auditioned and performed in 7de Laan, Villa Rosa and Liefste Kayla before I met the close-knit family of Suidooster. I became a role model in my community and they call me a pillar for the youth”. Speaker, this is nature of our Departments business. We invest in the development of our youth, create opportunities to improve their standard of living and identify in them the beacons of hope and inspiration that affects real change in their communities. To further illustrate the impactful value of this investment, at the beginning of this year, Robyn started her first year in Drama at the University of Stellenbosch, Llewellyn is currently in Grade 11 at George High School and continues to perform on various stages. Most recently, he performed in Afsnypunt at the Zabalaza Theatre Festival last week. William is now employed by Uthando For Theatre, a community based theatre group based in Malmesbury and continues to advocate for youth to participate in Drama, Music and Dance in Heidelberg through driving workshops and showcases.     

I acknowledge Fahiem Stellenboom, Marketing Manager of the Baxter Theatre and Thami Mbongo, Artistic Director of the Zabalaza Festival, for their continuous support to our rising stars in our communities across the province. I also thank Marlene Le Roux, CEO of the Artscape, for being the driving force behind diversifying the Arts and enabling a creative space to which majority of the population can relate.

The Department will once again partner with the Artscape on their Rural Outreach Programme this year. The annual Rural Outreach Project currently in its 10th year, reaches 2000 young people annually through the Schools Programme. Adults who have never experienced live theatre are exposed to the various genres on their community stages. The Rural Outreach Programme brings together the various disciplines of song, instrumental, ballet, opera, dance and choirs. Inclusivity is an important aspect executed through collaborations with arts organisations, professional artist and emerging arts companies such as the Unmute Dance Company specialising in “Mixibility” - mainstreaming artists with disabilities alongside able-bodied artists. The Schools Programme exposes primary school learners to the various art genres while the young learners get a chance to showcase their unique talents. The high school learners are part of a career expo which gives them insight to behind-the-scenes operations from a technical and management perspective.

Speaker, in 2017/18, the Department will forge new collaborations and build programmes to new levels of excellence. This is to be achieved through the Department’s support to the Arts and Culture NGO and NPO sector through the Annual Funding programme. This includes funding for skills development, showcasing, as well as opportunities to access training in technical skills and event management. An amount in excess of R13 000 000 (13 million Rand) has been allocated to assist the sector for the year. Meaningful partnerships have been established with some of the funded organisations which serve as implementing agents for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) within the Department. This affords youth an opportunity to experience the world of work within the arts.

One of the NPOs supported is that of the Cape Town Opera. Established in 1999, the Cape Town Opera is a section 21 NPO and Public benefit organisation with a level 1 BBBEE rating. Speaker, the Cape Town Opera afforded 1410 learners from Western Cape schools the opportunity to participate in opera is My First Language, a weekly music education programme taught onsite at 5 schools and community centres in Retreat, Vredenburg, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. Weekly keyboard skills and music theory classes are provided for area community choir conductors. They also provide free tickets to the elderly from CPOA/Communicare residents throughout the year. The Cape Town Opera also partners with Jazzhands to provide sign language interpretation and audio description for hearing and sight impaired audiences at Opera productions.

Speaker, to re-emphasize, the Arts creates economic opportunities and creates jobs, not only for aspiring artists, but other sectors as well. The work of the Cape Town Opera generates business for independent contractors and a range of enterprises, all based in the Western Cape. To create Opera, they build scenery, props and costumes. They host artists from across the country and around the world, contract local musicians, hire venues for rehearsals and employ coaches to train signers. The following figures reflect the income generated for local businesses:

• R4.1 million for scenic manufacturing and construction material suppliers
• R2.9 million for costumes manufacturing and fabric wholesalers
• R1.8 million for guesthouse accommodation
• R2.8 million for music coaches and directors
• R620 000 for ground transportation and
• R506 000 or venue and equipment hire.

In 2016/17 the Cape Town Opera provided various jobs to singers, technicians, musicians in the Western Cape. The remuneration paid to residents from the following communities totals:

• R360 923 in Bonteheuwel and Langa
• R985 482 in Mitchell’s Plain
• R1.8 million in Khayelitsha
• R1.4 million in Pinelands
• and R849 470 in Stellenbosch.

Speaker, it is clear that with the R32 409 000 appropriated to Arts and Culture, we will continue to improve the self-esteem of our youth and identify in them talents they would otherwise not explore, while creating economic opportunities through the arts. We enable a love for reading, history, culture, heritage and arts which improves educational outcomes, not only for the youth but our province as whole. This year will again see us open channels of communication so that all in our province is able to access our services irrespective of their mother tongues because we promote linguistic democracy by elevating the status of all 3 official languages.

The Choral Festival, launched in the Cape Winelands last year, will take place in Mossel Bay next month. In 2018, the Department will host the much awaited festival in the Central Karoo district.

Museum Services

Speaker, Museum services will receive R57.624 million from the overall 2017/18 departmental budget. Museums generally employ small numbers of people but they represent a gateway to the tourism economy for most small towns.  Increasing tourism can therefore improve socio economic conditions.  Access to museums by previously marginalised communities is also important in achieving the vision of a socially inclusive society.  Given these objectives, museum offerings are extremely important.  The Museum Service will therefore continue its programme of transformation through the renewal of displays and community consultation at affiliated museums. Support for museum-based public programmes and outreach work will be intensified in 2017/18.

A consultative process in preparation for the transformation of the Worcester Museum has been undertaken.  A new travelling exhibition will mark the 50th anniversary of the first heart transplant on 3 December 2017.   The display in Chris Barnard’s childhood home in the Beaufort West Museum will also be upgraded. February marked the centenary of the sinking of the SS Mendi, a travelling exhibition will be produced and circulated among museums around the Province in memory of the brave men who lost their lives.

Speaker, in December 2015, we launched our Oral History Initiative in Hawston. The project is aimed at documenting the oral histories of Western Cape residents for future generations to celebrate their heritage. Much of the history of our communities is preserved only in the minds of their storytellers. To truly understand our past from a unique perspective, it is important to drive a formal programme to capture the valuable stories beneath our social tapestry. To date, the Initiative has been rolled out in Hawston, Piketberg, Gouda, Bonteheuwel, Beaufort West, George and Hangberg. In the coming financial year, the communities of Laingsburg, Vredendal and the Kannaland municipality will also be able to visit their libraries to share their Oral Histories on record. Through the project, personal histories and community experiences become shared heritage and libraries social hubs, once again, promoting social inclusion and community development through sharing and understanding. Oral testimonies recorded on video are available at the participating libraries and the Provincial Archives.   

Support to affiliated museums will continue in the form of funding, marketing and promotion, education and training, exhibition development, conservation work, the secondment of staff, and mentoring and advice. Where resources allow, services will be extended to unaffiliated museums as well. The Museum Service will continue to make a contribution toward job creation through the EPWP. Currently, 166 opportunities have been made possible within museums.

Heritage

Speaker, for the 2017/18 financial year, Heritage Resource Services will receive R8 097 000.

A new Council of the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of the Province, Heritage Western Cape, was appointed on 1 December 2016 for a three year term. It is expected that the new Council and its respective heritage committees, will continue to undertake the mandate HWC has of identifying, protecting, managing and promoting the significant heritage resources of the Province, in the effective manner it has done in the past. The Council of Heritage Western Cape has recently confirmed the declaration of two Provincial Heritage Sites. These are Blomboschfontein Nature Reserve in Riversdale, Hessequa District, and the Old Granary Complex in Cape Town. There has been a continued effort on the part of HWC to ensure that previously marginalised communities are included in its management approach of significant heritage resources and in this regard it is currently developing a public participation policy to determine how this is best undertaken.

I also appointed a new Western Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee to hold office for three years from 1 July 2016. Geographical names represent an opportunity to acknowledge aspects of our shared past that have been previously disregarded.  On 17 June 2016, the Rockview Dam near Grabouw had its name changed to Dorha Dam in recognition of the Chainouqua chief that lived in the Houwhoek region of Grabouw. Naming also provides an opportunity for citizens to celebrate their heritage. By request of the local community, on 10 October 2016, the names of Schotschenkloof, Stadzicht and Schoone Kloof areas in Cape Town were officially changed to Bo-Kaap, as the area has been popularly referred to for decades.

Speaker, Geographical names are considered by most people to provide a sense of belonging to the suburb, the town or city where they live. A highly emotive aspect of debates around the on-going transformation of the heritage landscape in South Africa is changes to, or possible changes to, existing geographical names.

There are more than 12 000 geographical names in the province of the Western Cape.  

Places have been given names by successive generations of inhabitants through the millennia. Many of the indigenous names of geographical features in our landscape have been retained, for example, Attaqua’s Pass and the Outeniqua Mountains. Others have been translated into the languages of settlers from Europe. For example, certain Khoikhoi names were translated into Portuguese, Dutch and later English and, eventually, into Afrikaans or Xhosa. Many places with indigenous names were given new names. Table Mountain, Tafelberg and tabula monsa, Latin for Table Mountain, was known by the Khoi as Hoerikwagga, meaning mountain at the sea. Many more places and geographical features have been given names over the past 500 years that reflect a variety of interests, values and perspectives.

The standardisation and verification of all 12 000 geographical names in the Western Cape is progressing well. This process involves researching the historical background of every name, capturing the information, and correcting the spelling of geographical names where necessary. For example, research was conducted into the name of the mountain pass between Barrydale and Swellendam to ensure that the correct name is assigned. The name that has now been approved is Tradouw Pass which refers to the historic Khoi name of the pass meaning “the pass of women”.

When new municipalities were established at the beginning of the 21st century as part of the democratic dispensation in the country, some municipalities in the Western Cape acquired names that reflect our Khoi heritage. Think of municipalities such as Bitou, Hessequa and Matzikamma.

On 21 March 2017, as we celebrated Human Rights Day, we launched the Khoekhoe Geographical Names brochure as testament to the progress made and the significant strides the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has made in transforming our heritage landscape in the Western Cape so that it is more socially inclusive of all who call it home.

In the Western Cape there are many geographical names derived from Khoekhoe heritage. These names represent aspects of our province’s history that should be restored and cherished for future generations. This brochure, which is in your packs, promotes place names in this province that are derived from Khoekhoe heritage which is a tangible indication that the Western Cape Government acknowledges the province’s shared heritage and its diverse cultures. One of geographical names in the brochure is that of Knysna. Taken from the Khoekhoe word /naizna, which means “ferns”. Knysna is the name of a river, a lagoon and the town situated at the mouth of the Knysna River. The area was named after the landscape which is rich with ferns.

Language Services and the Western Cape Language Committee

Speaker, ek kondig met trots aan dat die Departement tydens 2015/16 'n Taalgedragskode gebaseer op die Wes-Kaapse Taalbeleid ontwikkel het. Hierdie beleid is deur die Provinsiale Topbestuur aanvaar vir implementering in al die provinsiale departemente. Geraamde afskrifte in die drie amptelike tale is aan al die provinsiale departemente beskikbaar gestel. Die Departement het ook vir Elsenburg Landbou-opleidingsinstituut gehelp met die formulering van 'n Taalbeleid wat vir al die personeellede en studente aanvaarbaar is.

’n Regering-spesifieke Drietalige Terminologie-publikasie is op Internasionale Vertaaldag op 30 September 2015 bekendgestel. Hierdie boekie bevat die terminologie van algemeen gebruikte regeringsterme in die drie amptelike tale van die Wes-Kaap en is ook op die Internet beskikbaar. Dit ondersteun die uniforme gebruik van terminologie onder taalpraktisyns wat dienste aan die provinsiale regering lewer.

A Xhosa chess book was launched in 2015 in cooperation with Watu Kobese. Together with our Department, Mr Kobese developed the Xhosa terminology for chess pieces, its moves and the game as a whole.

The first of its kind Xhosa chess book has been distributed in the province and makes it easier for learners to master the game of chess. Speaker, in the 2017/2018 financial year, we will launch the Xhosa Cricket booklet, which will indeed ensure that the Western Cape is a caring home for all by promoting a multilingual society. Children will now be able to learn about the sport in their home language of Xhosa and in that way we encourage excellence and inclusivity in sports. Speaker, a soccer, boxing and athletics Xhosa book will soon follow.

Speaker, te veel mense onderskat die belangrikheid daarvan om vir mense die geleentheid te skep vir self-verbetering in hul moedertaal. Die Departement het op Internasionale Moedertaaldag wat jaarliks op 21 Februarie gevier word veeltalige boekies oor werk soek ontvang. Hierdie boekie is deur die Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans (SBA) gepubliseer. Die sakpasgids, beskikbaar in ons drie amptelike tale, sal werksoekers bemagtig aangesien dit 'n omvattende gids is wat belangrike onderwerpe soos die opstel van die perfekte curriculum vitae en dekbrief, asook wenke oor hoe om jou eerste week by jou nuwe werk te oorleef, bespreek. Hierdie oorhandiging het inderdaad op ’n praktiese manier getoon dat ons deur innoverende vennootskappe daartoe verbind is tot die skepping van ’n bemagtigende omgewing waarin almal gelyke toegang tot geleenthede het. Ek maak graag van hierdie geleentheid gebruik om vir dr Niel le Roux, hoof van SBA en lid van die Wes-Kaapse Taalkomitee, te bedank vir die verspreiding van die boekie in 'n Komiteevergadering verlede jaar en vir die volle vertroue wat hy in die Departement stel as die bewaarder van veeltaligheid en kennis-sentrums in die provinsie. Ek is seker u sal bly wees om te weet dat ons reeds begin het om die gidse aan biblioteke, argiewe en museums regoor die provinsie uit te deel. Die uitgebreide konsultasieproses oor die Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal Raamwerk is verlede jaar afgehandel en sodra dit goedgekeur word, sal dit gesirkuleer word as 'n riglyn en verwysingspunt wat gebruik kan word vir die verbetering van dienslewering aan die dowe gemeenskappe in die Provinsie. Ek verwelkom vandag vir Michelle Lombard en Beryl Petersen, ons gebaretaaltolke, en Jabaar Mohamed van DEAFSA in die Huis en bedank hulle vir hul belangrike bydrae tot die ontwikkeling van ’n “Vrye Geleenthede vir Almal” Wes-Kaapse samelewing.

Die Departement sal voortgaan om vergaderings van die Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Taalforum te fasiliteer. Hierdie liggaam bestaan uit taalpraktisyns en vergader vier keer ’n jaar om die professionele ontwikkeling van taalpraktisyns te ondersteun. Terminologie-ontwikkeling en aktiewe pogings om die bestaande ortografie van Xhosa by te werk is deel van die Forum se werksaamhede.

Speaker, met die R5 103 000 wat aan die Departement se Taaldiens toegewys is, sal ons voortgaan om taalsteundienste en tolkdienste (Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal-tolking ingesluit), waar moontlik, in al drie amptelike tale van die Wes-Kaap aan al die departemente van die provinsiale regering te verskaf.

Initiation season 2016/17

Speaker, looking back to as early as 2014, the Western Cape has been one of the leading provinces in dealing with initiation in the country. Up to now we are the only province that has developed a framework to govern the initiation rite of passage practised by communities. As a leading stakeholder, our Department plays a facilitation role in achieving its goal of creating a safe and enabling environment for the initiates. The 2016/2017 initiation winter season concluded without any fatalities. However, the summer season concluded with 5 fatalities, 4 of which the causes are still unknown due to the backlog of toxicology reports and one as a result of drowning. My condolences to the family, friends and Ioved ones of those who lost their lives. In light of this unfortunate loss of life, the Department will host an initiation summit on the challenges that have emerged in the Province recently. This summit will provide the citizens of the Province who practice this tradition a platform to discuss new challenges, share experiences of good practice and to craft a strategy for an improved practice going forward. Speaker, initiation is very complex and needs to be handled with sensitivity and respect. This year, we will pursue a joint venture with the City of Cape Town to improve the Nyanga Junction initiation site to be the top model in the country. Training and development for initiation practitioners will also continue in this year. Practitioners are encouraged to make use of the first-aid, fire and environmental management and skills development training. This support is provided to increase wellness and to optimise safety to ensure the traditional cultural practice of the rite of passage that illustrates the transition from boyhood to manhood is effectively performed.

Programme 3: Library and Archive Services

Speaker, Library and Archive Services are allocated R374 646 000 to promote, develop and transform sustainable library, information and archive services.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport will continue to support the Western Cape library services, with over 369 public libraries supported across the Western Cape. Offering multiple benefits, libraries serve as places for reading, relaxing, learning and building of social capital. Therefore, library services continue to make positive contributions toward improving education outcomes. In addition, libraries form part of the Broadband project, by connecting public buildings to high speed broadband. This is a positive contribution toward smart growth, which aims to strengthen knowledge and innovation.

Speaker, biblioteke huisves nie net boeke nie, hulle dien as sosiale vergadersentrums en veilige ruimtes vir ons gemeenskappe. Hulle skep 'n samelewing waarin almal die geleentheid kry om hulself persoonlik te bemagtig en ’n bydrae te lewer tot lewenslange leer en dit bied die geleentheid vir kulturele verryking en die

vooruitsigte van ekonomiese welvaart. Al hierdie en nog baie meer word aangebied by biblioteke in die provinsie. Speaker, munisipaliteite bestuur die openbare biblioteke met gedeeltelike befondsing van die Departement. Die aantal openbare biblioteek-personeel wat deur die biblioteek toelaes befonds word, is 890, 340 meer as die 2013/14-syfer van 550. Daar is dus binne die bestek van net 3 jaar 340 werksgeleenthede in die Wes-Kaapse Biblioteekdiens geskep.

Speaker, in 2016/17, 6 new libraries were built and opened in Abbotsdale in the Swartland municipality, Ashbury in Langeberg, Berghof in Bergriver, Citrusdal in the Cederberg, Green Valley in Bitou and Herbertsdale in Mossel Bay. Kleinmond, Conville, Eikendal, Hawston, Suurbraak, Hermon and Simondium libraries also received an upgrade last year. In the coming financial year, 2 new libraries will be opened in Groendal, Stellenbosch and in Klein Drakenstein, with the Worcester Library in the Breede Valley municipality being upgraded.

Speaker, since 2013/14 financial year, the Department has opened 13 new libraries, increasing the number of libraries in the Western Cape 353 to 369 in only 3 years. We hope to provide 385 library service points by 2020. I am proud to announce that the Western Cape is the province with the most public libraries by far, with nearly a quarter, 22% of all public libraries in South Africa. By the end of the 2017/18 financial year, we will have spent R98 million on library infrastructure.

Programme 4: Sport and Recreation

Speaker, time and again sport and recreation have proven to contribute to the social inclusion of our diverse population.

It is for this reason that R180 954 000 is dedicated to Programme 4: Sport and Recreation. This allocation will indeed promote sport in order to contribute towards the reconciliation and development of the Western Cape community through the provision of equitable, accessible and affordable sport facilities, programmes and services. It will also promote school sport by assisting with structures, competitions, talent identification, development, as well as specific and next-level activities.

Speaker, our Department supports the holistic growth of individuals through sport development and sport promotion. We use sport as a tool to offer our youth an alternative to the social ills ravaging our communities as well as to build on social inclusion, unity, pride and nation building. Through facilities provisioning, three municipalities, namely, Breede Valley, Mossel Bay and Overstrand, will be supported via municipal transfers to build various sport facilities in order to benefit civil society and the local communities in those municipalities. Through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), we will continue to give guidance to municipalities on how to access this Grant going forward.

The Western Cape has in the past, been producing top athletes and this has partly been because of the partnership and working relations between the Western Cape Academy of Sport (WECSA), sport federations, the district sport councils, and the Western Cape Provincial Sport Confederation. Through this partnership and working relations, the academy system has continued to help nurture and build developing and world class athletes that go on and represent both the Province and South Africa. Our support to 180 athletes through the academy system in Saldahna, Glasskasteel in Bredasdorp, Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn will continue in this financial year.

Sport will continue to support 120 sport federations, six district sport councils and the Western Cape Provincial Sport Confederation, through transfer funding. The Club Development Programme (CDP) continues to support 200 clubs through provision of capacity building, transport and equipment and attire.

Through the ad hoc funding to sport federations, deserving athletes will continue to benefit from the subsidy that the Department provides for athletes that represent South Africa in overseas SASCOC endorsed events.

Speaker, in order for us to constructively contribute to nation building, we have to invest in community building first. To achieve this we have established various partnerships to encourage community support, participation and unity. Amongst many others, the Department has strengthened its partnership with the Sports Trust. To encourage greater participation in cycling, 2015 saw the launch of The Sports Trust Community Cycle Races in the communities where the development cyclists live. Speaker, this development cycling programme has supplied bikes, supported and trained up to 220 learners from 12 high schools in disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape, including schools in the Cape Metro region, Boland and West Coast districts. In February this year, the Sports Trust afforded 138 learners the opportunity to visit Robben Island as they arranged for the annual kit hand over to take place at the World Heritage Site. This once in a lifetime experience was a first for many of the learners: first visit to Cape Town or the V&A Waterfront, to travel on a boat and to visit this historical site which indeed sparked motivation that will have a lasting impact on their lives. I take this opportunity to thank the Sports Trust for going beyond their call of duty in their commitment to enhance education through sport, by not only providing learners with sporting opportunity but also took it upon themselves to educate the learners on the historical cultural heritage of our beautiful country. I firmly believe this exercise will produce well rounded individuals who will then become the leaders in their communities who will bring about positive change and eventually change our world as we know it

Speaker, to boost economic growth and job creation in each district, we will fund 50 major events this year, including mega events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Two Oceans Marathon Race, the Laingsburg Marathon and the Berg River Canoe Marathon. In partnership with the respective municipalities and district sport councils we will continue to support municipalities in the provision of sport festivals in: Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, George and Paternoster.

Recreation

Ontspanning is 'n noodsaaklike diens wat deur die Departement bevorder word aangesien dit dienste en programme insluit waaraan 'n individu vrywilliglik kan deelneem tydens sy/haar vrye tyd om 'n genotvolle en bevredigende ervaring te verseker. Dit is ook 'n platform vanwaar sport kan ontwikkel en groei, want ontspanning bevorder 'n filosofie en etos van 'n gesonde leefstyl, lewenslange aktiwiteit en lewenslange leer. Ontspanning bied aktiwiteite vir alle ouderdomme en kan mense  bedag maak op die potensiaal en vaardighede wat in elke individu opgesluit lê.

Ontspanning gee ook aan individue groter insig in die soort lewenskanse en geleenthede wat bestaan ​​en waarby hulle betrokke kan raak. Deur die fasilitering van ontspanningsgeleenthede in die provinsie beoog die Departement om verbintenisse te fasiliteer tussen:

• Individue met hulself waarin individue leer om hulself te leer ken
• Samelewing met die jeug en die jeug met die samelewing
• Families - die jeug kommunikeer met volwassenes en andersom
• Mense met werk in die vorm van indiensneming vir afrigters
• Gemeenskappe wat saam speel as 'n span
• Individue van siekte na welstand

Speaker, our Department strives to increase the sporting talent pool at grassroots level so to afford more youth the opportunity to participate in sporting events, to identify a greater number of excellence which essentially allows for more Western Cape sportspeople to be selected on various provincial and national teams on merit. Speaker, to further achieve greater numbers in sport participation, talent identification and skills development, we engaged with all stakeholders across the province to improve in plans, structures and provisions so to foster co-operation which inevitably delivers a more constructive service to the people of the Western Cape. Earlier this month, we hosted a Provincial Sport Summit in George as well as a Municipal Sport Conference in Breede Valley. Engagements of this nature allows the space to highlight specific challenges faced in each district, municipality, each council and each federation and guides our provision of services in accordance with the different needs. These engagements also allow all stakeholders to reflect on their individual roles they have to play to take sport in the province forward but most importantly it allows for all structures to collectively improve on service delivery Better Together.  

Within the School Sport environment, next-level opportunities are created through the promotion of:

1. School Sport Development, which focuses on assisting with:
   • Intra-school and Inter-school leagues;
   • School-going learner-based competitions;
   • Code specific coach development
   • District-based selected representative teams
   • Province-based selected representative teams

1. School Sport Programmes, which focuses on assisting with:
   • Overseeing the Sport and Recreation South Africa Ministerial Bursary Programme
   • Promoting synergy with respective federations
   • Coordination of talent identification and talent development
   • Developing a pathway for further development of talented learners 

Speaker, our MOD Programme is hosted across the province at Primary and High Schools. Generally, Primary School-based MOD Centres act as the feeder to their neighbouring High School-based MOD Centres. In this way, the learner is presented with the opportunity to have continuous access and exposure to opportunities offered through the MOD Programme, for a period of at least 12 years.

MOD Centres are mainly based in vulnerable areas. This being the context in which most, if not each of the MOD Centres reside, relatively poor facilities, resources and security, or a lack thereof, prevail. Despite these adversities and circumstances, through positive human elements such as perseverance, passion and commitment, a number of participants display skills and talents, as well as the potential for further development. Through various talent identification and talent development processes, the participants that display the said potential for further development have the opportunity to advance their skills and talents to another level. Speaker, with the R62 809 000 allocated to the MOD programme, we will take proactive steps to put measures in place to improve each centre dependent on their specific needs.

Speaker, to reignite hope and inspiration to our lost generation, School Sport will continue to focus on next-level participation at provincial level (inter-district) and national level (inter-provincial) relevant to participation at the South African National Schools Championship (SANSC). For us, it is important to keep track of the number of learners that participate at the provincial and national championships in order to ensure that opportunities for next-level participation and talent Identification are created. The revised number for learner participation at provincial level for 2017/18 is 1 680, whilst the revised number for participation at national level for 2017/18 is 720. In order to further promote next-level participation, School Sport will assist with the training of educators and volunteers to assist with the implementation of the School Sport Programme by training 600 educators and volunteers in 2017/18.

After school game changer

Speaker, the Western Cape Government is leading government innovation to ensure low and no fee learners are able to access expanded education opportunities through the provision of comprehensive quality after school programmes. These offer learners an opportunity to find their passions, build confidence, learn valuable life skills and improve educational outcomes.

By expanding opportunities the After School Game Changer aims to provide young people with positive, constructive activities after school hours and reduce risk taking and anti-social behaviour. We also hope to create opportunities for learners to thrive and become active productive citizens.

The After School Game Changer leverages off the work of one of the MOD centres and the work of the Departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport and Education in sport and arts as well as crowd in additional academic support and life skills opportunities.

The target by 2019 is for 20% of learners in no and low fee schools to be active consistent participants in after school programmes. These programmes will include sport, arts and culture, numeracy, literacy, academic support and life skills. 

In achieving this goal we are targeting a footprint in at least 300 schools in the coming year.

Speaker, as mentioned earlier, the Department supports six District sport councils and one Provincial Confederation, of whom Richard Buckley from the Metro, David Maans from the Central Karoo and Desmond Speelman from the Eden Sports Councils are represented here today. In the 2017/18 financial year we will be transferring a total of R5 700 000 to federations in each district.  This amount also makes provision for Provincial Sport Federations, example, Western Cape Tennis, Netball, Kickboxing, Sailing, to name a few. I am proud to announce that I will personally, ceremoniously, hand over these funds to each sport council and municipality and the Department will ensure that the following funds are used to enrich our communities through sport and are not misappropriated.

Speaker, with the largest client base, the Cape Town Metro will receive R1 760 000; the West Coast, R510 000; the Cape Winelands R1 100 000 Overberg, R360 000 Eden, R1 450 000 and the Central Karoo R120 000. In addition, R400 000 will be allocated to ad hoc funding.

Speaker, not only does sporting activities create a sense of belonging, teamwork, respect, self-confidence, passion, pride, hope and unity, it also provides focus, direction, purpose, expression and hope for the future. It is for this reason that sporting activities have been identified as a contributing factor to the Western Cape Government’s game changer of tackling alcohol abuse. If our youth are occupied with positive development programmes they can be deemed youth with potential rather than youth at risk as anti-social activities such as substance abuse and gangsterism fail to then become a priority.  It is our mission to encourage excellence and inclusiveness in sport and culture through the effective, efficient and sustainable use of our resources, and through creative partnerships with others. In moving to excellence, we will create the conditions for access and mass participation, talent identification and skills development. In my time as Minister, I was fortunate enough to engage with positive youth development programmes which foreground different sporting codes and recreational activities as its focus. Amongst many others, these include:

• Oasis, under the leadership of Mr Clifford Martinus in our gallery today, is a registered non-profit organisation, with its main focus being on sport for development programmes. The programmes form a platform where they can connect with both youth and adults from marginalized communities, offering them educational and life skill opportunities. It is through this programme that previously homeless youth participated at the International Homeless Street Soccer World Cup. Since our partnership in 2015, 24 young men and women have had the opportunity to escape the cycles of poverty in their vulnerable communities by representing their country on an international stage. Speaker, on their return, I have personally seen significant changes in each of these 24 young people who are now all active citizens who advocate for sport participation as a means to rise above negative circumstances. Dillon Fletcher is one such ambassador. When I first met Dillon in 2015, he was shy, hesitant, never spoke a word and always one-sided. Within a year, it was remarkable to witness his self-esteem sky rocket. Today, Dillon displays exemplary self-confidence, facilitates motivational talks and is an accredited SAFA coach who is Coach to under-14 and 15 teams in Lavender Hill, Parklands, Phillippi and other vulnerable areas. It is envisioned that our Department will once again fund the team of 8 to participate in this year’s world cup.

• Speaker, tomorrow marks the end of cycling month in the Western Cape. We have successfully hosted premier cycling events such as the Cape Rouleur and the ABSA Cape Epic. These events offer a platform for positive role models for our youth. Talented riders from vulnerable communities are selected to participate in various development programmes which support and groom them into professional athletes equipped to compete in international cycling events. One such programme is HotChillee’s young development rider’s programme. HotChillee currently works with JAG, Velokhaya and Cape Town Giants. The programme is designed to offer a platform for young South African development riders to progress to international athletes. Over the past two years, Shameeg Salie from Grassy Park, Thulasizwe Mxenge from Khayeltisha and Marco Abrahams from Belhar were funded by our department to participate in various European cycling events last year, most notably the London Alpine Challenge. This year we will be funding another two developmental riders to not only compete in the European cycling events but to network with the various structures on that side so to be inspired to afford others in their communities with the same experiences they had, ultimately becoming active agents of change.

Conclusion

Speaker, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport plays a fundamental role in the social inclusivity of our diverse population, which inevitably unifies us Better Together. I can go on and on about the long lasting impactful work this department does for our communities but it is pointless for only us to know, witness, feel and experience. The people on the ground must know about the positive developments amidst the controversy. They must be provided with beacons of hope as they find themselves in vulnerable spaces and these role models exist in our sportspeople and rising arts and cultural stars. Our people are in dire need of renewed hope that as a nation, we are united in our diversity.

This department, the dedicated staff and our constructive programmes have the ability to change lives in the Western Cape for the better. The public must be made aware that a healthy lifestyle is available to them and once they see that others are taking up the opportunities, it will have a snowball effect and change a life for good. I call on all present here to plant that seed of hope and inspire them to want to be better versions of themselves. Engage with our communities at a level that far exceeds a prospective cross on a ballot paper. Listen to the challenges and aspirations of our people, communicate their needs to a colleague who has the capacity to make a real difference in the life of that one person and follow up on the progress. I understand that we all have our own tasks at hand and commitments to fulfil, but the rescue mission is a far greater cause than the self at this point. It is pivotal for us regardless of political affiliation, differing cultural backgrounds or even job descriptions to increase trust, social inclusion, quality education and confidence in the human spirit to contribute to the enrichment of our communities and the wellbeing of the South African condition.

I thank you.

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Media Enquiries: 

Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for Minister Anroux Marais
Email: Stacy.McLean@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 083 504 1171