Reagen Allen, MPP for the DA and Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport says:
During the beginning stages of lockdown last year, more than R58 million was lost in combined revenue by individuals who work in the arts and culture sector in the Western Cape. This number only represents those who applied for the relief grant from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and does not take into account those who did not apply, leading us to believe that both the income lost and individuals affected in the sector is far greater than what is on paper.
Even more disastrous is the fact that many vulnerable roleplayers in the industry have been left without national support since March 2020, when National Government introduced its relief packages which were poorly organised and distributed.
In starting the next stage of relief funding, it is important that government plays its role in effectively providing relief funding to all stakeholders who have been negatively affected. The livelihoods of these roleplayers are under attack and will result in these industries being adversely affected in the province.
In my capacity as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs and Sport, I will write to WC Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais to determine whether they have received any plans from national government to provide relief to those in the sector. Further, I will seek clarity on any interventions for support that the department has in place, with the limited budget they have, particularly if national government does not step up.
The national department has been out of touch with the realities of those who they are meant to protect. Just recently Minister Mthethwa released a series of tweets talking about how the theatre industry is alive and well. The minister misled the nation and was called out for it by those who are currently suffering within the industry.
Last year, when the national Department of Sports, Arts and Culture failed to take into consideration many artists due to flawed processes, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport stepped up by providing the necessary relief where it was able to. The department allocated R4.7 million in Covid-19 relief funding to 715 successful arts, culture and heritage applicants and a further R1 million to sport 46 sport federations, 39 coaches, 11 technical officials, and 24 athletes who successfully applied through their federations in the Western Cape.
Sports, arts and culture remain an intrinsic part of society in the Western Cape. We must remain committed to do what we can to help those who have been hardest hit by the effects of this pandemic.
