Dear Editor
Last night’s 20th Annual Cultural Affairs Awards saw the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport pull out all the stops to honour the cultural heroes of the Western Cape. After a multi-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the awards, which cover the entirety of the arts and culture sector, including the arts, libraries, and archives, returned.
The event saw a particular focus on diversity and inclusion, especially for those with disabilities. In a first of its kind moment, the ceremony was presided over by a hearing-impaired person, with DeafSA provincial chairperson Jabaar Mohamed joining radio host Africa Melane on stage. Sign language interpreters were also present on stage for the entirety of the evening’s proceedings.
The nominees and winners of the awards showcased the best that the Western Cape has to offer. From emerging artists such as poet and performer Siphokazi Jonas to titans of their genre such as singer Leslie Kleinsmith, the ceremony brought together a diverse range of talents from all sectors of the cultural sphere. Initiatives and organisations such as Philippi TV – an initiative which allows emerging producers in Philippi to produce their own film and television productions – were also singled out for praise and recognition. Of particular note were those who received Ministerial Commendations and Legacy Awards, which included acclaimed actor Abduraghman Adams, legendary musician Anthony Cedras, and a posthumous award for famed editorial cartoonist Fred Mouton.
On a more somber note, the event also paid tribute to those in the cultural sector who had passed away since the 19th iteration of the awards. This was a stark reminder of the stresses and hardship placed on the cultural sector by the pandemic. While the event was a celebration, it was poignant to note that many nominees had excelled despite having had to suffer through the pandemic with little to no support from bodies such as the National Arts Council and the national Department of Arts and Culture.
These awards follow a similar ceremony held last month which recognised the Western Cape’s sportspeople. Among many others, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was honoured as Coach of the Year not only for her contributions toward the national team, but for her efforts in developing and growing sport in the Western Cape, particularly for women.
Speaking after last night’s ceremony, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport Gillion Bosman said: “I thank all the nominees for their vital and valued contributions to our vibrant cultural sector, and offer my sincere congratulations to the winners. As Ministerial Legacy Award winner Anthony Cedras said during the ceremony, one’s culture is something that one should carry with them as they make their way in the world, and I am honoured to be among so many people doing just that tonight. It is incredible to see so many talented people from so many diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate a shared passion for the music, art, dance, and drama which our communities have produced.”
Regards
Gillion Bosman, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport
