The recent recognition of Makhadzi’s achievement at the BET Awards has sparked public debate about the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) support for South African artists on the global stage. While Makhadzi proudly brought home the BET Award for Best New International Act, questions have arisen regarding the level of financial support provided by DSAC for her trip to the United States. In response to public inquiries, DSAC clarified that financial support for international travel and related expenses is subject to specific funding criteria and guidelines. This clarification highlights a broader issue: the perceived gap between the department’s mandate to support artists and the reality faced by many in the arts community.
Makhadzi has also weighed in on the matter, stating: “I would like to categorically state that I have never received or applied for any funding from DSAC in the past 14 months, as stated in the statement from DSAC’s press release on July 9, 2024. We can confirm that the department contacted me to perform for the June 16th event and the Presidential Inauguration, which I did and was paid for. This payment was for services rendered, not funding. The statement from the Department is creating a lot of confusion, from the heading to the last paragraph, and seeks to give the impression that I am one of the recipients. This is misleading. The department should release the list and stop diverting attention.”
DSAC typically offers various forms of assistance to artists, including grants, subsidies, and funding for projects and performances. However, artists often encounter challenges in accessing these resources due to stringent application processes, limited funding availability, and bureaucratic hurdles. This situation underscores a disconnect between the department’s intentions and the practical support artists require to thrive. Moreover, while DSAC promotes capacity building through workshops and training programs, there remains a need for more robust support in skills development, management, and entrepreneurship within the arts sector. Many artists express frustration over the lack of adequate infrastructure support, such as funding for studio spaces and cultural facilities, which are essential for artistic production and community engagement.
Promotional support, crucial for enhancing visibility and market access for artists, also falls short of expectations. Artists frequently navigate their own marketing and publicity efforts without substantial assistance from DSAC, limiting their ability to reach broader audiences and expand their careers.
Critics argue that DSAC’s approach to cultural diplomacy and international collaborations needs enhancement. While cultural exchanges and exhibitions abroad can showcase South African talent globally, there is a call for more proactive support and facilitation from the department to maximize these opportunities for artists. Furthermore, advocacy efforts and policy development by DSAC often lack sufficient representation of artists’ interests and the broader cultural landscape. There is a growing demand for more inclusive policies that reflect the diversity of South Africa’s arts community and safeguard cultural rights.
While DSAC plays a pivotal role in promoting South African arts and culture, there is a clear need for enhanced support mechanisms to bridge the gap between policy intent and practical implementation. The recognition of Makhadzi’s achievement at the BET Awards serves as a reminder of the immense talent within South Africa’s arts community, calling for a renewed commitment from DSAC to provide meaningful and equitable support to artists across the country.
Well articulated. Fully support the notion.
But how?
Step by step. Please help clarify the enhancement because there is too much damage done for too long and left the perpetrator not aacountable. Its only been 30 years in democracy and many more years in apartheid.
1 party lead by majority votes and somehow in the 3 decades, this department has really failed to improve the sector.
Fails to advocate for artists on the Copyright Amendment and the President can’t seem to manage to listen to all those institutions and representatives who are champions in the arts Industry
So how do we break it down?
I Sis. Rachel Gobingca versatile creative artist composed Indyebo “wealth” title, established Indyebo Yakwantu Multicultural Educational Organisation NPO registration.
Due from series of the performances would appreciate and support thinking capacity of the Arts and Culture management. As a multidisciplinary artist would encourage them for scenario of artistic enhancement.
Your support to us artists can play vitalised roles on various platforms of development exercises..
The reason why the US dominates the world through music, films and movies is because of the support of the American government.
Artists die as popers because of lack of financial and infrastructural support from government.
We also call on the corporate sector to invest in the creative sector especially arts from the rural and townships where artists suffer because of poverty and lack of infrastructure.
It is sad as Artists and also we end up lost hope to a point were we work in organizations to assist young people or youth of South Africa in empowering the youth and making them be the entrepreneurs of their creative arts. Because we saw how useless it is to have the department of Sports, Arts and culture that does not add value to us. The are Organizations such as Afrika Tikkun and CCIGA that are concern in the youth in creative arts and are doing more to upskill the youth of South Africa.
Honestly we trust that Mr minister will bring change in south Africa when comes to art industry no one cares about artist we don’t know what to do we die poor infact this country is not for artists because the negation of south African artist is painful…even when the artist are dying of depression they care less but we vote everyday …