26 October 2015
Building a thriving arts industry would help youth stay away from crime, said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa at a meeting in Nyanga, a township in Cape Town, in Western Cape, on Friday, 23 October.
His department was helping artists, he said, by honing the musical skills of the youth and teaching them how to create businesses in the arts.
It had initiated sectorial and provincial consultations throughout the country because it was busy reviewing the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Issues raised
Community members brought up challenges they faced, including a lack of access to information regarding opportunities the department offered, a lack of rehearsal space and being unable to access funding for cultural projects and events.
“I have spoken to your community leaders and I know some of your challenges,” the minister said. “We are not here to make speeches, we are here to listen to your concerns and to see how we can help you with some of your challenges.”
What’s being done
Established musicians such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse would hold music workshops to mentor young talent. The help from experienced musicians would also ensure that skills were passed on to current and future generations, the minister said.
“An idle mind is a dangerous mind,” he cautioned.
