Restructuring of Department Cultural Affairs and Sport Taking Shape

I am happy to report that, 33 days into my new portfolio, the Department Cultural Affairs and Sport is poised to begin the journey to reposition the Western Cape as the creative and wellness capital of Africa and the World. I believe the department has a critical role to play to promote nation-building, social cohesion, reconciliation, empowerment and economic growth.

Having acquainted myself with the senior management, programmes and Annual Performance Plan, I want to acknowledge the good work done especially by my predecessor, MEC Whitey Jacobs.

Shortly after I was sworn in, I had to announce the appointment of an acting Head of Department, Brent Walters, a Chief Director, on loan from the Department of the Premier. Mr Walters is an experienced and highly capable administrator, who started his career in government as a Deputy Director for Sport. His appointment, I believe is critical to bringing stability and improve service delivery.

The post of Chief Financial Official is another critical portfolio. I have just signed off on candidates short-listed, and an appointment will be announced soon.

The process of restructuring the department to improve capacity for service delivery has been taking a while. However we are now at the point where we will present the new-look macro organogram and personnel plan to the Governance and Administration Cabinet Committee later this month, and finally to Cabinet in October for approval.

I believe there is massive potential for sport, arts, culture and creative industries to boost the economy of the Western Cape and provide increased opportunities for job creation and growth.

As MEC I have had an opportunity to engage with the creative, arts and culture sector of the Western Cape, where they have raised issues about communication, funding and sustainable relations. I have committed myself to engage with them more often.

In terms of Cabinet Deliverables for this financial year, we will be able to support the increase of enrolment of learners at the Kuilsriver Sport School, from about 250 to 300 by January 2009; the building of the Green Point stadium; and the upgrading of the Philippi stadium are on track.

DCAS will survey the possible setting up of International Languages Centres in each district municipality and in the metropole, to provide access to foreign languages, such as German, Mandarin, French, Spanish and kiSwahili.

I believe this will provide renewed opportunities for young people to enter the tourism and hospitality industries, international political and diplomatic career paths or other international opportunities.

As part of preparing our nation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, we also want to give Western Cape citizens the opportunity to learn any of the above languages, which will help to create a warm reception and friendly environment for international visitors.

In addition I have asked that the department explore a project to promote multi-lingualism in the province. In this regard we shall consult with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) who have already produced a manual for teaching conversational Xhosa, and is in the process of producing an Afrikaans version.

I want to announce that, after consultation with the Standing Committee, nominations for the Western Cape Language Committee Members have earlier been extended because not all sectors are as yet represented. But this will be finalized soon.

In terms of the Act, one Board Member must be an expert or specialist in Sign Language; another one in Nama and/or Khoi; and the rest equitably representative of the three official languages - isiXhosa, English and Afrikaans.

With regards to the Cultural Commission, I will soon announce the Members of this Commission as we are attempting to ensure that all genres of the arts are represented. Meanwhile, I can announce that this year we are supporting our Arts and Culture community with more than R7-million (details available on request).

One of the first challenges I was confronted with when I assumed Office, was to deal with incidents of violence in rugby. Although over any given weekend almost 1,000 rugby games are played, including school and club matches, one incident is one too many.

I am therefore happy that in my meeting with the Western Province and Boland Rugby Unions, they indicated that they have clear guidelines and systems, which govern the conduct of schools and youth clubs. The guidelines include behavioral guidelines for coaches, administrators, players, supporters and spectators.

On the day of the Springbok game against New Zealand at Newlands, the department handed out thousands of leaflets speaking out against violence in rugby. We are reproducing similar leaflets for other codes across the province as a continuation and strengthening of our Riaan Loots "no violence in sport" Campaign.

END

Enquiries:

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport
Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 9804
Fax: 021 483 9801
gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Visit our website: http://www.westerncape.gov.za/culture_sport

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Alm