New Western Cape Cultural Commission | Western Cape Government

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New Western Cape Cultural Commission

30 August 2005
"The term of office of the Western Cape Cultural Commission (WCCC) expires today, 31 August 2005 following a six-month extension period. The WCCC is a statutory body which aims to preserve, promote and develop culture in the Western Cape in accordance with a policy determined by myself as Provincial Minister responsible for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation".

"I am satisfied that in line with the provisions of the Western Cape Cultural Commission and Cultural Councils Act of 1998, the process of replacing the outgoing Commission has been an open and transparent one. A total of 70 applications were received from interested arts and culture practitioners of the Western Cape".

"In full compliance with the Act, the Standing Committee of the provincial parliament drew up 23 short-listed candidates meeting the requirements and submitted them to me, as MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport for final approval of the 14 commissioners"

"In considering the final list I have taken into account the recommendations of the Standing Committees, issues of transformation, gender equity and rural representation to ensure a balanced commission that will be able to deliver on its mandate".

"To that extent I have increased the number of women from 3 to 8, while Africans have been increased from 2 to 6. To ensure continuity and transfer of skills I have retained the services of some commissioners. It is my pleasure to announce that in terms of Section 4.1 of the Cultural Councils Act, the following persons have been nominated to serve a three- year term effective from tomorrow, 1st September 2005."

The list of new commissioners is as follows:

  • Prof. Steward Van Wyk
  • Dr L.E. Combrink
  • R.E. Van Der Ross
  • Amy Gould
  • Natalia Da Rocha
  • Margaret Moletsane
  • Yeye Mgudlwa
  • Thoko Ntshinga
  • Duke Ngcukana
  • Gillian Mitchell
  • Celeste Matthews
  • Lungile Jacobs
  • Sango Bam, and
  • Sheik Amieroedien Du Toit.

"I am confident that there's more than adequate collective wisdom and will to accelerate transformation and improve service delivery in the arts, culture and heritage fields within the province. Our immediate task is to review the Act itself"

"I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing Cultural Commission for their contribution in arts and culture particularly their attempts at steering the ship under somewhat difficult conditions. I wish the New Commission everything of the best as they prepare to confront the challenges and actively begin to assist government in servicing its people"

Whitey Jacobs
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sports and Recreation

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