DCAS Celebrates Provincial Excellence

Annually, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosts the Cultural Affairs Awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the cultural, linguistic and heritage excellence in the province. The occasion is a vital opportunity to proudly showcase the diversity of the province’s cultural landscape.

During the keynote address (attached) at the 2018 Cultural Awards held on Saturday, 3 March 2018, Minister Anroux Marais said, “All nominated and awarded here this evening have played a pivotal role in responding to the hopelessness South Africans collectively felt at one point. At a time when we are faced with a climate of protests, cultural differences and negative news, the promotion of our cultural expressions have and will continue to be a supporting tool to incorporate a mutual understanding of and respect for our unique backgrounds. The awards bestowed on deserving nominees provide an opportunity to proudly showcase the assortment of the cultural landscape of the Western Cape and those who work tirelessly to make this possible”.

The 2017/18 Cultural Affairs Awards Winners can be found online, while more information on the nominees is available in the Awards Booklet.

The annual ceremony is a highlight on the provincial cultural calendar and equips the people of the Western Cape with a sense of pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage. The Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards have become a true reflection of the values of our vibrant democracy in which the cultural and linguistic rights of all people are recognised.

The 2018 Cultural Affairs Awards ceremony followed the Department officially honouring the 10-40 years of public service at the 2018 Long Service Awards in Stellenbosch on Friday evening. Minister Marais bestowed awards on 62 deserving departmental officials for their loyalty, commitment and dedication.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport was also acknowledged as the Bronze Award winners at the Annual National Batho Pele Excellence Awards on Friday evening. The awards are aimed at promoting professionalism, rewarding, and encouraging excellence in the public service. The DCAS achieved the Bronze in the category: Best Functioning Provincial Department of the Year. This is the second time the department has been awarded in this category, having achieved a Bronze award in 2015 as well.

Individual photographs are available upon request.