BY BAKANG MOKOTO 
TAUNG-born artist, Obakeng Maruping said artistry work holds perspectives with innovative thinking. Maruping who is an emerging artist said the aim of his work is to raise awareness about socio-economic issues affecting the people.

“Art pushes controversial buttons and inspires creative ideas. I also look to explore overlooked issues to encourage debate. However, we cannot orchestrate our own agenda through art because we representing the masses.

“I developed interest in art while I was still at primary school. I used to draw a lot and back in 2009, I went to Mahikeng Art Centre to sharpen my skill. I have realised that not many people are into art especially blacks. They lack passion in this craft and transformation is needed in the industry,” Maruping said.

He is also studying towards BA Degree in Tourism at University of South Africa (Unisa). Maruping further said he want to have his own gallery one day and put rustic Taung on the map.

“I want to be a world-renowned principled artist one day. We have artists who tell negative stories and depict sensitive matters. There was an artist who depicted our former president, the late Dr Nelson Mandela and president Jacob Zuma recently on an awkward sexual position. The picture made rounds on various media platform, however, I believe that was wrong.

“As an artist, you should not use your position to push personal vendetta and attack others. That was disrespectful in different forms and I condemn that. The industry is still underdeveloped and that reflects badly on emerging artists. We need to respect the rights of others including our political leaders,” he said.

Maruping said even though there is lack of support in Taung, he believed that one day assistance will come.

Greater Taung Local Municipality Local Economy Development (LED) Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) chairperson, Judy Gaoboihe said Taung has abundance of opportunities. Gaoboihe said they will continue to provide a necessary support to emerging entrepreneurs.

 “The municipality is prepared to support various sectors like agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing companies. With a petite budget we have, we are willing to support Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) across the municipality. We believe that small businesses play a pivotal role in growing the economy.

“We believe that artists also play a pivotal role in marketing Taung to the world. LED structure has been relocated to municipal mayor’s office and that will speed-up the processes in funding many projects. We are currently engaging with our stakeholders to outsource funding from them,” she said.

Gaoboihe added that private and public sectors need to work together. She further said the government alone cannot manage to address treble challenges like unemployment, inequality and poverty.

“We urge privately-owned companies to provide support and come on board. The municipality also urge youth-owned enterprises to apply for funding at our offices. We provide mentorship, training and workshops where necessary. The structure does not give monetary support, but assist in buying material and brings skilled people to assist.  

“We encourage our artists to register on provincial government’s database to be recognised. We do not want to see our artists dying paupers. We will continue to partner with them and celebrate their immense talent. We have various reputable platforms like exhibitions for them to showcase their work and build their profile in the industry too,” Gaoboihe said.

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