By OBAKENG MAJE
3July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika said he is proud to announce that he will be joining the province’s performing artists at the renowned National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Marika said this strategic engagement underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening support for the performing arts sector and promoting inclusive cultural development in the province.
He further said the National Arts Festival is South Africa’s premier platform for artistic excellence, celebrating diverse forms of expression across theatre, dance, music, and visual art. Matika added that, by attending, he will gain valuable insight into the depth of talent within the Northern Cape and the wider national creative industry.
“My presence at the Makhanda Festival reflects a deliberate effort to engage directly with artists and creative practitioners. This initiative enables the department to better understand the needs and challenges of the sector, helping to shape more responsive and impactful policies.
“Exposure to high-level artistic platforms is vital for the development of informed strategies that align provincial efforts with national and global trends in the creative economy. It also reinforces the importance of sustained investment in arts and culture as a catalyst for growth,” he said.
Matika said the department recognises that investing in the performing arts is not only a cultural imperative, but an economic one. He said events like the Makhanda Festival drive tourism, stimulate local economies and create employment opportunities—particularly for young people and small businesses.
“By increasing funding for artist development programmes, festival participation, and arts infrastructure, the Northern Cape stands to significantly expand its creative footprint and unlock long-term socio-economic benefits for communities across the province.
“Drama and theatre remain among the most powerful tools for public engagement and social transformation. Through compelling narratives and emotive performances, artists are able to address critical issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, health, and social cohesion,” said Matika.
He said for the government, this makes drama an essential platform for civic education and community dialogue. Matika said the department continues to support initiatives that use performing arts as a means to communicate government messages, promote awareness, and encourage active citizenship.
“My visit to the Makhanda Festival is a clear signal of the department’s commitment to nurturing local talent, enhancing artist visibility, and ensuring that creative voices from the Northern Cape are heard and celebrated on national stages.
“This engagement represents a step forward in building a more inclusive, well-resourced, and vibrant arts sector that reflects the richness and diversity of the province’s cultural heritage,” he said.
The Guardian 