THE arts and culture department has distanced itself from the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa.
The department’s director-general Vusi Mkhize has said the federation was not part of the government. He said this during a meeting with artists who slept outside the department’s offices for four days.
They had a number of demands, including the resignation of Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Mkhize and deputy director-general Charles Mabaso.
“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. federation is not a government baby and I really want this to be understood. It was founded as an attempt to work with the sector as a collective,” said Mkhize.
He then welcomed and acknowledged the existence of the South African United Cultural and Creative Industries Federation.
“We are open to engage with you and we will be open to discuss programmes with you. This should not be a problem. We didn’t say we are only talking to the federation. That’s why the minister normally has meetings with other sector organisations. The addition of this federation will only make the table bigger.”
For years, artists have been complaining about the credibility of the South African Cultural and Creative Industries Federation, saying it does not represent their interests and has no members.
Its president, Joy Mbewana confirmed it did not represent all artists.
“This is because the creative industry is deeply divided. However, we are the only federation that is recognised by the department,” said Mbewana.
She also took a swipe at Sibongile Mngoma of the South African United Cultural and Creative Industries Federation.
“The main problem is we have people like Mngoma, who do not want to be led,” she said. Mngoma said she was happy with the engagement with the department. She said Mbewana must also account for the monies they received from the department.
