Minister Announces R6.3 Billion Budget to Empower Local Talent
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has presented a budget of R6.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to support local talent in both sports and arts and culture sectors. The minister emphasized that while change is challenging, it is essential for progress.
"Access and opportunity matter, and even the greatest talents need that opportunity. That is why, to invest in all our talent, both in sport and arts and culture, as well as preserving our heritage, the department has a budget of R6.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year," McKenzie stated during his speech in Parliament.
Recreational Development and Sports Promotion
Under Programme 2, which focuses on Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, the department will allocate R1.281 billion. This includes R98.5 million for federation support. One significant change highlighted by the minister is the provision of an office building for federations, as many have been operating from their vehicles.
The department has also allocated over R627 million through the conditional grant to support and develop local talent. This funding will be used for purchasing equipment and attire for schools, clubs, and hubs, as well as for training individuals in coaching, technical officiating, administration courses, and employment opportunities.
Heritage Preservation and Repatriation Efforts
Programme 4, focused on Heritage Promotion and Preservation, has been allocated R2.787 billion. This includes R1.6 billion for the construction, maintenance, upgrading, and operation of valued libraries.
Following the success of the previous repatriation efforts for South African fallen heroes from Zimbabwe and Zambia, the ministry plans to continue returning the remains of freedom fighters who fell outside the country during the struggle. The minister mentioned that there could still be 5,000 bodies that need to be returned, and the government is committed to ensuring they are brought home.
The ministry is currently negotiating with Scottish authorities to repatriate the remains of Khoi and San ancestors from the University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum by September 2025. Additionally, the reburial process for 58 ancestral remains from the Northern Cape is nearing completion. This effort is guided by the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team, which includes representatives from the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities.
Museums and Cultural Revitalization
The ministry is driving a campaign under the theme "Reimagining South African Heritage for a New Era." This initiative aims to make museums relevant to a new generation of visitors, ultimately increasing visitor numbers. One of the first projects involves Robben Island, which is undergoing a major revamp and facelift.
Creative Arts and Cultural Development
Under Programme 3, focused on Arts and Culture Promotion and Development, the department is allocating R1.725 billion. To enhance skills and transform the cultural and creative industries, the ministry will continue to recruit and place approximately 300 young people. This initiative aims to improve their chances of gaining employment and becoming self-employed in creative fields.
The interim boards for the 17 sector clusters within the cultural and creative industry are now fully operational. These boards are responsible for organizing their respective sectors, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges such as copyright protection, fair labor practices, and equitable distribution of funding. They will receive a total budget of R34 million to support their operations.
"We understand the frustration of our creatives. For the past 30 years and the years before that, they have not seen their lives change for the better," the minister said.
Language Preservation and Sector Clusters
In support of the preservation and development of the Khoi and San languages, particularly the N|uu language, the department is setting aside R2 million for a targeted call for proposals to preserve these languages.
The minister also emphasized the importance of sector clusters in the cultural and creative industries. These clusters are crucial for fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector. By focusing on these areas, the ministry aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic environment for artists and cultural practitioners.