Minister’s attitude irks FXI

CITIZEN REPORTER

JOHANNESBURG - The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has expressed deep disappointment with Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana’s attitude to freedom of expression.

“Her statement that the art exhibition of young female artist and lesbian activist Zanele Muholi, of naked, black women embracing each other, is ‘immoral, offensive and against nation building’, is highly regrettable and is indicative of a blatant disregard and disrespect for the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” FXI said in a statement.

“Moreover, it smacks of intolerance towards the homosexual community which in itself is contrary to ‘nation building’.

After the Minister’s own department gave an amount of R300 000 to the Innovative Women Exhibition, the Minister abandoned the exhibition before delivering her speech at the opening of the event.

“In the spirit of freedom of expression, the Minister is indeed entitled to her opinion.

“However it is of serious concern that the statements were made by the Minister who is a public official and heads up one of the State’s departments that has as its core function, the protection and advancement of arts and culture in South Africa,” FXI said.

“Moreover the Minister is, in her official capacity, duty bound to respect, protect and promote the rights contained in the Constitution. Artistic creativity is the pinnacle of ‘the market place of ideas’ and is one of the fundamental rights protected under section 16 of the Constitution.”

The minister has as a result of the her “lack of knowledge of what constitutes art” had at least 12 members of her staff suspended.

Speaking to The Citizen several of these staff members have expressed their frustration as exactly the same procedure was taken in sponsoring this project, as was taken in every past project.