Federation accuses municipality of renting out theatre
The federation also demands the GMM scrutinise the qualifications of all the employees in its art, sports and recreation department. The members feel many were incorrectly employed. The federation wants an office, as is the apparent practice at other municipalities.
The Cultural and Creative Art Industry Federation (CCIFSA) branch representing artists in the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has accused the municipality of renting out the Johannes Stegmann Theatre to outsiders but barring locals from using it.
They are told the theatre is in poor condition. The federation also accused the GMM of not recognising them as the structure fighting against the exploitation of artists.
Mxolisi Shabalala, the local federation chairperson, said the GMM’s art and culture department fails local artists by not creating programmes and platforms for artists to expose and sustain their works.
“The federation was formed to advocate for local art practitioners. Our municipality lacks transparency in managing the art and culture budget. They often chose which artists to include in their programmes and events while excluding the federation that represents them,” said Shabalala.
He claimed the GMM frequently offered local artists lower fees, limiting their ability to invest in their craft, stifling their growth and making their art forms unsustainable. He said the GMM should take immediate action to address the marginalisation and underdevelopment of local artists.
“The neglect of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre and lack of support for the art and culture sector is unacceptable. This theatre is supposed to be a vital space for local artists to develop, rehearse and showcase their talents,” said Shabalala.
The federation also demands the GMM scrutinise the qualifications of all the employees in its art, sports and recreation department.
The members feel many were incorrectly employed. The federation wants an office, as is the apparent practice at other municipalities.
Donald Green, the GMM’s media liaison and content development officer, confirmed that the GMM does rent out the theatre, saying it is one of the GMM’s revenue-generating facilities with a tariff book approved by the council, except for the CCIFSA and government-organised events, its use is free.
Green said the GMM does not deny local artists the opportunity to use the theatre, and the process to use it applies to anyone who wants to.
“The municipality does recognise the CCIFSA, but we must follow the municipal process on access to information. We have an office space challenge, even for our employees.”
Green said the GMM could help the structure if they want to have meetings and perform administrative duties related to their duties.
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