New leadership for creative sector
The newly-elected chairperson said there are many creatives living in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, saying they must find a way to reach each other.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) elected a new leadership for areas under Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
The top six leaders were elected at the Uvongo Town Hall last Thursday.
They are Mthembeni Mbili – chairperson, Ken Mavundla – deputy chairperson, Nhlakanipho Thushini – secretary, songbird Tender Mavundla – deputy secretary, Slindile Radebe – treasurer, and Khumbulani Mbili – co-ordinator.
The federation’s main task is to protect artists against exploitation and to develop the creative industry.
In his inaugural speech, Mbili said he has worked for the local arts and culture sector for over 10 years.
“There are events in the pipeline that will benefit the sector in Ray Nkonyeni. There are so many creatives living in this municipality, and we must find a way to reach each other,” he said.
Meanwhile, the former chairperson of CCIFSA in the Ugu District, Siya Sotsu, congratulated the new leadership.
Sotsu is also the art curator at the Margate Art Museum.
Speaking to the new leadership, Sotsu highlighted several challenges faced by artists and the broader creative community on the South Coast.
He said these included economic emancipation, innovation, political engagement, infrastructure, and education.
Sotsu said the issues necessitated urgent and concerted action to enhance the livelihood of creatives and to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in the region.
He urged the incoming leadership to prioritise high-level strategic implementation of the resolutions agreed on in previous gatherings.
“There is a clear expectation for the new team to focus on building a robust framework that empowers artists and facilitates growth and innovation within the creative industries. They are now tasked with addressing these challenges head-on in collaboration with the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality. With a supportive community and effective leadership, there is hope for a revitalised creative landscape in Ugu, one that honours the contributions of artists and paves the way for future generations,” he said.
He encouraged the new leadership to work collaboratively and strategically to foster an environment where the cultural and creative sectors can flourish.
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