EUGENE MTHETHWA: Unleashing SA’s arts sector the only way to dismantle remnants of apartheid’s shadow over creatives

Despite the formal end of apartheid, the canvas of South Africa’s arts scene remains starkly divided, splashed with the colours of racial inequity.

Black artists continue to navigate a world where access to vital creative spaces, be it theatres, studios, or movie houses - is painfully limited. These cultural sanctuaries, steeped in a history of exclusion, stand as monuments to a bygone era that still governs the present.

This isn’t merely an economic issue; it is an affront to the very soul of a nation yearning for self-expression and belonging.

Ahead of the third National People's Assembly, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) seek to dismantle the remnants of an apartheid-era legacy that continues to cast shadows over the creative landscape, perpetuating disparities between the historically privileged and the marginalised.

The struggle extends beyond mere access; it seeps into the very essence of artistic creation. Production houses, broadcasters, and collecting agencies often exploit artists, depriving them of fair compensation and recognition.

In a country rich with potential, the resources required for musicians, playwrights, and filmmakers to flourish remain tragically scarce, as they grapple with financial constraints and inadequate facilities. The market-fragmented and faltering struggles to nurture burgeoning talent in the music, visual, and audiovisual arts, leaving many voices unheard and uncelebrated.

Inspired by the visionary Bertolt Brecht, art must do more than entertain; it must provoke thought, inspire reflection, and challenge the status quo. Brecht’s concept of “epic theatre” calls for a creative practice that empowers society to critique itself and strive toward a more egalitarian community.

To achieve this transformative vision, the EFF proposes the establishment of two pivotal bodies: the National Arts and Culture Regulatory Agency (NACRA) and Sub-Regional Arts Management Centres. NACRA would serve as a beacon of regulation and professionalism in the arts, maintaining a registry of practitioners, projects, and companies. It will collect and distribute royalties, ensuring artists receive the financial recognition they deserve, while also acting as a protector against exploitation and abuse.

The Sub-Regional Arts Management Centres will plant roots in communities, ensuring equitable access to artistic resources. These centres would oversee the development of local studios, galleries, and community radio stations, nurturing talent at the grassroots level and promoting a rich tapestry of South African narratives.

State-owned music and film production companies should be a cornerstone of this new artistic landscape. These entities would be charged with producing works of national significance - historical films, documentaries, and the preservation of South Africa’s musical heritage - ensuring that the voices of the past resonate in the present and future.

The commitment to prioritise local content will echo through the airwaves, with a proposed quota of 75% for broadcasters, allowing South African stories to flourish and thrive.

This would be formed alongside the establishment of state-supported financial services tailored specifically to the needs of artists. In a realm where ad-hoc work is the norm, mainstream banking institutions often fail to provide necessary support.

With NACRA’s assistance, these services would offer much-needed stability, including funeral and life insurance, medical aid, and savings plans, allowing artists to focus on their craft rather than financial insecurity.

The EFF’s vision for the arts is an emotive call for a renaissance in South African culture - one where the vibrant voices of black artists are celebrated, supported, and empowered. By forging regulatory bodies, investing in state-owned production, and ensuring access to financial stability, a flourishing creative ecosystem would be formed.

After all, the arts are not merely a reflection of society, but a catalyst for change, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and equitable nation.