The DA welcomes Council Resolution to Commence with the development of a Theatre Policy in Ekurhuleni
by Cllr. Michael da Silva — DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 11 April 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni welcomes the council resolution taken in the 30 March 2022, Ordinary Council, to commence with the development of a theatre policy. The theatre policy is set to be completed by July 2024 and will provide a framework to guide the management of theatres throughout the City.
We view this as a positive step in the right direction. For too long have City-owned theatres sat as empty white elephants. This policy should seek to guide the activities of theatres in a manner that encourages artists and residents to use them.
The fact that this policy is only being developed now after over R67 million was spent by the ANC-led coalition on the Dumi Masilela Theatre in Germiston in the previous term of office, should not go unquestioned. In the future, the management of a facility must be considered before said facility is completed, lest the city runs the risk of wasteful expenditure.
Seeing as the facilities already exist, the department should explore several options when considering how they are to be managed. South Africans are growing tired of seeing state-owned companies draining unnecessary resources from the fiscus. They are equally tired of government incompetence and mismanagement affecting state-owned companies’ bottom line. Therefore, the department needs to open its doors to residents, in particular, to the artists and businesses that have expertise in this field to ensure that once the policy is adopted it sees the growth of the creative sector in Ekurhuleni. The department must also consider best practice models from within the country and across the world, particularly from countries with thriving theatre industries.
The DA urges residents in the entertainment and events industry to reach out to us by clicking on the link below or emailing Councillor Mike da Silva at Michael.dasilva@ekurhuleni.gov.za. We will ensure that your views and inputs are considered and taken seriously by the department when drafting this policy. We will sit by idly and allow this process to become another exercise that stifles the creative industry in Ekurhuleni.
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The DA in Ekurhuleni believes that this policy if done correctly, could be a golden opportunity to stimulate the arts and entertainment industry in the city. If implemented correctly, this could potentially result in increased tourism and investment in the City. We look forward to the publishing of the draft policy.
Cllr. Michael da Silva
DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
072 963 2654
