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Wild Coast festival at Magwa tea estate
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Sports, Arts Culture

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EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

SPEECH BY THE MEC FOR SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE MRS N. BALINDLELA

ON THE OCCASION OF THE WILD COAST FESTIVAL AT MAGWA TEA ESTATE, LUSIKISIKI ON

29 OCTOBER 1999

Master of Ceremonies, the Honourable Deputy President of South Africa, their majesties the Kings, Chiefs present here, Ladies and 
Gentlemen, I greet you all. At this point in time, in the unfolding history of our country may we once more place on record or gratitude to 
the present non-sexist, non-racial and democratic government which is led by the African National Congress for creating an environment 
which has made it possible for all of us to converge here today. Can we once more salute the heroes of our beloved country whose untiring 
struggle for freedom has paved the way for us to, in this historic event, celebrate our cultural diversity. Can we once again salute the 
leadership of our beloved country for their patriotism and their sharp vision which gave birth to the notion of African Renaissance, a 
philosophy that has injected a reawakening and a revitalisation of arts, culture and heritage in the Southern part of the African 
continent. The philosophy of African Renaissance continues to transcend artificial boundaries of race, colour and creed, and brings us 
under one roof as proud South Africans.

The Wild Coast festival of arts and culture is one of the many endeavours by the people of the Province of the Eastern Cape to celebrate 
the restoration of humanity to the majority of this country. We have converged here today to pledge ourselves to an Eastern Cape which is 
devoid of the inequalities of the past, which is unified through an integrated and sustainable economic, social and cultural development, 
which will be able to provide an acceptable quality of life for all its people.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has recently formulated a draft strategic plan. The plan seeks to accelerate service delivery, to 
enhance an efficient and effective work organisation, to create a sound financial administration, to build a strong and reliable human 
resources base, and development of an effective and efficient communication/information system. We extend an invitation to all and sundry 
in the Province to put a shoulder to the wheel in order to ensure a successful implementation of the Departmental five year plan. The 
success of the department will mean the success of all cultural workers in the Province and Arts, Culture and Heritage stakeholders. The 
Department is convinced that the plan will contribute meaningfully to the realisation of provincial priorities of transformation and 
development of the economy, meeting of the basic needs of our people and development of our human resources.

Master of Ceremonies, dignitaries. Ladies and Gentlemen the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is convinced that Arts, Culture and 
Heritage is poised to render a meaningful service which will result in realisation if the five year strategic imperatives of the government 
of the Province of the Eastern Cape.

Cultural Industries like Visual Arts Crafts, Publishing, Music and Performing Arts will create the much needed jobs and result in economic 
growth for the provincial economy. The vast range of sporting and cultural activities will contribute meaningfully to crime prevention, and 
restore moral authority to the communities and individuals.

Provision of infrastructure particularly in the rural areas by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is aimed at an integrated 
development planning, at improvement of communication with the public, and at meeting the basic needs of Education, Health and Welfare. The 
Arts Centres and the cultural villages that are being built are intended to be vibrant centres of learning and teaching of not only arts 
and crafts skills but also entrepreneurial skills.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture supports the Spatial Development Initiative. The department is committed to the harnessing of 
arts, culture and heritage to make them serve the interests of the communities of our province, particularly job creation.

The Department believes that the Spatial Development Initiative in the five nodes of Coffee Bay, Dwesa-Cwebe, Port St Johns, Mkambathi and 
Magwa, will stimulate cultural tourism and bring investors to this area. We believe that the rich history and cultural heritage of the Wild 
Coast has the capacity to draw national and international tourists to this area.

In support of the SDI the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has transferred funds to the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative 
Programme through the Centre for Investment and Marketing Eastern Cape. The purpose of the funds is the appointment of a project manager 
for Arts, Crafts and Culture projects in the Wild Coast Area; development of business plans in respect of Arts and Crafts projects: 
capacity development of entrepreneurs in product development, business, marketing and pricing skills; development of a database of artists; 
and linkage of small arts and culture and strategic investment projects; and making a contribution towards this Wild Coast Cultural 
festival.

Master of Ceremonies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture wishes all a joyous festival of Arts and Culture. May you enjoy the variety of song, dance, 
drama, poetry and the African cuisine that has been prepared for you today.

May the rich and diverse cultural experience of the indigenous initiation schools, and wedding rituals inspire us to value life and the 
joys that it brings to all of us - young and old. May you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea estate of Magwa, and the beautiful 
landscapes including the Magwa Falls. Do visit the exhibitions, and please buy and support our artists and crafters.

I thank you all.



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