Western Cape Appropriation Bill: Cultural Affairs and Sport

Meeting report

Minister’s opening remarks

Ms Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to brief the Committee on the theme of culture and sports supporting the state, in relation to the Western Cape Appropriation Bill 2024. She highlighted that the ministry was tabling the last annual budget of the strategic plan, spanning from 2019 to 2025. This period was marked by a national economic slowdown and unprecedented fiscal constraints due to the social impacts of COVID-19. Minister Marais emphasised the importance of mental and physical well-being in communities as they recover from these impacts. She explained that the work of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is preventive and aims to reduce harm by addressing issues upstream. The Minister outlined priorities such as social cohesion, youth empowerment, mental well-being, and new operating models to ensure fiscal sustainability. Measures of fiscal consolidation were implemented to manage the impacts of the public wage agreement. Considering fiscal uncertainty, a forward-looking fiscal strategy was adopted, leveraging alternative delivery models including blended financing. The Minister highlighted the significant allocation towards library services, with 49% of the budget dedicated to this area.

She mentioned that DCAS hosted a two-day Think Tank Conference in February 2024, engaging industry experts to develop a sustainable public library service delivery model. The University of Cape Town and the Hasso Plattner Design School facilitated this conference and will assist in finalising the new service delivery model. Minister Marais emphasised the evolving role of public libraries as community hubs, offering access to various resources beyond books, including cultural awareness, e-governance, health information, and educational opportunities. She acknowledged the unprecedented challenges the cultural and sports sectors faced over the last five years, affirming DCAS' commitment to prioritising sports, arts, and culture events as catalysts for social cohesion, inclusion, and economic growth.

Department Remarks

Mr Guy Redman, Head of Department, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), presented the Annual Performance Plan (APP) being tabled, along with the APPs of other entities. He acknowledged the economic and fiscal challenges, emphasising the need for a sustainable approach to service delivery, with efforts concentrated on constitutional mandates and activities promoting social cohesion, youth, and mental well-being. He highlighted a year-on-year budget increase from an adjusted appropriation of R888 290 000 in the 2023/24 financial year to a final appropriation of R903 000 338 in the 2024/25 financial year, mainly due to inflationary increases. Despite this, the Department did not receive additional funding, and the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MF) decreased by R10.7 million for 2024/25, R10.6 million for 2025/26, and R11.8 million for 2026/27 due to fiscal consolidation.

Moreover, funding for the Public Works Programme (PWP) expansion and artists in schools received in the previous financial year was not retained. The Department also absorbed the cost-of-living adjustment in its baseline allocation due to the unfunded impact of salary increases from the Provincial Treasury. To mitigate the impact of fiscal consolidation, the Department had to unfund 22 posts and decrease transfers to nonprofit organisations by 12.39%. Despite these challenges, the Department prioritised sector recovery aligned with the Western Cape Recovery Plan and protected basic service outcomes. The service delivery strategy involved leveraging the whole of society through a managed network model, partnering with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), other government spheres, the private sector, school governing bodies, parents, and unemployed youth. Mr Redman noted that the APP for DCAS was tabled with errata, with corrections provided on a loose page at the beginning and on page 85, specifically regarding Indicator 3, point 3.1, where the number for the year 2025/26 should be 21, not 221.

Discussion

Mr P Marais (FF+) lamented the challenges confronting the youth, particularly in education. He recalled previous discussions within the Committee about introducing mathematics to black and coloured youths from the foundational levels to enhance their educational prospects. He highlighted the difficulties some students faced in grasping mathematical concepts, especially in the context of the 4^th Industrial Revolution. Mr Marais suggested a potential solution of recording teachers' lessons and making them available in libraries for students to access repeatedly at home. He shared personal struggles with algebra and trigonometry and questioned how educational methods have evolved in the era of new technological developments. He raised concerns about budget cuts impacting educational standards and sought clarification on the innovative measures being undertaken to address these challenges.

Ms A Bans (ANC) asked whether the Department invests in addressing social issues affecting the youth, particularly those involved in crime, gangs, and drugs. She inquired about the existence of performance targets for such interventions and highlighted the focus of departmental interventions, such as the After School Programme. She sought clarification on whether the Department has specific interventions targeting school-aged youth.

Mr Redman said that the bulk of Youth Interventions were preventive in nature, aiming to provide positive alternatives to mitigate exposure to drugs and other social ills. He highlighted the importance of implementing protective factors and noted the difficulty in measuring prevention. He explained that learners benefit from protective factors, such as the After School Programme, which reduces their susceptibility to negative influences. Mr Redman also emphasised the role of activities like clubs, sports, and arts, particularly choirs, in exposing students to positive factors.

Dr Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director: Sport and Recreation, DCAS, mentioned that within the group of young people the Department works with, there is specific targeting of youth with higher levels of risk and this occurs in three ways. The first involves learners with high levels of absenteeism or behavioural challenges identified by the school. These young people are supported by Youth mentors who assist them with homework and various activities before and after school. The second initiative is the After School Programme, which focuses on literacy and numeracy for learners who are performing below 50% in language or mathematics, particularly in grades three and four. The aim is to prevent dropouts by bringing learners up to grade level. The third programme, the YearBeyond Planet Youth Programme, targets risk-taking behaviours among grade eight and nine learners in the George area. Surveys are conducted to identify behaviours and the programme also offers diversion activities to promote positive peer networks. Dr Bouah highlighted the broader initiative of promoting a culture of reading across libraries, schools, and community hubs, aiming to stimulate imagination and build hopes and dreams among young people. He mentioned the importance of dreams in steering the youth away from antisocial behaviour and indicated that over 40 000 children are engaged in reading programmes. Additionally, he discussed the work readiness skills development for 3 000 youth, preparing them for the world of work or further study, and transitioning them into their next opportunity within three months after programme completion. He noted that between 75% and 80% of participants progress into their next opportunity within the stipulated timeframe.

Mr Redman spoke of implementing the Education Portal in libraries which provides resources on library computers to support learners with homework. He also mentioned the introduction of online teaching in dance within the arts and culture space and this would allow community art centres to access instructions from top choreographers remotely. He indicated that the Department embraced the adoption of modern methods to expand its reach in both education and arts and culture sectors.

Ms A Cassiem (EFF), in referring to page 674 of the budget estimates, highlighted the Department's partnership with municipalities to enhance public library services. She noted the prevalence of vandalism and robberies in libraries across the province, with reports suggesting that over 300 libraries had been vandalised and more than 100 operated under threat. Ms Cassiem expressed concern about the significant monetary loss incurred due to these incidents, which is estimated to be over R27 million. She inquired about the measures the Department and municipalities are taking to ensure tight security in libraries to prevent further losses and to maintain functioning and safe libraries for community access.

On the issue of internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity in libraries, she asked how many libraries in the province have access to Wi-Fi and why some libraries do not have this connectivity.

Mr P Pretorius (DA) sought clarification on the expenditure on museums, questioning whether there had ever been a necessity to consider closing a museum due to lack of funds or justification for allocating resources. He referenced the budget cut for Heritage Western Cape, noting a significant reduction of 69.15%. However, he observed an increase in the allocation of funds in subsequent years and requested an explanation for this discrepancy.

Additionally, Mr Pretorius raised concerns about the increase in employee compensation by 11.72%, which was juxtaposed with the limited number of new appointments, primarily in lower ranks. He sought an explanation for this increase and its impact.

Ms DM Baartman (DA) asked the Department about the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), particularly regarding the programme's status and the number of people affected by recent cuts, as mentioned by the Head of Department.

The Sports contribution of approximately R8.8 billion Rand to the Western Cape Gross domestic product (GDP) since 2012 was also an area of concern. She sought information on the estimated GDP contribution for the upcoming financial year, particularly concerning events such as the E Grand Prix.

Ms Baartman directed attention to matters related to the allocations for the constituency regarding the Library in Laingsburg and the one in Prince Albert. She wanted to know about the utilisation of funds for these projects, particularly whether they involve upgrades, new constructions, or rebuilding efforts. She expressed concerns about ensuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of allocated funds, particularly in ensuring they are not diverted to other operational expenses within the municipality.

In responding to questions related to library matters, Ms Cecilia Sani, Director: Library Service, DCAS, informed Members of the Committee that concerning the security of libraries, funds are transferred to municipalities for library operation and maintenance, including security measures. She mentioned that efforts are made to construct libraries in a way that prevents vandalism, such as placing windows higher to deter breakage. Ms Sani highlighted collaboration with municipalities to address security concerns and indicated that security funding needs are included in their business plans.

On the issue of internet access, she mentioned that rural public libraries and metro libraries provide free internet access through various projects. Wi-Fi is available both externally and internally in libraries across the province, with 209 sites offering Wi-Fi access.

Ms Sani outlined initiatives in the Central Karoo area, including funding for the modular library in Laingsburg and the Prince Albert Library updates. She said that funds are transferred to municipalities for tendering and management of construction projects, with strict oversight to ensure funds are used as earmarked and reported monthly. She informed Members about the successful collaboration with municipalities to ensure effective spending on infrastructure projects.

She elaborated further on ongoing efforts to improve internet access in libraries and mentioned that work was done closely with other organisations and initiatives to connect libraries that previously lacked the infrastructure for internet access. This collaboration aims to ensure that all libraries are connected, even those in towns without existing infrastructure. For libraries without space for computers, she mentioned that the plan is to address this issue as part of future upgrades. Ms Sani said this is a long-term programme aimed at gradually improving internet connectivity in all libraries.

A DCAS official acknowledged the complexity of assessing museums' worth, considering factors like collections, exhibitions, and community engagement. He discussed the Department's exploration of alternative management models such as combining museums, archives, and libraries into multi-purpose facilities to reduce costs while maintaining services.

Regarding the Heritage Western Cape budget cut, the official explained that it was a result of fiscal constraints and reprioritisation within the Department. He outlined measures taken to mitigate the impact, including the revision of application fees by Heritage Western Cape and the utilisation of investment funds. He confirmed that the Department would provide additional support, if necessary, in the future.

Ms Jacqueline Boulle, Chief Director: After School Programme, DCAS, provided an extensive overview of the sporting events landscape in the Western Cape, emphasising its importance in the region's social cohesion and economic development. She highlighted the significant role of sporting federations and good governance in organising various events, including local and international competitions.

Ms Boulle outlined the process for selecting events and the role of municipalities in supporting them, mentioning notable events such as the Two Oceans Marathon and Rugby Sevens World Cup. She also discussed ongoing discussions regarding future events like the Cape Town E-Prix.

She touched on the application process for infrastructure funding, which involves collaboration with the Department of Local Government. She referenced a longitudinal study conducted by the University of the Western Cape and the Bureau for Economic Research, which assesses the impact of sporting infrastructure on economic development and recovery from events such as COVID-19.

Ms Brenda Rutgers, Director: Financial Management, DCAS, informed the Committee that the 11% increase in employee compensation was influenced by two primary factors. Firstly, it highlighted delays caused by a guideline from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) received in October of the previous year, which mandated the submission of all vacant and underfilled posts to the Premier for approval. Despite resulting delays, approvals for certain posts have been secured and included in the budget for the upcoming financial year. Secondly, Ms Rutgers pointed out the impact of wage increases, encompassing a carry-through effect of 7.5% from the current financial year and an additional 4.9% increase for the next financial year. While no agreement has been reached on the exact percentage increase for salaries in the subsequent year, it was provisionally included at the level of inflation, estimated at approximately 4%. This explanation offered clarity on the drivers behind the increase in employee compensation, ensuring transparency in the budget allocation process.

The Chairperson raised several questions about the management of museums and libraries. He referenced a past public debate around the potential closure of libraries in Cape Town, suggesting that such discussions could inadvertently lead to increased visitor numbers and usage. Expanding on this, he inquired about repurposing museum and library spaces, proposing the addition of amenities like gift shops and coffee shops to attract more people. He suggested strategic partnerships with the Department of Economic Opportunities and the Department of Agriculture to integrate community food gardens and hospitality spaces into these facilities.

He highlighted the importance of updating exhibit content in museums to accurately reflect local histories and engage community input in the process, citing examples such as the Jewish Museum and District 6 Museum in Cape Town. He asked about the management of provincial heritage sites once declared, specifically referencing the Athlone Power Station. He asked whether responsibility falls to the asset owner or Heritage Western Cape, raising important considerations regarding maintenance and community access.

Mr Marais asked the Department about funding allocations and infrastructure improvements in rural areas. He sought clarity on the budget allocation for repairing the roof of a library, referencing conflicting information in the budget documents. He proposed exploring partnerships with organisations such as Cape Access to improve internet access in the area.

Highlighting the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in accessing online services and agricultural support, he raised the issue of the importance of bridging the digital divide. He asked about the funding source for compensating for the loss of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) positions due to budget cuts, questioning whether it comes from the provincial revenue fund or if alternative funding sources had been identified. He underscored the need for strategic resource allocation to effectively address infrastructure gaps and support rural development initiatives.

Mr Redman addressed the incorporation of additional facilities in museums, such as coffee shops and boardrooms, emphasising the need for a bottom-up approach to change management and encouraging museums to explore further avenues for revenue generation. He mentioned the importance of partnerships and collaboration with governing bodies to effectively manage multi-use facilities. Regarding museum exhibitions, he explained that while affiliated museums have declared themes for their permanent exhibitions, there is encouragement for broader and more socially inclusive themes to represent the community. He mentioned ongoing efforts to revitalise exhibitions and the role of partnerships in enhancing visitor experiences. Finally, Mr Redman clarified that the responsibility for maintaining provincial heritage sites rests with the site's owner, even after designation, emphasising the importance of community education regarding expectations for such sites. He advocated for local authorities to assume management responsibilities for Grade 3 heritage resources to allocate resources for heritage education and promotion in communities.

Ms Rutgers clarified the funding issue, explaining that the allocation for arts and culture supplements the existing funding within the space. She mentioned that they also receive digital funding from the Provincial Treasury, which is distributed among arts, culture, libraries, and archives.

Regarding the R4 million allocations, she specified that R1.5 million was received the previous year for replacing furniture and books in the Beaufort West burned library. In the current year, an additional R4 million was allocated for the same purpose, ensuring the operationalisation of the library once the building or renovation is completed.

Ms Cassiem expressed concern about the lack of sporting facilities in townships and rural areas, especially those predominantly inhabited by African and coloured communities. She questioned the Department's efforts to address this issue and collaborate with the Department of Education and Infrastructure to ensure proper sporting facilities in these areas. Additionally, she inquired about the extent of abandoned and vandalised sporting facilities across the province, citing an example of the abandonment of a sports facility in Mitchells Plain. She highlighted the need for action to address the neglect and misuse of such facilities.

Mr Redman spoke of the Department's efforts to reimagine libraries as community arts centres, emphasising the importance of incorporating creative endeavours beyond traditional education. He mentioned plans to establish library and museum hubs, incorporating ancillary services like coffee shops, and creating spaces for art galleries and theatres within libraries. He also mentioned ongoing engagements with the University of Cape Town’s Design School to develop a new service delivery model for libraries. He added that the process should be finalised by the end of June 2024.

Mr Marai expressed concern about the focus on events like cycle races and art festivals in towns, and indicated the need to address issues affecting delinquent and unemployed youth. He bemoaned the lack of recreational facilities such as soccer fields in many areas, leading to frustration among young people who have nowhere to play. Mr Marai called for greater cooperation between departments to prioritise youth development and ensure the provision of essential facilities such as soccer fields. He also mentioned specific instances where political differences had resulted in the withholding of sports equipment from the youth, underscoring the need for solutions beyond event-based initiatives.

Mr Redman responded by highlighting the importance of both small community events and larger cultural and sporting festivals in the province. He commented that these events provide vital platforms for artists and athletes to showcase their talents, earn a living, and pursue career opportunities. He pointed out the significant economic and health benefits of such events, noting that they contribute to tourism, promote healthy lifestyles, and offer opportunities for talent development. He cited examples such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour and marathons as events that not only boost tourism but also encourage physical activity and fitness. Mr Redman stressed the need for a balanced funding approach, which considers both health interventions and preventative measures such as supporting sports events promoting active lifestyles and overall well-being.

Dr Bouah highlighted the Department's efforts to promote youth participation in sports across various communities in the Western Cape. He emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for young athletes to engage in leagues and events, rather than solely focusing on festivals. Dr Bouah mentioned initiatives such as funding clubs and leagues, building new netball courts, and supporting youth programmes within sports federations. He also cited examples of successful athletes who emerged from grassroots clubs, illustrating the impact of early participation in sports on their development. He underlined the role of clubs as the foundation of athletic development and emphasised the Department's commitment to fostering social cohesion through sports engagement.

Ms Boulle provided detailed information regarding the norms and standards applied to youth programmes in the Western Cape, highlighting the assessment conducted in the previous year, which identified areas for improvement and best practice programmes such as the YearBeyond Programme and Chrysalis Academy. She emphasised the importance of indicators for measuring the impact of these programmes, including indicators related to school attendance and academic performance. Ms Boulle also discussed specific indicators used in various programmes such as literacy and numeracy assessments and behavioural surveys.

Regarding library programmes, she mentioned that the goal is to encourage young people to read 100 books per year to promote reading for meaning.

Ms Rutgers clarified the budgetary constraints faced due to salary increases not funded by the Provincial Treasury, leading to frozen posts across different programmes. She explained that savings from vacancies cannot be reallocated and must be returned to the Provincial Treasury which manages investments on behalf of the province. She provided insights into the challenges faced by municipalities and the Department in employing new staff members due to stagnant grants with minimal increases, only covering inflationary costs. As a result, she indicated that there is a moratorium on building brand-new libraries in areas without existing ones. However, efforts are focused on expanding services through modular libraries and depot libraries in partnership with organisations like the Association of Persons with Disabilities. She stated that the Department is also prioritising literacy interventions, with approximately 7 000 interventions conducted quarterly, including storybook hours and reading programmes. The issue of rural libraries lacking connectivity was also addressed, noting progress made in connecting some libraries and allocating a budget for maintaining and expanding rural library connectivity projects in the upcoming year.

Mr Pretorius wanted more information on the link between health, sport, and socio-economic factors. He mentioned the critical role of nutrition in enabling participation in sports and education, noting the alarming finding that 41% of households surveyed were undernourished. He also emphasised the importance of transport, particularly in rural areas, to ensure access to opportunities after matriculation.

Mr Pretorius queried the reference to departmental receipts related to provincial gym membership fees mentioned on page 697 of the document. He expressed curiosity about this revenue stream and its source.

Furthermore, he inquired about the potential for donor funding similar to what the Department of Health receives, suggesting that there may be opportunities for securing funding from private or international sources to support the Department's initiatives.

Ms Boulle provided insights into the various after-school programmes available, including those run by schools, NGOs, and broader after-school networks. She briefed the Members of the Committee on the importance of leveraging available funding to expand the footprint of these programmes across multiple sites. By providing stipends to young people to assist with these programmes, capacity is increased, allowing partners to extend their offerings to more schools. Ms Boulle emphasised the role of partnerships with NGOs and mentioned that the Department works with nearly 40 NGO partners to run such programmes. Additionally, she mentioned the Social Employment Fund and the Learning Trust's role in expanding after-school programmes. Overall, she stated that the aim is to increase access to after-school activities, particularly in schools where such opportunities may be lacking.

The DCAS provided insights into funding and partnerships that support youth programmes, mentioning the access to funding through the National Youth Service and National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which supplements DCAS's funding. This enables the Department to provide opportunities to more youth. Additionally, the Department forged a partnership with Harambe which offers private funding through an impact financing mechanism. This mechanism incentivises NGOs to support young people even after they complete the programme, thus increasing their chances of long-term economic activity.

There was also a discussion on partnerships between the Department and the private sector, including Anglo American, which funds training for coaches in mental health awareness, and discussions with companies like MTN and Shoprite for potential support in their programmes. This demonstrated the importance of donor funding accessed through NGO partners and expressed a willingness to explore further funding opportunities to expand programme footprints.

Mr Thabo Tutu, Director: Sport Promotion, DCAS, provided updates on the gym's efforts to extend its footprint into communities, empowering them with wellness programmes and mental health initiatives. He mentioned plans to relocate the gym to a larger space to accommodate more individuals.

On revenue, Mr Tutu explained that the gym's main revenue streams include membership fees and fines/penalties on overdue library books. However, he noted that the gym is not a revenue-generating department, so the revenue generated is relatively small.

The Chairperson raised a concern about specialised libraries and archives in the province during the discussion. He first inquired about the existence of specialised libraries, referencing examples from the City of Cape Town, and suggesting potential collaborations to create a library of theatre plays. The Chairperson expressed concern about the limited space in the archives and asked whether there were plans for expansion and securing funding from the Provincial Treasury for this purpose in the next five to ten years. These inquiries underscore the importance of specialised resources and adequate space and funding for preserving cultural and historical materials in the province.

Ms P Harris (ANC) raised a concern about the development of the Two Rivers Spa and the preservation of its heritage, particularly regarding the digitisation efforts. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that the project progresses adequately to safeguard the cultural significance held by a specific community. She sought feedback from the Department on the status and processes involved in the project, highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Ms Sani clarified that while there are no specialised libraries in the province, certain libraries do house specialised collections such as the Central Library's drama and theatre section. She acknowledged the potential for establishing a specialised collection of theatre plays within appropriate libraries and expressed willingness to explore this further.

Regarding the expansion of archives and securing funding from the Provincial Treasury, she provided insights into the Department's efforts and challenges. She highlighted the initial proposal for the archives project, which included the subsequent reduction in scope due to budget constraints. Despite efforts to secure funding and progress made in project planning, including heritage assessments, the project was put on hold indefinitely. She stated the need for further assistance and clarification on the timeline for resuming the project.

The Chairperson remarked about the approved plan to reduce the scope of the project.

The response from the Department was that the original plan was signed, but later, the Department of Transport and Public Works indicated a R35 million cut which led to the need for a revised plan. However, Treasury requested consideration of the original scope when providing funding figures to ensure adequate long-term coverage, which aimed to avoid frequent requests for additional funding in the future. It was indicated that the goal is to ensure the building can accommodate the current backlog and future needs while also transitioning to electronic records to mitigate space challenges. The Department currently awaits further instructions on how to proceed with both the original and revised figures.

The Department provided an update on the Two Rivers Urban Park area, stating its significance for both the DCAS and the Western Cape. A feasibility study was completed in 2021, proposing various interventions to commemorate the area's heritage, with a particular focus on the green spaces within the 300-hectare site. The study was presented to the National Heritage Council (NHC) which funded it, and subsequently, the Department submitted two project proposals; one for short-term interventions and another for longer-term initiatives. The short-term proposal focuses on areas owned by the province and includes features like interpretive boards and reflective benches for public access and engagement with the site's history. Pending approval and funding from the NHC, the Department indicated that it aims to implement these interventions in 2024-2025.

Mr Marais asked about the Department of Culture's emphasis on building various cultures including a culture of responsible government and a culture of reading. He questioned whether the committee had familiarised itself with books about the Griqua community and whether such books were available in libraries. He argued that the focus should not solely be on instilling a culture of learning but also on recognising cultural groups like the Griqua and Khoi-San communities. He pointed out the importance of recognising the Griqua and Khoi-San communities as distinct cultural groups deserving of recognition and protection, particularly under ISO 169, to prevent discrimination in the job market. Mr Marais called for a broader acknowledgment and support of traditional cultures and expressed concern over the lack of focus on such communities by the Department of Culture.

Mr Redman clarified that the emphasis on culture in the Department's documents refers to organisational culture rather than cultural practices. He explained that the Department is focused on building a culture of responsive government and reading within its operations. However, he assured Members that the Department also supports cultural organisations and traditional leaders through initiatives such as the Cultural Commission.

He mentioned ongoing processes for the official recognition of various communities within the Khoi and San groups, which are led by the Commission on Khoi and San Matters and supported by the National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. He noted that meetings with various communities are underway to advance the recognition process, with the support of the Department of Local Government.

In response to Mr Marais's inquiry about the allocation of funds for the Griqua and other cultural groups, Mr Redman explained that while there may not be specific line items in the budget dedicated to each cultural group, funds are indeed allocated for cultural practices and support. He highlighted the establishment of a sub-programme for traditional and cohesion matters within the Department of Local Government and cited that there are preliminary budgets earmarked for such initiatives. Furthermore, he mentioned that budgets are also allocated within the Cultural Commission which supports approximately 35 cultural councils representing various organisations and groups, including the Griqua and Nama. Mr Redman emphasised that although there is no direct allocation labelled for each cultural group, the Department ensures that funds and s support are available for cultural activities through different channels.

Building on Mr Redman's response, Mr Marais pressed for clarity on the budgetary allocation specifically directed toward meetings and infrastructure for the Griqua people.

In response, Mr Redman reiterated the presence of funds within the budget for cultural practices, in general, which include provisions for cultural organisations and communities like the Griqua. He stated that while there may not be a distinct line item solely for Griqua meetings or infrastructure, the Department's budget supports cultural activities broadly. Additionally, he maintained the involvement of the Cultural Commission, which manages budgets for various cultural councils including those representing the Griqua community. This approach ensures that financial resources are available to facilitate cultural gatherings, discussions, and infrastructure development for diverse cultural groups including the Griqua.

Ms Baartman responded by referencing an initiative undertaken by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to support economic development in the Karoo region of the Western Cape. She mentioned that funding was provided post-COVID-19 to renew and enhance a museum and restaurant in the area. This investment aimed to benefit the local community by providing training in hospitality and tourism, ultimately resulting in increased tourism income for the community. She noted that there is a parliamentary report on this oversight visit and suggested that further information can be sourced from the Western Cape Provincial Government. While she acknowledged that she was unsure if Mr Marais had been part of the oversight visit, she highlighted it as a tangible example of economic development efforts supported by government.

Second session

During the second session, the Chairperson extended an invitation to all participants to propose meeting resolutions, request additional information, or make recommendations based on the discussions held thus far. He said that the purpose of the segment was to address any outstanding issues, clarify points of confusion, and establish a clear path forward. He informed Members of the Committee about the importance of input and suggestions from all attendees in guiding actions and decisions moving forward. He stated that the open forum provided an opportunity for participants to voice their opinions and contribute to the meeting's outcomes.

Continuing his remarks, the Chairperson expressed his support for the budget and its merits. He, however, stressed the need for a greener solution and urged for a greater emphasis and focus on the upliftment of the Griqua and Khoisan communities. Noting their declaration as indigenous to the country and their recognition of First Nation status, he highlighted the importance of prioritising their social and economic development. This call emphasised a commitment to addressing historical injustices and advancing the rights and well-being of these marginalised communities.

Ms Baartman raised a point regarding the limited time left in the current term and the need to prioritise oversight activities. She proposed obtaining a report on Mr Marais's inquiry to ensure that Members, especially incoming ones, are well-informed about the relevant programmes across the government. By doing so, she added that it would enable the Committee to schedule oversight visits or briefings effectively. Her concern stemmed from the desire to ensure that important matters were addressed despite the time constraints, demonstrating a proactive approach to optimising the Committee's effectiveness within the remaining timeframe.

The Chairperson asked Mr Marais about the amendment of his recommendation, proposing to request detailed information from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports regarding the support provided to the mentioned groups.

Mr Marais affirmed his agreement with the proposed amendment, indicating his satisfaction with the suggested course of action.

The Chairperson clarified that the three indigenous groups he referred to are those recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the Western Cape. This specification added clarity to the discussion, ensuring that the request for detailed information from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports pertains specifically to these recognised indigenous groups.

The Standing Committee on Police Oversight, Community Safety, and Cultural Affairs and Sport, having considered Vote 13 Cultural Affairs and Sport in the schedule to the Western Cape Appropriation Bill B 1/2024 referred to the Committee in accordance with standing Rule 188, reports that it supports the vote.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African National Congress (ANC) did not support the vote.

After the adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting, the Chairperson made closing remarks and called for the adjournment of the meeting.