The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation is concerned about the level of support given by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation to Craft Hubs in Sokhulumi and Ekangala in Tshwane
Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, led by the Chairperson Honourable William Matsheke as part of its legislative mandate of oversight and scrutiny over the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation undertook unannounced oversight visits to Sokhulumi and Ekangala on Friday, 28th February 2020. During the 3rd Quarterly Report of 2019/2020 FY the Department reported that they supported the two hubs with material and further indicated that they paid stipends to beneficiaries however the Committee was appalled by the conditions of the two hubs. When the Committee arrived at the two hubs there was nothing that indicated hubs or support provided by the department. This is an injustice to the people of Gauteng and a clear confirmation that some officials within the Department undermines the work of the Committee mentioned Chairperson Matsheke. At Sokhulumi Hub there was no beneficiary on sight and the “room” was locked with long grass around it clearly indicating there has not been work happening for sometime at the hub. The Committee proceeded to the Ekangala Hub which was very difficult to find and upon arrival the Committee met 4 women who indicated their dissatisfaction in the manner which the department has been treating them. They have only received assistance once from the department but as a form of: 2 tables, 10 chairs, 7 beads packets and 7 buckets of paints since 2018. They indicated to the committee that they receive a stipend which is far less than the national norms and standards of EPWP stipend. This is a clear indication that the department does not take our people serious especially the most vulnerable groups, continued Chairperson Matsheke.
The Committee therefore resolved to convene a Stakeholders Engagement Session with all 10 Craft Hubs in Gauteng on Saturday, 14 March 2020 in Tshwane as it is clear that the problems and challenges of the two Craft hubs visited might apply across all Hubs in Gauteng. The Committee further calls upon MEC Hlophe and the Department to take crafters seriously and apply consequence management to officials that misinterpreted facts to the Portfolio Committee.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SPORTS, RECREATIONS, ARTS AND CULTURE HON. MEMBER WILLIAM MATHAFENG MATSHEKE
For enquiries please contact Mr. Aubrey Dikola 011 498 6321 / 079 500 9256 / Adikola@gpl.gov.za
