Deputy sport, arts and culture minister Peace Mabe has instructed municipal bosses to ensure the Mthatha Arts Centre does not close down, saying it has played a vital role in shaping the careers of Eastern Cape artists for nearly 30 years.
The centre, which has been operating without a valid lease for two years, is in arrears to the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and faces possible closure.
However, Mabe, who visited the facility this week, assured artists that it would not be closed and they would not be evicted.
“Our artists face many challenges. Instead of them being lessened, they pile up. There are more reasons for this centre to operate than to close,” she said.
“Anything that can survive for more than 30 years means there is real value in it. This centre has groomed artists, it has created a platform and it deserves to continue.”
The facility is used by artists from across the OR Tambo district.
The municipality has raised concerns over its unpaid debt, though the amount owed has not been disclosed.
Mabe said addressing the lease was a priority.
“They owe the municipality money. While they did not declare how much, the debt has put them at risk of eviction. That is the first intervention we need to do as the department.”
She said national, provincial and local government would have to co-operate.
“We will definitely come together as three spheres of government. Local government is here, and once the MEC joins us we will put it on the table and see how best we can assist.”
Mabe also raised safety concerns about the building housing the centre.
“I’m not an engineer, but I think even a seven-year-old can see that the structures are not habitable, they are unsafe. Look at the electricity box — it’s open,” she said.
The building also shows signs of fire damage.
“They’ve complained about leaking roofs that damage their equipment. My conclusion is that the structure is not habitable, it’s not safe for occupation,” Mabe said.
She said restoring the facility would not happen overnight.
“To say that all will be fixed tomorrow, ideally yes, but you know how government operates.
“But definitely we will have a decent engagement on how to restore [the facilities] and also to make the building habitable.”
Mabe said keeping the centre open was important for young people in the area.
“The impact is for more jobs to be created, for more young people to find reasons to use this centre.
“We need to create an enabling environment as government so that young people can find reasons of coming to this centre.”
The Mthatha Art Centre was established in 1995 by theatre veteran Vukile “Skin” Sipoko and has trained many actors, musicians and visual artists over the decades.
Theatre legend and television actress Nondumiso Zweni said her career started there.
“What I learnt at the centre is that excellence has nothing to do with funding — it has everything to do with talent and discipline.
“That is one thing I always carry with me: to display excellence wherever I go, because that represents this art centre.”
She recalled her early years of travelling to festivals without accommodation or resources.
“We always made sure we displayed excellence, no matter the circumstances.
“But even now, we need proper theatres, proper infrastructure. If we could at least have that, young people in this province would have a real chance in the arts.”
Mthatha Arts Centre chair Thandeka Vabaza said the uncertainty had dragged on too long.
“The building is in bad shape, our artists don’t feel safe, and the lease issue has been hanging over us since it expired two years ago.
“Despite all that, it has produced talent that represents the Eastern Cape across SA,” he said.
Vabaza welcomed Mabe’s commitment to keeping the centre open and restoring its facilities but said delivery was critical.
“We appreciate government’s presence, but what we need are practical solutions — fixing the infrastructure, resolving the lease and investing in proper facilities.
If the deputy minister’s promises are realised, it will give hope to many young people who see the arts as their future.”
Mabe’s visit was part of the build-up to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s imbizo in Mthatha on Thursday, at which representatives from various sectors, including arts and culture, were expected to engage with the executive.
Daily Dispatch
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