Save Our Johannes Stegmann Theatre from Collapse and the Marginalization of Local Art Practitioners/Artists/creatives in the Arts and culture sector. ”
- Govan Mbeki concern art practitioners /artists /creatives in the Arts and culture sector
PETITION TITLE:
“Save Our Johannes Stegmann Theatre from Collapse and the Marginalization of Local Art Practitioners/Artists/creatives in the Arts and culture sector."
Purpose/Subject of the Petition:
The Johannes Stegmann Theatre, which serves as the only creative space for our local artists, is at risk of collapse. We have identified that the theatre is underutilized and has reached a state of stagnation under the administration of the Govan Mbeki Municipality (Theatre Section Staff). Local artists face marginalization and underdevelopment, as seen in examples like the Sejacufe Festival.
Additionally, it has come to our attention that the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has been unable to account for the R3 million allocated in 2017 for the maintenance of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre in Secunda. Therefore, we demand and request that the Honourable Mayor suspend the theatre’s administrative staff (the Theatre Manager and Assistant Manager) from involvement in the theatre's arts and cultural activities while the investigation into the R3 million is ongoing.
During this investigation, we also urge the Municipal Manager to scrutinize the qualifications of the Theatre Manager and Assistant Manager in relation to the theatre’s functioning. This action is urgently needed because our theatre is becoming a neglected facility that fails to serve the interests of the community, its audiences, and local artists. The theatre is essential for artistic expression, mental and physical wellbeing, and provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction through the arts. Losing it would significantly diminish the quality of life for residents in the surrounding townships under the jurisdiction of the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Furthermore, the municipality must stop sidelining the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), a body recognized by national and provincial departments, and begin working closely with them to advocate for local artists. Transparent management of the arts and culture budget is crucial to ensure fairness in the selection and payment of artists for municipal events. Local artists, especially those living with disabilities and those from rural farm areas within the Govan Mbeki Municipality, should be properly compensated so they can invest in their craft and grow their careers.
The municipality must prioritize the development of comprehensive programs and platforms that will uplift the arts and culture sector, ensuring that local talent thrives. This includes creating inclusive opportunities for artists with disabilities and those from rural areas who are often marginalized by the municipality’s arts and culture office. Failing to do so will continue to marginalize our creative community and stunt its growth. Immediate action is necessary to transform Govan Mbeki’s arts and culture landscape into a thriving, inclusive environment that supports the success of all its local artists.
We demand accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to supporting the arts and culture sector in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. By addressing these issues, the municipality can ensure that the arts are not only preserved but flourish for the benefit of all its residents.
This partition is for all affected sectors and practitioners in the arts and culture industry within the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Sectors : Performance & Celebration, Language & Publishing, Visual Arts, Audio Visual, Arts Education, Creative Design, Production Services, IKS, Cultural and Heritage.
Mxolisi Tshabalala - GMM Ccifsa (Chairperson) Contact the author of the petition