MIDDELBURG – Mpumalanga MEC for Culture, Spoart, and Recreation Leah Mabuza has reassured stakeholders that the Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) will remain an important platform for local talent, despite plans by her department to introduce provincial arts awards.
Mabuza made the remarks on the sidelines of a Mandela Day programme in Mhluzi on Friday, 17 July, after being asked about the future of NkAMA following the department's announcement that it intends to launch the Mpumalanga Culture and Arts Awards.
“We truly appreciate the NkAMA,” Mabuza said. “But the department is planning to have the Mpumalanga Culture and Arts Awards.”
She acknowledged that the provincial awards could overlap with some district initiatives but stressed that local platforms should continue to play a meaningful role in developing artists.
“We're saying that these ones can be circumvented by the department, but the one for the district is quite important. We will engage with them.”
Responding to a question on how the department plans to ensure artists in Nkangala continue receiving opportunities for development, training and funding, Mabuza said the district awards remain essential in identifying and nurturing grassroots talent.
“Approaching the district council shows the commitment to keep these platforms alive. Our goal is that artists in Nkangala and across the province must have access to performance platforms, skills development and funding opportunities.”
She said the department would continue engaging district councils and arts stakeholders to ensure provincial and district programmes complement one another rather than compete.
NkAMA, recently launched through a partnership between Highveld Chronicle and Nkangala District Municipality, aims to identify, develop and celebrate local talent in music, dance, poetry, visual arts and other creative disciplines across the district. The main NkAMA events will be held on 11 and 12 September at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall in Middelburg.
