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Unlocking Local Talent: South Africa’s New Budget for Arts, Culture, and Sports
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has introduced a groundbreaking R6.3 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year. This significant allocation aims to foster local talent in both the sports and arts and culture sectors while also focusing on preserving the nation’s rich heritage.
“Change is difficult, but it’s necessary. Access and opportunity matter, and even the greatest of talents need that opportunity,” said McKenzie during his speech in Parliament. The budget reflects a commitment to invest in the country’s talent pool, ensuring that individuals have the resources they need to thrive in their respective fields.
Supporting Sports Development
Under Programme 2, Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, the department will allocate R1.281 billion. This funding includes R98.5 million dedicated to supporting sports federations across the country. One of the most notable changes is the provision of shared office spaces for these federations, which have often operated out of personal vehicles.
Additionally, over R627 million has been allocated through the conditional grant to support local talent. This funding will be used for purchasing equipment and attire for schools, clubs, and hubs, as well as for training in coaching, technical officiating, and administrative courses. The initiative also aims to create employment opportunities within the sports sector.
Heritage Preservation and Repatriation
Programme 4, focused on Heritage Promotion and Preservation, has received R2.787 billion. This includes R1.6 billion for the construction, maintenance, upgrading, and operation of libraries across the country.
McKenzie highlighted the importance of repatriating the remains of South African freedom fighters who fell outside the country during the struggle for independence. Following the success of last year’s program, which returned the remains of fallen heroes from Zimbabwe and Zambia, the government plans to continue this effort. It is estimated that around 5,000 bodies still need to be brought back home.
The ministry is currently negotiating with Scottish authorities to repatriate the remains of Khoi and San ancestors from the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum by September 2025. Additionally, the reburial process for 58 ancestral remains from the Northern Cape is nearing completion. This effort involves the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team, which includes representatives from the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities.
Revitalizing Museums and Cultural Institutions
Under the theme “Reimagining South African Heritage for a New Era,” the ministry is launching a campaign to make museums more relevant to younger generations. One of the first projects is the major revamp of Robben Island, a symbol of South Africa’s history and resilience.
Boosting the Creative Arts Sector
Programme 3, focused on Arts and Culture Promotion and Development, has been allocated R1.725 billion. This includes continued efforts to enhance skills and transform the cultural and creative industries by recruiting and placing approximately 300 young people. The initiative aims to improve their chances of gaining employment or becoming self-employed in creative fields.
The minister also announced that the interim boards for the 17 sector clusters within the cultural and creative industry are now fully operational. These boards are tasked with organizing their respective sectors, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges such as copyright protection, fair labor practices, and equitable distribution of funding. A total of R34 million has been set aside to support their operations.
Language Preservation and Cultural Initiatives
In support of the preservation and development of the Khoi and San languages, particularly the N|uu language, the department has allocated R2 million for a targeted call for proposals. This initiative aims to ensure the survival and revitalization of these indigenous languages.
Conclusion
The new budget represents a significant step forward in supporting South Africa’s diverse cultural and sporting landscape. By investing in talent, preserving heritage, and fostering innovation, the government is laying the foundation for a brighter future for all citizens. With a focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainable development, the 2025/26 budget sets a clear direction for the country’s cultural and sporting sectors.
