Department of Sport, Arts and Culture update on the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters to drive Economic Growth and Sector Development

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Department of Sport, Arts and Culture update on the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters to drive Economic Growth and Sector Development

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is introducing the 17 Cultural and Creative Industry Clusters — a national framework designed to formalise, strengthen, and grow South Africa’s creative economy.

These clusters will serve as strategic platforms for coordination, professionalisation, and advocacy across diverse cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that artists, creators, and industry stakeholders have a unified voice and structured pathways for development, funding, and market access.

The establishment of the clusters is part of DSAC’s broader mandate to:

- Promote inclusive economic growth within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs);

- Facilitate sector coordination and reduce fragmentation;

- Enhance skills development and professionalisation of creative practitioners;

- Enable access to domestic and international markets;

- Preserve and promote South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, speaking on the establishment of the 17 clusters said: “The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and South Africa is rich in talent, heritage, and innovation. These 17 clusters will not only strengthen our cultural identity but also create jobs, attract investment, and position South Africa as a leading hub for creative excellence.”

The newly established clusters cover the full spectrum of South Africa’s cultural and creative ecosystem:

1. Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera

2. Dance

3. Exhibitions, Events, Festivals, Technical Productions

4. Visual Arts

5. Spoken Word, Poetry, Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy

6. Music – Mass participation and community-based (choirs, brass bands, traditional music)

7. Music – Modern sounds (pop, amapiano, rock, kwaito, hip hop, Bacardi) including recording and business management

8. Music – Goema, Kaapse Klopse and Folk

9. Books and Publishing – Content Developers and Creators

10. Books and Publishing – Manufacturing and Distribution

11. Film, Cinema and Television

12. New Media

13. Animation and Gaming

14. Product, Jewellery, Fashion and Textile Design

15. Craft

16. Communication Design and Interior Design

17. Arts Education

The clusters have been established to:

- Create sector-specific advocacy bodies that represent the interests of practitioners nationally;

- Foster collaboration between creatives, industry bodies, training institutions, and government agencies;

- Enable targeted funding and policy interventions to address the needs of each sector;

- Support cultural exchange and market development locally, regionally, and internationally;

- Integrate traditional and contemporary practices into a cohesive national creative strategy.

- Each cluster will operate as a recognised platform within the national creative economy framework, with leadership structures, membership representation, and formal channels for engagement with DSAC and other stakeholders.

Through the clusters, creative professionals will gain:

- Access to industry-specific training and skills development programmes;

- Increased visibility and market opportunities;

- Representation in policy formulation and funding allocation;

- Platforms for networking and collaborative projects;

- Support in intellectual property management and export readiness.

The Department calls upon all creative practitioners, cultural organisations, and industry stakeholders to engage with and participate in their relevant clusters, contributing to a united and thriving cultural and creative sector.

“The strength of these clusters lies in the collective voice and vision of the creative community,” the Minister added. “Together, we can ensure that our arts, heritage, and cultural industries not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

The respective sectors will provide further communication and guidance on opportunities for public participation as creatives in due course.

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Gauteng Government engages with public transport operators to bring stability in Soweto

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Gauteng Government engages with public transport operators to bring stability in Soweto 

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, today met with all public transport operators in Soweto as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to issues affecting the sector. Stakeholders included local taxi associations, e-hailing service operators and law-enforcement officials where she strongly condemned the violent incident that took place. 

This comes in a wake of resurging violence that claimed one person and left two others injured near the Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday night. 

The meeting resolved to, amongst other things: 

1. That law-enforcement agencies will prioritize this investigation and bring those involved to book. 

2. All public transport operators must be allowed access operate inside the mall. 

3. That the mall will remain operational to protect jobs. 

4. That the Department will set up a temporary office to assist operators with licensing issues. 

5. That no operator or passenger should endure intimidation or fear of any form.

6. That a meeting will be convened with industry leaders to discuss all issues affecting the sector. 

Denouncing the violence, the MEC described the attack as "senseless, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system." She added that such acts “undermines public safety, tarnishes the image of our transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances". 

The MEC further urged the public transport sector (minibus taxi and ehailing operator associations) to resolve disputes through platforms facilitated by the Department. One such body is the Public Transport Crisis Committee chaired by the MEC. The committee was initially formed to collaborate with the taxi industry and support the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) to clear the operating license backlog. It has since expanded to include all public transport stakeholders. 

This inclusive approach ensures representation from all public transport operators including learner transport, e-hailing services, bus and meter taxi operators. Local government and various provincial sister departments are also represented in the committee. 

 

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THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE STATE OF READINESS FOR THE FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION

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THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE STATE OF READINESS FOR THE FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION

Deputy President Paul Mashatile this week convened the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to receive a report on the state of readiness ahead of the first National Convention set to take place at UNISA’s Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria from the 15th to 16th of August 2025.

The Deputy President chairs the IMC, which comprises Government Departments to coordinate the Government’s contribution towards the National Convention and the National Dialogue. 

The IMC has been tirelessly mobilising resources for the convention and overseeing expenditures.

The report, which was presented by the Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, Mr Boichoko Ditlhake, and NEDLAC Executive Director, Mr Makhukhu Mampuru, provided a comprehensive update on the work done and assured the Deputy President that all is on track for the two-day convention. 

Premiers and Mayors from the province and municipalities were among those in attendance, who have pledged their support.

The IMC noted the decision by some Foundations to pull out of the preparations for the National Convention and requested that the Deputy President engage these Foundations in the process towards this inclusive dialogue.

Furthermore, the IMC appreciated the efforts made to save costs on hosting the First National Convention of the National Dialogue. 

In particular, the IMC assured Deputy President Mashatile that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

NEDLAC and the Presidency are funding the first National Convention's costs from their existing budgets for secretariat support, communications, as well as logistics. 

All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee further applauded the stakeholders who are providing in kind-support and also expressed appreciation to UNISA for offering to host the first National Convention as well as provide associated goods and services at no cost.

UNISA is providing the venues for the plenary, overflow venues with livestream services, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas. 

In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week with catering, ushers, audio-visual services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi.

The IMC emphasised the importance of the First National Convention and the National Dialogue being citizen-led and fully inclusive. 

The IMC called for communities to raise all issues so that they can be addressed and attended to accordingly.

As chair of the IMC, the Deputy President welcomed the report and affirmed Government’s commitment to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.

The budget formulation will rely on in-kind contributions, donations, and other mobilisable resources.

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SAPS OPERATIONS SHANELA

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SAPS OPERATIONS SHANELA 

PRETORIA - Between 27 July and 2 August 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS), recorded significant victories against organised crime and high-impact offences through intelligence-led and coordinated operations across provinces led to the arrest of 17 054 suspects.

This week, Shanela operations effected the following arrests across the provinces:

• 2 911 wanted suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, car hijackings, rape, house and business robbery

• 179 for murder with KZN with 38 followed by GP with 36

• 266 suspects for rape and KZN leading at 104 arrests

• 1 763 for assault GHB during this period

• 246 for dealing in drugs

• 2 406 for possession of drugs, WC leading with 1 645

• 15 suspects for human trafficking

Confiscations and Recoveries:

• 1 805 rounds of ammunition

• 1 55 firearms

• 53 hijacked and stolen vehicles recovered during this period

 Major takedowns and operations:

GAUTENG: Gauteng Police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, arrested a suspect who is believed to be part of a syndicate that commits armed robberies around Gauteng and other provinces. The suspect was arrested in Southgate, Johannesburg, on 29 July 2025. The team seized two unlicensed firearms that include an AK-47 rifle and a pistol.

Furthermore, a 37-year-old alleged serial rapist, and killer was arrested in connection with more than ten cases of rape and murder that were reported at Eesterust in Pretoria during a joint operation conducted at Mentz village, Mankweng, Limpopo province. The suspect utilised a Tinder Dating site to lure his victims to his residence, where he raped some of the victims.

FREE STATE: The Bloemfontein Anti-Gang Unit intercepted a Volvo truck on the N8 Road near Bloemfontein, uncovering illicit cigarettes worth R800,000 hidden beneath blankets. The 42-year-old foreign national driver was arrested and is expected to appear in court.

KWAZULU-NATAL: Police in KwaZulu-Natal executed a high-impact search and seizure in the Durban CBD, resulting in the arrest of two foreign nationals and the recovery of counterfeit jewellery and luxury items valued at R30 million, as well as a shotgun, ammunition, and cash on 28 July 2025.

NATIONAL: On 29 July 2025, at OR Tambo International Airport, a 25-year-old suspect from São Paulo was intercepted attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at R4.2 million. The successful operation involved SAPS Crime Intelligence, Counter Narcotics Unit, the Border Management Authority, and private security teams.

In a separate operation, on 28 July 2025 police in Gauteng arrested two suspects aged between 34 and 45 years following days of surveillance for possession and movement of unlicensed firearms. The coordinated takedown involved multiple operational units, including PIU, Crime Intelligence, JMPD, and private security partners in Meyersdale, Johannesburg.

Additionally, SAPS Political killings Task Team arrested Business Katiso Molefe and three suspected hitmen for the murder of DJ Sumbody, and they are also linked to murder of Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi. They have already appeared in the Alexander Magistrates’ Court on 29 July 2025, facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

EASTERN CAPE: On 28 July 2025, in Korsten, Gqeberha, SAPS seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals and consumer goods valued at R2.2 million, including unregulated tablets, skin creams, and pregnancy test kits. The operation targeted transnational distribution networks.

On 2 August 2025, in Ngqeleni, a suspect linked to an extortion ring was fatally wounded in a shootout with Tactical Response Team members. A 9mm pistol and live ammunition were recovered. His passenger was detained for questioning.

Additionally, in Port Alfred, SAPS disrupted a marine trafficking operation involving 822.76 kilograms of West Coast Rock Lobster tails worth R1.2 million. Two suspects were arrested for contravening the Marine Living Resources Act.

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza suspends Community Safety HOD and CFO

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Gauteng Premier Panyaza suspends Community Safety HOD and CFO 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has suspended the Head of Department (HOD), Ms. Nontsikelelo Sisulu, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Mduduzi Malope, of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety with immediate effect, as of 5 August 2025. 

The suspensions follow the conclusion of a forensic investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit within the Office of the Premier, which uncovered financial irregularities in the department. This prompted the Premier to intervene to safeguard the department’s integrity. 

The suspensions are a precautionary measure to ensure fair and unbiased investigations. “The provincial government is committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity. 

We maintain a zerotolerance stance against corruption and misconduct. Through proactive and corrective measures, we will strengthen governance, ensure the ethical and responsible use of public funds, and safeguard the interests of Gauteng residents,” said Premier Lesufi. 

An acting HOD and CFO will be appointed to ensure continuity of service delivery. 

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