OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Why This Open Letter by Townahip And Rural Creative Freelancers Network Must Be Heard
As The Creative Passport, we find it deeply concerning that the President can open a State of the Nation Address with the powerful words of a Khoi-San poet — drawing on the spiritual and symbolic strength of arts and culture — yet remain silent on the actual state of the arts in the country.
If poetry is powerful enough to frame the nation’s direction, then the sector that produces that poetry deserves more than symbolism. It deserves policy attention. It deserves budget commitment. It deserves structural support.
Arts cannot be used as inspiration at the podium and then be absent in planning, funding and national priorities.
That contradiction is precisely why this letter must be heard.
.jpeg "Photo")
Image: Pres. Cytil Ramaphosa (Source: SA Government )
To:
His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa
From:
Township and Rural Creatives Network
Subject:
A Call to Take Sports, Arts and Culture Seriously in the National Agenda
Dear Mr President,
We write this open letter on behalf of township and rural creatives across South Africa to formally express our deep concern and disappointment that sports, arts and culture were not addressed in your recent State of the Nation Address.
Mr President, we respectfully remind you that arts and culture were instrumental in the liberation of this country and the African continent.
Music, theatre, poetry, sport and storytelling mobilised communities, preserved our identity, and sustained hope during the darkest periods of oppression.
In one of your own speeches, you quoted the legendary Hugh Masekela and his iconic song Thuma Mina, acknowledging the spiritual and mobilising power of creative expression.
That history and symbolism make the current exclusion of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) even more painful.
During election periods and major national events, politicians rely on musicians, actors, dancers, athletes and cultural practitioners to mobilise the nation and communicate political messages. Yet, outside those moments, the sector is undermined, excluded from meaningful policy attention, and allocated a disproportionately small budget, despite its measurable contribution to GDP, employment, tourism, social cohesion and nation-building.
The Reality Facing Creatives
Many artists and athletes in South Africa live in precarious conditions, without income security, social protection or mental-health support.
Depression, poverty and lack of opportunity are costing the sector lives and talent.
For many young people, choosing a career as an artist or athlete is still viewed as a “bad decision” because the state has not fully recognised or protected the sector.
Our issues are as valid as all other national challenges—because sports, arts and culture are not luxuries; they are tools for social change, youth development, economic participation and community healing.
Recognition of Progress
We sincerely appreciate the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP), particularly its impact on creatives and sports practitioners.
The Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme has demonstrated that when government invests in the sector, the results include:
- Job creation
- Skills development
- Community-based projects with real social impact
However, temporary relief is not enough.
Our Key Appeals
Make PESP permanent and institutionalised within the national budget framework.
Increase the budget of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) by at least twofold (×2) to match the sector’s economic and social contribution.
Ensure that township and rural creatives are included in national dialogues, policy formulation and implementation.
Recognise sports and creative projects as frontline interventions against unemployment, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, crime and other social ills—especially in rural and township communities.
Work with the National Treasury to prioritise sustainable funding models for CCI and sport, so that talent becomes a pathway out of poverty, not into it.
Policy and Legislative Alignment
Our call is aligned with existing government policy and legislation, including:
The White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage (2017), which recognises the creative economy as a driver of development and social cohesion.
The National Sport and Recreation Act, which mandates equitable access, transformation and development through sport.
The National Arts Council Act, which affirms state responsibility in supporting artistic development and access.
The National Development Plan (NDP), which acknowledges the role of culture, creativity and sport in building an inclusive economy and cohesive society.
Conclusion
Mr President, South Africa is a talented nation. From rural villages to urban townships, creatives and athletes work daily—often without recognition or resources—to uplift communities and fight social ills.
We are not asking for special treatment;
We are asking for fair recognition, serious investment, and meaningful inclusion.
Taking sports, arts and culture seriously will:
- Reduce unemployment
- Strengthen social cohesion
- Provide positive alternatives for youth
- Deliver powerful, community-based solutions where they are needed most
We remain committed to playing our role in nation-building and we hope that, going forward, sports, arts and culture will be visible, valued and prioritised at the highest level of government.
Yours sincerely,
Township and Rural Creatives Network
South Africa
ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP AND RURAL CREATIVES NETWORK
The Creative Passport is an independent platform focused on Arts, Culture and the Creative Industries. Readers are encouraged to follow, comment and engage constructively.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE CREATIVE PASSPORT
.jpeg)
Comments