CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES NATIONAL DIALOGUE
Democracy Requires More Than Silence
By Thami aka Mbongo Manzana
South Africa proudly presents itself as a constitutional democracy founded on human rights, equality, freedom of expression, and public participation. Yet within the Cultural and Creative Industries, many artists, athletes, cultural practitioners, and creatives continue to feel unheard, excluded, and at times punished for speaking truth to power.
This contradiction raises a serious question: can there truly be nation-building and social cohesion without honest dialogue?
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), which carries the constitutional responsibility of promoting social cohesion and nation-building, should be at the centre of creating democratic spaces where difficult but necessary conversations can happen openly and without fear.
Freedom of Expression in the Creative Sector
The South African Constitution protects Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression. These rights are not symbolic words written only for ceremonial purposes. They exist to strengthen democracy, accountability, transparency, and public participation.
Ironically, the Cultural and Creative Industries sectors built on creativity, storytelling, protest, performance, and public imagination — sometimes appear uncomfortable with criticism and uncomfortable truths.
There remains a growing perception among many practitioners that those who challenge systems, question leadership, or expose injustices are often labelled as problematic, politically motivated, or difficult to work with. This creates a culture of fear and silence within a sector that should naturally encourage debate, critical thinking, and creative freedom.
A healthy democracy cannot punish citizens for speaking. It must encourage engagement, even when the conversations become uncomfortable.
Image: DSAC Logo
Where is DSAC in the National Dialogue?
South Africa has seen announcements around a National Dialogue process aimed at strengthening democracy and social cohesion. However, one cannot help but ask whether the Cultural and Creative Industries are genuinely part of that national conversation.
I may have missed it, but I have not seen strong public leadership from the Minister and DSAC specifically encouraging structured and inclusive dialogue within the Sport, Arts and Culture fraternity itself.
At a time when the sector faces serious challenges — including unemployment, funding inequalities, exploitation of artists, infrastructure backlogs, governance concerns, and ongoing transformation debates — one would expect DSAC to actively lead conversations across communities and districts.
The silence is noticeable.
Image: PA logoFrom “KOM OP” to Genuine Engagement
Minister Gayton McKenzie has introduced “KOM OP” sessions within the Patriotic Alliance, where he addresses burning issues affecting the party and broader society.
Some people appreciate the transparency, accessibility, and direct communication style of these sessions. Others argue that such engagements appear more like one-way communication platforms where leadership speaks while others listen, rather than genuine dialogue spaces where difficult questions can be raised openly.
This raises an important possibility.
What if the Minister and DSAC embarked on a genuine National Dialogue process specifically focused on the challenges affecting Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa?
Such a process could become one of the most transformative interventions in the democratic era.
Why the Cultural Sector Needs a National Conversation
A meaningful National Dialogue within Sport, Arts and Culture could unpack long-standing issues affecting the sector, including:
Funding inequalities and lack of access
Exploitation and poor working conditions for artists
Creative labour rights and policy implementation
Youth unemployment and skills development
Lack of infrastructure in rural and township communities
Governance and accountability concerns
Mental health challenges within the creative sector
Transformation and inclusion
The role of arts and culture in economic growth and nation-building
These are not small issues. They affect the survival, dignity, and future of thousands of creatives across South Africa.
Dialogue should not only happen during crises or public scandals. It should become part of democratic governance itself.
Reaching Communities Beyond Election Season
As South Africa approaches the Local Government Elections scheduled for 04 November 2026, another important question emerges.
Government already knows where communities gather because wards and voting stations have already been identified across the country. During elections, communities are mobilised effectively and resources are deployed efficiently to ensure participation.
So why can these same community halls, schools, and voting stations not become centres of democratic engagement for National Dialogues throughout the year?
Why is it easier to reach citizens for votes than to reach them for service delivery conversations?
This question goes beyond politics. It speaks directly to participatory democracy and the relationship between government and communities.
Citizens should not only become visible during election campaigns. Artists, athletes, cultural workers, and ordinary citizens deserve regular opportunities to engage government directly within their own municipalities and districts.
The Limits of Exclusive Bosberaads
I am aware that the Minister and DSAC organised a National Bosberaad. However, many within the sector felt excluded from that process.
This is precisely why a broader National Dialogue would be different and more impactful.
A genuine people-centred dialogue cannot be limited to invitation-only conferences, elite gatherings, or urban centres. It must intentionally reach township halls, rural villages, community arts centres, local theatres, schools, and informal creative spaces where many practitioners actually live and work.
The future of the sector cannot be decided only by those with access to boardrooms and institutional power.
Grassroots voices matter too.
Image: DSAC DG Dr Cynthia Khumalo Nation-Building Requires Listening Leadership
South Africa possesses extraordinary creative talent capable of transforming communities, preserving heritage, creating employment, and shaping national identity. But talent alone cannot sustain the sector without trust, transparency, accountability, and democratic engagement.
The Cultural and Creative Industries need more than speeches, slogans, and ceremonial gatherings. They need listening leadership.
Leadership that is willing to hear criticism. Leadership that understands that disagreement is not disrespect. Leadership that recognises that democracy grows stronger when citizens participate honestly and fearlessly.
Sometimes the most patriotic thing citizens can do is not to remain silent but to speak.
The Time for Honest Conversations is Now
Perhaps the time has come for DSAC to move beyond symbolic consultation and embrace a truly people-centred National Dialogue for Sport, Arts and Culture.
A dialogue that reaches communities across districts and provinces.
A dialogue that allows artists, athletes, creatives, and ordinary citizens to speak openly about their realities, frustrations, and hopes for the future.
A dialogue rooted not in performance, but in participation.
Because democracy cannot survive on silence.
And nation-building cannot happen without listening.
.jpeg)
Comments