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25 June 2008

Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela is expected to table plans of the provincial government with regards to the future of the National Arts Festival. The Premier will officially open the 34th edition of the world renowned National Arts Festival at the Miki Yili Stadium in Joza Township (Grahamstown) on 25 June, 2008 at 18h00.

The Premier and her entire cabinet are currently locked in a meeting with the leadership of Ikwezi municipality in the Cacadu District Municipality. They are there as part of an ongoing Executive Committee (EXCO) Outreach Programme which is aimed at ensuring integrated service delivery by all the spheres of government. From there they will go to the National Arts Festival.

On the eve of the official opening, Premier Balindela said the hosting of the event in the province over the years has elevated the province to International status. As government we have made a commitment to ensure that our previously disadvantaged communities are benefiting from the hosting of this event.

The Kwam eMakana homestays that we initiated as government are a vindication of our commitment to emancipate our people from poverty, said Premier Balindlela.
The provincial government has this year invested over R2 million to fund a number of different art forms. Included in these is Arts and Craft, Performance Arts, Word Festival, Indigenous Music, Jazz Music and the new Kwam eMakana transport services. All these efforts are aimed at ensuring the maxima participation of previously disadvantaged communities in the National Arts Festival.

Visitors to the Arts Festival can expect different kinds of art forms in display, including stage dramas, crafts exhibitions, winter school lectures, jazz music and traditional dancing.

The official opening is scheduled as follows
Date: 25 June 2008
Venue: Miki Yili Stadium: Joza Township Grahamstown
Time: 18h00

Media accreditation will be done at Settlers Monument (Sort Selwyn Drive) in Grahamstown at 17h00. Contact person Gill Rennie 073 245 1922

Enquiries:
Tobile Gowa
Cell: 082 440 6995

Malehlohonolo Mlabatheki
Cell: 083 210 2575

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
25 June 2008
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecpg.gov.za)