Hon Chairperson and the House, during the dawn of democracy in 1994, with the removal of apartheid laws, the birth of a new nation in which the celebration of cultural diversity and affirmation of beliefs that South Africa belong to all who live in it, black and white, was realised. The Constitution of the Republic, under the equality clause, section 9, provides that, and I quote:
The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds ... ethnic or social origin, colour ... belief, culture, language ...
Under section 31(1) it further stresses that -
Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic community may not be denied the right...
a) to enjoy their culture, practise their religion and use their language ...
I was just reminding the House about this clause. To affirm the above constitutional provisions, the ANC-led government put in place the Chapter 9 institution the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.
One has to acknowledge the fact that South Africa is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Through the ANC-led government, a space has been created for all cultural groups to enjoy and demonstrate their heritage with no fear of intimidation.
Heritage and crafts have been in existence long before the democratic dispensation. Since 1994 this sector has been given a lot of attention and priority. In the global world arts, culture and heritage are often given priority as they assist the country in terms of recognition of its nation status. Originally crafts were a traditional skill for black people, especially those from the rural communities and farms to manufacture during their spare time.
Traditional people have been specialising in work such as indigenous wood items, grass mats, grass baskets, etc. Through this art work the rural communities have been using their skills to express their natural creativity and to generate skills and income. Normally women would gather in small groups, and work together. While working, they would sing together or even share a pot of food.
These items would be sold to the tourists. They would divide the income generated amongst themselves. Due to the nature of this informal trade, it was not legislated. As time went by the locals became vulnerable to manipulation. They became victims. They could not get value for their items. These items would be bought for a very small amount from the locals and the buyer would sell it at a very high price, either locally or abroad.
In his 1997 Heritage Day address on Robben Island, former President Nelson Mandela, stated inter alia that, and I quote:
In an earlier period Afrikaners celebrated their heritage in song and ceremony; in festivals and carnivals; in the selling of their own wares and buying items associated with their heritage; and by working the history of their communities into everyday artefacts, as the women of Hlabisa weave their stories into baskets.
The ANC strives to facilitate and celebrate cultural production that captures the diversity, complexity and vibrancy of all South Africans and recognises that a flourishing cultural life is vital to the well-being of South Africa. At its 52nd National Conference at Polokwane, the ANC reaffirmed our belief that arts and culture is a cornerstone of any national democratic society and a fundamental pillar in the transformation of our society.
Traditional cultural expressions such as the design and production of crafts are handed down from one generation to another and are constantly evolving, developing and being created within the community. They reflect the community's cultural and social identity and are created for commercial, religious and cultural purposes. Manifestations of traditional cultural expressions include basket weaving, crafts, instrumental music, songs and pottery.
Crafters have over the years produced a vibrant crafts legacy by using natural resources and recycled products such as plastic bags, paper, cardboard boxes and wire, among other things, from their communities. There's a lot of new work in traditional media, with artists constantly developing the African crafts repertoire. These include pretty tableware, Christmas tree decorations, magnificent embroidered cloths and also bed linen.
The sculptor Phutuma Seoka is another artist who has taken a traditional form and given it a personal twist. In his case, the carving of figures using the inherent curves and forks of tree branches, common in the Venda region, is used to create a cast of eccentric characters. More than a decade ago Comrade Wally Serote, then an ANC MP, said that the arts and culture in South Africa, if properly organised, could become a very good provider of revenue because there are some arts and crafts which are uniquely peculiar to South Africa. He said we are looking at a possible multimillion rand industry, and that the craft industry would be developed to benefit women in rural areas in particular. He added that these women have the skills, but need resources, infrastructure and business capacity.
The crafts industry has gradually moved from being just a mere expression of individuals' skills to entrepreneurship. Practitioners still lack protection from exploitation. The imbalances between rural and urban areas must also be addressed.
Lastly, recognising therefore that South Africa is home to a unique and diverse crafts industry that produces a wide range of craft products across different styles and genres, we also realise that it bodes well for rural development, which is one of the priority areas for the current administration. We must not miss the opportunity to highlight the socioeconomic value of the crafts industry and encourage further development and investment in it. I thank you. [Applause.]