Mashaba pledges to revive SA’s arts: ‘We are making ourselves available to save you’

In an impassioned interview withThe Citizen, Herman Mashaba, leader of Action SA, has made a bold case for why government must play a decisive role in protecting and funding the arts, arguing that culture is central to South Africa’s survival and prosperity. Mashaba was speaking on the sidelines of an event celebrating the achievements of legendary composer Lebo M, but his message quickly broadened into a wider political and cultural rallying cry. “I’m here to celebrate the achievements ofLebo M, but at the same time, I like history, and I like the arts,” Mashaba began.

Reflecting on South Africa’s past, he recalled being born during the apartheid era, when the prime minister was Hendrik Verwoerd. “When I woke up in this world, Verwoerd was the prime minister of this country, and he wanted to destroy us.” Yet even during apartheid’s darkest years, Mashaba says arts and culture remained a powerful force of resistance and identity. “At the same time, the arts and culture in our communities were so vibrant,” he said.

“That’s what built us.” Now, three decades into democracy, Mashaba believes the creative sector is being neglected and deliberately weakened. “One of the ways to destroy a nation is to destroy its arts and culture,” he argued. “Because arts and culture, that’s what builds us.

[paywall]

That’s why we admire the Hugh Masekela’s, theLebo M’s. When we grew up, they gave us pride.” For Mashaba, reclaiming South Africa’s artistic power is not symbolic; it is strategic. He has long spoken about restoring Johannesburg’s status as a continental cultural capital.

“That’s the reason I’m in politics today, to reclaim the city of Johannesburg, to be the epicentre of the arts in Africa,” he said. “So that next time we don’t have to look at New York or London for validation.” He believes black talent is innate and abundant, but insufficiently supported.

[/paywall]