The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Dlamini, recently conducted a Facebook Live broadcast to engage with creatives and address their concerns. The live session, which started at 2:30 pm, was announced a day prior, inviting participants to pose questions and discuss issues. However, viewers felt that Dlamini sidestepped their concerns, instead choosing to focus on the National Arts and Culture Awards and the council's role in providing opportunities for artists.
The live broadcast took place amid growing concerns among local creatives regarding the support they receive from ENCAC. These concerns were sparked by allegations made by actress Phindile Maggie Ginindza about the treatment of artists who traveled to South Africa for filming on the popular TV drama, Isitha the Enemy. Other creatives shared similar concerns about the assistance available to local artists, prompting Dlamini's address.
During the live session, Dlamini outlined the council's role in recommending artists for cultural exchange programs and other development opportunities. He stated that the council ensured artists selected for such programs received support covering accommodation, traveling allowances, living allowances, and meals. Dlamini emphasized that the council had always provided support to artists participating in development programs.
Despite Dlamini's assertions, some viewers felt that their questions were not adequately addressed. Facebook user Thabo Mkhabela directly asked about the allegations concerning Dlamini and the group sent to Isitha, but this question was not directly addressed. Instead, Dlamini highlighted the council's efforts to position creatives for opportunities and promote the National Arts and Culture Awards.
The live broadcast was intended to provide a platform for creatives to engage directly with Dlamini, but many viewers left without receiving answers to their questions. The concerns raised by local artists and the council's response, or lack thereof, have sparked further debate about the support provided to creatives in Eswatini.
In comparison to other countries, Eswatini's arts council has been criticized for its support of local artists. For example, the National Arts Council in South Africa has funding arrangements for eligible artists invited to perform internationally, covering costs such as accommodation, local transport, and performance fees. Botswana has also demonstrated practical support, with the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation contributing towards an artists' exchange program in Zimbabwe.
The outcome of the live broadcast has raised questions about the effectiveness of ENCAC's communication with local creatives and the support provided to artists. The council's efforts to promote the National Arts and Culture Awards and provide opportunities for artists have been acknowledged, but concerns about artist support remain unaddressed.
Key points
- ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini's live address failed to directly address allegations of inadequate artist support.
- Local creatives have raised concerns about the treatment of artists who traveled to South Africa for filming on Isitha the Enemy.
- The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture has been criticized for its support of local artists compared to other countries.
