The DAC and SARA Brief review and Way Forward for the Mzanzi Golden Economy

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The DAC and SARABrief review and Way Forwardfor
the Mzanzi Golden Economy
Presented to Portfolio
Committee on Arts and Culture Presented by
South African Roadies Association
(SARA) Date 30th May 2012
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Contents

• Introduction
• SARA in brief
• DAC SARA Relations Brief Review
• DAC SARA Funding Review 2004 2011
• The Public Protector
• The Portfolio Committee Arts Culture
• Way Forward
• Conclusion

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1. Introduction
This review is presented to the Portfolio
Committee On Arts and Culture regarding not only
the background to the challenges that have long
challenged good relations between the South
African Roadies Association to the Department of
Arts and Culture, but also as to SARAs views on
a way forward. SARA has seen on a national
basis, since its inception, more than 1,500 of
its past and current members trained both here
and abroad, and has achieved this through fiscal
discipline, membership commitment, training
standards, strong international relations and
consistent high standards of governance. At the
heart of SARAS vision is a vibrant , equipped
and skilled technical and production sector,
recognized for its contribution to Mzanzis
Golden Economy, for its job creating capacity,
its attendance and involvement with the youth,
their dreams, careers, lives and ambitions, its
impact on knowledge, skills and standards, and
the high standing with which SARA is held abroad.
SARA has long been committed to good relations
with DAC, not least because for the past 18
years SARA has been living proof of what the
Mzanzis Golden Economy seeks to achieve in
respect of skills, knowledge, equity and
transformation is all about, and wished to see
and remains so, notwithstanding that this has
been the most challenging and difficult of tasks.
SARA and its mission have a critical support and
on the ground role to play building Mzanzis
Golden Economy, and its seeks the opportunity at
the forefront The objective this review seeks is
to unblock and unlock whatever issues have
previously contributed to the challenges that
have worked against the Mzanzis Golden Economy
value proposition good relations between SARA and
DAC truly represent.
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2. SARA in brief

• Founded in 1992
• A national NPO and Trust
• A training and membership organization
• Since inception black owned, black board, black
  management, black staff and black membership
• 17 years of audited AFS history
• SAQA accredited to train the Live Event
  Technical Production NQF 4
• In 2012
• 5 x full time employees
• 10 part time trainers
• 1000 all time members
• 40 of graduate trainees creating jobs
• International programs and exchanges with
  Denmark, Ghana, Norway, UK, France, Germany, USA,
  Mexico, Australia, Holland and Ireland
• Premises 100 owned SARA House raised funds
  from the National Lotteries Board
• Training equipment owned raised funds from
  international and local organizations

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3. DAC SARA Relations Brief Review

• Very difficult and strained over the past 18
  years
• Constant personalizing of organizational and
  national issues
• SARA obliged to take drastic and forceful
  positions concerning DAC including picketing
• SARAS refusal to be/play corruption has cost
  SARA heavily
• Always sought good relations and recognition
• SARAs commitment to, and activities in respect
  of, transformation in the technical and
  production sectors has caused friction
• SARA has been disappointed and frequently let
  down by DAC, especially in respect of SARA House
  and funding promises
• SARA has been extremely frustrated and been the
  subject of bullying
• Very little real progress and an unnecessary
  degree of conflict and challenge

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4. DAC SARA Funding History 2004 - 2011
2004 Funding sought R165,000 Funding Purpose
16 x roundtrip air tickets to Atlanta for 16 SA
youth 10 x months on-the-job training
Funding received R00.00
2006 Funding sought R2,245,636,40 over 3
years Funding Purpose Admin, Operations and
Intl exchange
Funding received R00.00
2010 Funding sought R2,419,201.22 Funding
Purpose Admin, Operations and Intl projects
Funding received R400,000 Purpose Intl
projects
2011 Funding sought R2,774,332.50 Funding
Purpose Admin, Operations and Intl projects
Funding received R850,000 Purpose Intl
projects and admin contributions
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5. The Public Protector/Portfolio Committee

• SARA has on had no option but to seek the
  intervention, in its relations with DAC, from the
  Protector
• In 2006
• Reason No support for SARA and its unique youth
  empowerment programs
• Outcome DAC will meet with SARA and discuss a 3
  years funding for SARA, and DAC will also liaise
  with other departments re renovation of SARA
  House
• In 2012
• Reason to settle outstanding issues
• Outcome to start on a new slate and to settle,
  and DAC acknowledged that SARAS work is in line
  with the strategic objectives of DAC and that the
  relationship shall be maintained
• SARA has been called twice to the Portfolio
  Committee on Arts Culture, once in 2006 (with a
  further visit on the 30th May 2012) re
• Funding challenges
• The Public Protector Intervention

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6. SARA House

• Situated at 55 Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown,
  Johannesburg, Gauteng
• One story building, approx 1400 square meters
  with a basement
• SARA began occupational rent (to purchase) in
  2003 and with funds raised from the National
  Lottery Board, SARA purchased the building in
  2004
• Purpose for purchase was to create training
  centre of excellence and cultural exchange for
  the technical and production sectors, especially
  for the youth, and to house training facilities
  and equipment dedicated in that regard
• By 2005 SARA House was in need of sufficient
  repair, to provide sufficient learning space and
  also to meet the health and safety requirements
• SARA House is in serious need of a major upgrade
  and overhaul
• SARA has since 2006 sought assistance and support
  from DAC, and promises have been made and not
  fulfilled
• Over the years SARA House has proved to be the
  only consistent training and exchange
  organization offering access to an industry
  riddled with barriers to entry
• SARA House is a one-of-a-kind throughout Africa

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7. Way Forward

• The way forward is achieved by DACS support for
  SARA, in the context of Mzanzis Golden Economy
  and in the context of SARA being consistent
  deliverers, with vision and integrity, and a
  verifiable job creation track record and
  international recognition
• That DAC solves the following issues-
• Funding for SARAs administration and operation
  expenses and key international interactions for
  2012 -13 ( April 2012 Mar 2013)  Total
  Founding Sought from DAC R2, 717, 457.98 (VAT
  inclusive)
• Renovation of SARA building follow through on
  commitments made in 2006. Spend can be anywhere
  from R50 million to R400 million depends on the
  scope
• DACs support and involvement in the
  Transformation Forum of the Event, Technical and
  Production Services Industry, that is currently
  facilitated by the Department of Trade and
  Industry.
• DACs support and involvement in the current
  engagement (process) between SARA and the
  Department of Higher Education and Training and
  the Department of International Relations and
  Cooperation, regarding SARAs local and
  international technical and production knowledge
  and skills development initiatives
• DACs support for on-the-job training and job
  creation for the youth through its funded events,
  including national events.
• SARA commits to push and deliver its role in
  respect of all applicable facets of contribution,
  especially the youth towards a successful and
  sustainable Mzanzi Golden Economy
• DAC leverages SARA capacity and standing in
  respect of all bilateral opportunities where
  skills exchanges and training development are
  concerned
• DAC leverages SARAS substantial network of
  members, suppliers, members and relationships
  both in South Africa and abroad