Development

MBABANE – The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs has revealed that it has allocated over E3 million towards securing equipment that will be accessible to artists. 

This is enshrined in the ministry’s portfolio committee on the debate of the ministry’s first quarter performance report for the current financial year. The ministry revealed that mini studios will be part of the equipment that will be secured with the mentioned budget. “E3 860 000 was allocated for the procurement of a motor vehicle, sound equipment, mobile stage unit and soundproofing two mini studios for the Arts and Culture Council,” reads the report.  After hearing these developments, Mtfongwaneni Member of Parliament (MP) Nathi Hlophe asked how the sound system will be made accessible to all artists.

The ministry announced that there is a model they will use to ensure artists gain access to such equipment. “The council has developed a loan-based model to ensure registered arts and culture groups can access and utilise the sound system,” the ministry said. 

Worth mentioning, Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) is completing a recording facility in Manzini, which is now almost finished.

The facility is under construction at the Cathedral Complex opposite St Theresa’s Primary School. Currently, the project involves acoustic treatment, which includes Rockwool insulation, resilient channel installation, Rockwool covering fabric dressing and the manufacturing of cloud and wall panels. The studio’s acoustic treatment works are progressing. 

In line with the council’s mandate, as outlined in the National Arts and Culture Policy, the development of creative infrastructure such as a national music recording facility is essential to revitalise the vibrant music industry in Eswatini.

Full story in today’s paper.

Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. (Courtesy pic)