WOMEN CALL FOR TRANSFORMATION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

WOMEN CALL FOR TRANSFORMATION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Women are a critical and integral voice in transforming the music industry in South Africa, and they must lead the transformation agenda. This was said by Deputy Director-General of Consumer and Corporate Regulation at Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Ms Zodwa Ntuli. This was after speaking at a breakfast session hosted by the South African Music Industry Council (SAMIC) at the Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein as part of the women’s month celebrations yesterday.

 “SAMIC was formed to help the industry to organise itself to engage better with government, and to bring about change in how the industry operates and take advantage of the existing and potential opportunities to grow and create more jobs. Women in SAMIC must be acknowledged for their strength, solidarity, determination and forward movement,” said Ms Ntuli.

She added that the music, arts and creative industries have not been adequately recognised in the mainstream economy in South Africa even though they are acknowledged as significant contributors to the economy. She emphasised that the recognition and support given to SAMIC was a direct result of the on-going effort by the dti to remedy the neglect of this important sector.

“The recognition given to the music, arts and creative industries by President Jacob Zuma as an important sector has raised the status of the industries. There is however a need for national government departments as well as other spheres of government to implement coordinated practical interventions to support the growth of these industries. The President has established a Task Team led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Buti Manamela, to monitor the successful implementation of government interventions.” said Ms Ntuli.

She added that the South African music sector is vibrant, displaying significant entrepreneurship which is driving the success of local music brands.

She further said that the music sector played a particularly important role in the national economic development and social cohesion. She encouraged artists to operate like entrepreneurs and organise themselves into professional structures  in order for their industry to yield sustainable economic opportunities, and a capacity to impact on the livelihoods of local communities whilst expanding business opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

The President of SAMIC, Mr Eugene Mthethwa said that in an attempt to promote and support the music, arts and creative industries, there was a need to come up with a programme of action in addressing industry challenges.

“SAMIC was formed for us as artists in the music industry to be organised in order to speak in one voice, also to be able to push government to assist in developing artists into profitable enterprises with a marketable product for global markets in an enabled environment. We can no longer be accused of not being organised like before.” said Mthethwa.

SAMIC has developed a three year strategy that will see the music industry develop and grow in South Africa, that will also take advantage of the trade opportunities locally and abroad, especially in BRICS countries.