Pretoria – The Department of Arts and Culture says it looks forward to expanding its role in nation building under the new leadership of Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his deputy Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
The department has welcomed its new leadership, saying arts and culture played a prominent role in restoring human dignity and uniting the nation.
“The role of arts and culture in encouraging a culture of reading and thinking cannot be underestimated. The building of community libraries is a flagship programme of the department.
“To date, no less than 56 community libraries have been built through the Community Libraries Conditional Grant.
“The department also hosts community conversations and social dialogues to find common ground on solutions to our challenges,” said the department in a statement.
The department said it felt encouraged that a leader of Minister Mthethwa’s calibre would galvanise its stature as a supporter of local talent.
“The work of the department restores dignity and encourages a sense of self-esteem and pride. This change in mindset produces a deeper consciousness and a more caring society,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
