The Department of Arts and Culture is conscious of the fact that the range of artistic and cultural diversity in KwaZulu-Natal gives the province its particular appeal.
Arts and culture
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture reaches out to artistic and cultural communities in the province to support and develop tradition, with an emphasis on making redress to those that have been marginalized in the past. It also facilitates professional economic opportunities for individuals and groups that show talent.
Chief Directorate: Cultural Affairs
This directorate operates through four regional clusters. Activities include the staging of musical/dance events and competitions to bring indigenous culture to local communities and the organising of rural workshops.
Directorate: Language Services
The chief directorate is also responsible for the Language Services Directorate, which works for implementation of the constitutional policy of affording isiZulu, English and Afrikaans equal treatment as official languages of the province. Activities include translation at functions and of government documents, and promotion of local literature through competitions and displays.
Directorate: Library and Information Services
The Directorate: Library and Information Services funds the building and refurbishing of local public libraries and supports a computerized library network across the province.
The service currently supports 167 public libraries and there are currently 11 new library buildings planned, with three existing libraries to be extended and refurbished.
Directorate: Archives Services
The directorate preserves and documents the history of the province, as required by law. It has repositories in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Ulundi, which are available to researchers and for visits by schools and other education groups.
The directorate is currently engaged in a programme to gather indigenous knowledge, in which elderly people are interviewed and their memories of the early days of the province are recorded for posterity.
Directorate: Museum Services
The directorate promotes the preservation of the province’s rich and varied cultural heritage, assisting in the development of local museums and raising their standards. A total of 35 museums are affiliated to the KwaZulu Natal Museum service.
Contact details
Key personnel
WG Thusi, MEC
CN Khumalo, Head of Department
Tel: +27 33 342 6300
Fax: +27 33 342 6313
Physical address: 222 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201
Postal address: Private Bag X9140, Pietermaritzburg 3200
Website: www.kzndac.gov.za
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