The Portfolio Committee on Culture, Sport and Recreation, led by Chairperson Bosman Grobler, conducted an oversight visit to the Edutainment Art Mentorship Programme to assess the implementation and impact of Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) programmes on communities.
The visit formed part of the Legislature’s constitutional mandate and included an in loco inspection of the programme’s facilities and activities.
Presenting the programme, Sanjay Singh from the Department said the Edutainment Art Promotion Programme combines creative education, mentorship and community-based initiatives to empower young people and strengthen the local creative economy.
Established by a registered non-profit organisation in 2019, the programme has expanded through partnerships to seven public and independent schools in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. Learners are exposed to music, dance, drama, visual arts, fashion and sewing, while creative methods are also used to support subjects such as Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Since September 2024, the programme has delivered 12 ArtWave Sessions, alongside youth competitions, holiday bootcamps and remedial activities. A key achievement was a learner-created STEAM musical theatre production developed through a three-month multidisciplinary process.
Edutainment representative Lehumo Mlotshwa said the initiative was inspired by the need to support learners who experience challenges with conventional learning by using art and music as alternative teaching and development tools.
The programme currently involves 47 facilitators and has received departmental support, including equipment and opportunities for young creatives. In 2025, two artists were placed at the centre through the Young Creatives Programme, while grant funding supported job creation.
The Committee welcomed the initiative and commended its contribution to developing young talent. Members called for stronger marketing and suggested an integrated system to connect similar programmes across the province.
The Department committed to providing written information on the programme’s funding and budget, strengthening digital marketing and continuing its support. It also highlighted partnerships, including Ikwekwezi FM, and an upcoming September 2026 festival.
The Committee urged the Department to create more opportunities for local artists to perform at major provincial events. Grobler requested the programme’s previous financial year expenditure by September 8, 2026, and congratulated the team for its contribution to arts and culture development.
