North West Business 2019 edition

FOCUS
Arts and culture to the fore
in North West
Large audiences flock to awards and festivals.
Mmabatho Stadium was packed to capacity for the 2017
Mahika Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival.
With the success of various high-profile national and
provincial events hosted by the Department of
Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA), the North
West Province is reclaiming its place as one of the key
destinations for arts and culture in the country.
These range from end-of-the-year activities such as the Calabash in
Taung, Mahika Mahikeng in the capital city, the South African Film and
Television Awards (SAFTAs), the South African Music Awards (Samas)
and the South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (Satmas).
Most of these events are beamed to the homes and places of
entertainment of millions of South Africa via television, giving the
province much-needed exposure. They are also events where the
crème de la crème of South African entertainment come together
to honour and celebrate the finest the country has to offer – in
entertainment terms.
CATA views the success of these events as its contribution to tourism
in the province.
“We are proud to say, this year we once again put the province
on the map when it comes to high-profile national arts and culture
events,” says CATA MEC, Ontlametse
Mochware. “The SAMAS, SAFTAs,
SATMAS, the Calabash and Mahika
Mahikeng are national events. As
anticipated, these events brought
thousands of visitors from across the
country including our neighbouring
country Botswana, who enjoyed the
warmth and splendour of the North
West Province.”
The events turn the province into
a hive of activity when they take
place, bringing a welcome buzz
from revellers and stars, ranging from
movie and television personalities, to
jazz legends and traditional music
sensations.
Libraries among the best
When it comes to technology and
accessibility, all the libraries built
by CATA in recent years are geared
to be in touch with modern times
– especially when it comes to
technology.
An overwhelming number of
these library facilities are in rural
areas, in line with the developmental
thrusts of the Provincial Government.
In a boost to service delivery, not
only are these libraries equipped
with good-quality furniture, but
they also boast modern services
such as the Internet and facilities for
the visually-impaired. Students can
NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2019
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