Prof. Ewert Kleynhans, an academic from the North-West University, and a ministerial delegation recently visited Manthe in Taung as part of a community outreach project.

Prof Kleynhans represented the NWU’s School of Economics and Council of the South Academy of Science and Art.

The ministerial delegation was headed by Ms Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu, the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, , Ms Ella Molekane, the Deputy Minister of State Security, , Mr Vusimusi Mkhize, the Director General of Arts and Culture,  Mr Kgosi Mathlabane, the mayor of the Greater Taung Municipality, as well as  various other dignitaries.

The main purpose of this visit was to assist disadvantaged people in the community of Manthe and to identify solutions to eradicate poverty.
Ms Sotyu said that the Department of Arts and Culture often underspend on their budget and that these funds will be used to assist the poorest people – especially in rural communities – to fund some of their projects. “Since these people usually do not know how to apply for funds, the government are now reaching out to the communities themselves,” she said.

The delegation also visited Walter Letsie High School where Ms Sotyu addressed learners, encouraging them to stay in school, practice the arts and to preserve their heritage. The learners also received sanitary towels and school uniforms. A flag hoisting ceremony took place and the national anthem was sung. The learners were then also addressed by Ms Molekane, the deputy minister of State Security.

The last stop was the community centre in Manthe where the audience was entertained with music and traditional dances. Each member of the delegation addressed the community and spoke about topics concerning arts, cultural heritage, job creation and safety issues.
“What was particularly apparent was that the learners and community members realised that the government considers everybody as important, even those in remote places like Manthe village in the far North West,” said Prof Kleynhans.
“The visit of such an important delegation also helped to build dignity and self-esteem, which is often lacking in poor communities."

The Ministerial delegation.