PORT ST. JOHNS – The Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Sibulele Mngongo, officially opened the new Tombo Art Centre on September 4, 2024, marking a significant step in promoting local creativity in the region.
The event was a joyous occasion for the Port St. Johns (PSJ) community and local artisans, who gathered to celebrate the opening of the centre. This initiative is part of the department’s broader strategy to refurbish and promote the cultural and creative industries in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking at the opening, MEC Mngongo outlined the department’s plans to invest in infrastructure and art programs, aimed at enhancing the function and accessibility of art centres to serve local communities. According to a statement issued by DSRAC, the department is committed to rebuilding and expanding such centres across the province, turning them into accessible cultural hubs, particularly in remote areas, with similar projects already completed in eMaxesibeni.
The renovation of the Tombo Art Centre was a R1.1 million project, which began in May 2023 and was completed in January 2024. During the event, the department handed over essential arts and crafts equipment, including musical instruments, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local artists and ensuring the functionality of regional art centres.
Our purpose here today is to hand over one of the art centres included in the previous financial year. As outlined in our policy speech, we are committed to building this province through the arts, as we have done today. We’ve also provided instruments to five other art centres—three in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, one here in PSJ, and one in Ingquza Hill, – said Mngongo.
The MEC also announced that 13 schools in the district will receive sports equipment, a further sign of the department’s ongoing support for the region. Local crafter Precious Mpengesi-Ndamase, who exhibited her work at the event, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a beacon of hope for local artisans.
This is a wonderful day. We make a living through this art, and I hope the attendees will visit my stall and buy a few items. My children and I depend on this work, – said Mpengesi-Ndamase.
The opening of the Tombo Art Centre is expected to stimulate local creativity, offering artists a space to showcase their talents and contribute to the cultural richness of the Eastern Cape.
