Limpopo artists had an opportunity of a lifetime to voice their grievances to the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Pallo Jordan, earlier this week.

Accompanied by Limpopo’s MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe Maswanganyi, the Minister visited several projects which share the same objectives of promoting arts and culture.

On Monday morning, Jordan visited the Vhembe District Municipality before going to the Ifa Craft Project, a contemporary initiative by 20 women who manufacture Venda textiles at the Thohoyandou show grounds.

The project was funded to the tune of R500 000 by the Department of Arts and Culture late last year.

The project manager, Ms Emily Marema, briefed the Minister about the project itself, as well as challenges and possible ways to address them.

The minister said his department would look at urgent ways to create a bigger working space and a better showroom for Ifa Craft Project.

"We need to improve the situation in their workplace because they are investing in our culture. We have to teach our people that there is wealth in our culture. I’m highly impressed by what these women are doing; that is why they need everyone’s assistance to be sustainable."

From the Ifa Craft Project, the Minister proceeded to the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre where he viewed several art works on display.

He then went to the University of Venda where he met the university management. He also toured the Tshivenda Language Research and Development Centre, which is housed within the university. He further proceeded to the Univen Indigenous Music and Oral History Centre where students gave short demonstrations of various music instruments on display.

The Minister wrapped up his Monday schedule by convening an Imbizo at the university Auditorium in the afternoon.

He told the fully packed auditorium:

"I am not only here to see what is happening. The most important thing is to speak to the people and listen to their suggestions on how we can build up our arts and culture to develop our nation. We want to hear the views of ordinary people because it is something that affects them directly. The best way to find out what is happening is to listen to the people speaking for themselves. This is the only way in which people can speak face to face with the government. We also want to stimulate the interest on how our cultural riches can be turned into sustainable wealth. Tell us about what we should do to pass down the indigenous knowledge to the future generations and the entire world."

During the time for questions and comments, guests were concerned about the unequal treatment of languages in the country, especially Tshivenda and Xitsonga, which seem to be looked down upon, although they are part of the eleven official languages in the country. Musicians voiced their dissatisfaction at not being engaged in national shows in Gauteng, while Gauteng artists usually perform at Limpopo government functions. "Why always take the national arts festivals to Grahamstown? When are you going to bring them to Limpopo because we have abundant talent here?" asked one of the guests.

The trend of artists dying painful deaths as paupers and the problem of discrimination against disabled artists also became major concerns during the time for questions.

The Minster said he understood all the concerns and they would receive urgent attention from his department.

On Tuesday, the minister started his day at the Greater Giyani Jewelry Project. Project members demonstrated how they make the jewelry and gold plating.

He wrapped up his visit by convening another imbizo at Giyani Municipal Hall.