This is according to MEC Limakatso Mahasa, whilst addressing the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) during her 2022/23 budget speech. Mahasa says the budget allocation of the department is skewed towards compensation of employees more than service delivery programmes. She says over R384 million of the R665 million budget allocation goes to compensate employees.  She says despite relying on these grants. they continue to be reduced.

"This means that about 43% of the department's budget is dedicated to programmes and infrastructure projects. It is a given fact that we also need human resources to carry out our mandate. While we have pointed out that about 57% of the budget goes to the compensation of employees,  the department is still not anywhere near a full complement of it's staff establishment," she adds.

Mahasa says her department received over R100 million for administration, which she says is a decrease of over 2%  from the previous financial year.

She, however, says events such as the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe), which is an annual showcase of African arts, culture and various sports disciplines that takes place in Bloemfontein, South Africa, will help raise considerable funds.

Others will include open cinemas, amongst others. The event will make its return this year after being halted following the spread of Covid-19 across the province.

Mahasa has expressed confidence that the entertainment industry in the province will pick itself up following the Covid-19.

Over 600 artists have been helped by the province with R4 million spent on them to help and assist them in dealing with and mitigating the effects of Covid-19.

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