Bring back Mphatlalatsane theatre in the Vaal
The Issue
*PETITION: RENEW MPHATLALATSANE THEATRE & FUND ARTS AND CULTURE IN EMFULENI*
*To:*
Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts & Culture | MEC of Sports, Arts & Culture | Executive Mayor of Emfuleni | Municipal Manager | MMC: Sports, Arts & Culture | MMC: Infrastructure | MMC: Finance | SRACLIS Department | Emfuleni Council & Speaker
*From:* The Vaal Entertainment Union NPC [VEU] & community
*WHY WE ARE SIGNING*
For too long, Emfuleni artists have been ignored. During Section 139 and Section 154 interventions, and now under Council, our infrastructure has collapsed and our youth have lost jobs, venues, and hope.
*The facts:*
1. *Unemployment Crisis*: unemployment is over 40%.
2. *Zero Budget*: There is no visible, protected budget for Arts, Culture & Heritage.
3. *Neglected Heritage*: _Mphatlalatsane Theatre in Sebokeng Zone 14_ — a key Vaal heritage asset — has been left to decay. We refuse another white-elephant project.
4. *Crime & Drugs*: Arts and culture keep youth off the streets. Without investment we get more substance abuse and crime.
This violates _Sections 16 & 30 of the Constitution_ and _Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act_. Arts and culture are not a luxury. In a municipality with 40%+ unemployment, the creative economy is survival.
*OUR DEMANDS*
*A. INCLUSION & GOVERNANCE*
1. Formal partnership between Emfuleni Municipality and VEU for all arts & culture activities
2. VEU seat on the ELM Arts/Culture Budget Committee and Mphatlalatsane Theatre Steering Committee - _Nothing for us, without us_
3. Community representation on the Mphatlalatsane Theatre Board through VEU
4. Establish an Emfuleni Arts & Culture Advisory Committee with VEU
*B. INFRASTRUCTURE*
1. Full renovation of _Mphatlalatsane Theatre, Sebokeng Zone 14_ to world-class standard
*C. FUNDING & SUSTAINABILITY*
1. Ring-fenced budget for Arts, Culture & Heritage. Separate from grass cutting, cleaning, etc.
2. Guaranteed operational budget for the theatre for at least 1 financial year, renewed annually
3. Permission for VEU to source private sponsorships. All funds ring-fenced for theatre development and skills development
4. Transparent financial reporting
*D. JOBS & SKILLS*
1. 90% of renovation and theatre jobs to Vaal community members
2. SETA-accredited skills programmes with VEU in sound, lighting, stage management, film, music & events management ( with possible stipends)
*E. LEGAL FRAMEWORK*
All demands are made in terms of the Constitution, Municipal Systems Act, MFMA, National Arts Council Act, and B-BBEE Act.
We demand a _binding Memorandum of Agreement_ between Emfuleni Municipality and VEU.
*WHAT WE WANT FROM COUNCIL*
In terms of Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act:
1. *Written response within 14 days*
2. *Physical meeting within 30 days* with Executive Mayor, MMC Arts & Culture, MMC Infrastructure, Municipal Manager & CFO and all relevant stakeholders
3. *Interim action plan* for Mphatlalatsane repairs within 30 days
_Failure to respond will result in lawful picketing and public advocacy with specific names on who is refusing or delaying our demands ._
*FINAL WORD*
Council, restore dignity. _Build stages, not just potholes. Fund life, not just lights._
The Vaal has bled culture for too long. Arts and culture save youth. They turn empty streets into stages, and stages into jobs.
*Mphatlalatsane is rising. Choose your side.*
*VEU: Nothing About Us, without us vaal unite and rise its your time*
2,751
The Issue
*PETITION: RENEW MPHATLALATSANE THEATRE & FUND ARTS AND CULTURE IN EMFULENI*
*To:*
Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts & Culture | MEC of Sports, Arts & Culture | Executive Mayor of Emfuleni | Municipal Manager | MMC: Sports, Arts & Culture | MMC: Infrastructure | MMC: Finance | SRACLIS Department | Emfuleni Council & Speaker
*From:* The Vaal Entertainment Union NPC [VEU] & community
*WHY WE ARE SIGNING*
For too long, Emfuleni artists have been ignored. During Section 139 and Section 154 interventions, and now under Council, our infrastructure has collapsed and our youth have lost jobs, venues, and hope.
*The facts:*
1. *Unemployment Crisis*: unemployment is over 40%.
2. *Zero Budget*: There is no visible, protected budget for Arts, Culture & Heritage.
3. *Neglected Heritage*: _Mphatlalatsane Theatre in Sebokeng Zone 14_ — a key Vaal heritage asset — has been left to decay. We refuse another white-elephant project.
4. *Crime & Drugs*: Arts and culture keep youth off the streets. Without investment we get more substance abuse and crime.
This violates _Sections 16 & 30 of the Constitution_ and _Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act_. Arts and culture are not a luxury. In a municipality with 40%+ unemployment, the creative economy is survival.
*OUR DEMANDS*
*A. INCLUSION & GOVERNANCE*
1. Formal partnership between Emfuleni Municipality and VEU for all arts & culture activities
2. VEU seat on the ELM Arts/Culture Budget Committee and Mphatlalatsane Theatre Steering Committee - _Nothing for us, without us_
3. Community representation on the Mphatlalatsane Theatre Board through VEU
4. Establish an Emfuleni Arts & Culture Advisory Committee with VEU
*B. INFRASTRUCTURE*
1. Full renovation of _Mphatlalatsane Theatre, Sebokeng Zone 14_ to world-class standard
*C. FUNDING & SUSTAINABILITY*
1. Ring-fenced budget for Arts, Culture & Heritage. Separate from grass cutting, cleaning, etc.
2. Guaranteed operational budget for the theatre for at least 1 financial year, renewed annually
3. Permission for VEU to source private sponsorships. All funds ring-fenced for theatre development and skills development
4. Transparent financial reporting
*D. JOBS & SKILLS*
1. 90% of renovation and theatre jobs to Vaal community members
2. SETA-accredited skills programmes with VEU in sound, lighting, stage management, film, music & events management ( with possible stipends)
*E. LEGAL FRAMEWORK*
All demands are made in terms of the Constitution, Municipal Systems Act, MFMA, National Arts Council Act, and B-BBEE Act.
We demand a _binding Memorandum of Agreement_ between Emfuleni Municipality and VEU.
*WHAT WE WANT FROM COUNCIL*
In terms of Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act:
1. *Written response within 14 days*
2. *Physical meeting within 30 days* with Executive Mayor, MMC Arts & Culture, MMC Infrastructure, Municipal Manager & CFO and all relevant stakeholders
3. *Interim action plan* for Mphatlalatsane repairs within 30 days
_Failure to respond will result in lawful picketing and public advocacy with specific names on who is refusing or delaying our demands ._
*FINAL WORD*
Council, restore dignity. _Build stages, not just potholes. Fund life, not just lights._
The Vaal has bled culture for too long. Arts and culture save youth. They turn empty streets into stages, and stages into jobs.
*Mphatlalatsane is rising. Choose your side.*
*VEU: Nothing About Us, without us vaal unite and rise its your time*
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Petition created on 19 July 2026