24 November 2004

Honourable Ambassador Shigeie
Director General, Professor Mosala
The Diplomatic Corps
Board Members of the State Theatre
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

The purpose of this gathering is to honour the Government of Japan for the Grants-in-Aid they have given to South Africa for the past three years. The recipients of the grants in the past years are the following government institutions, the Robben Island Museum, the Market State Theatre, and the Film Archives. The recipient of the 2005 Grant-in-Aid being the State Theatre will receive an amount of Forty Four million Five Hundred Thousand Yen (approximately 2 Million Rand at the present exchange rate).

The Department of Arts and Culture welcomes the fourth Grant-in Aid, which will be of great benefit to the development of the State Theatre and the community at large. The Department of Arts and Culture also appreciates the thoughtfulness of the Japanese government for always keeping the Department of Arts and Culture in mind when planning for the distribution of grants. This also goes to show the trust the donors have in the recipients regarding the utilization of the funds and accountability thereof.

I can assure you that managers of the State Theatre are excited for being accorded this grant and have great plans to upgrade the equipment and that will in turn improve the quality of productions at the State Theatre.

It is my sincere wish that the relationship between Japan and South Africa in the area of Arts and Culture could be concretised to cover other areas of the diverse and rich cultures of our countries. I am aware of ongoing discussions between our officials regarding cultural exchanges and my Department has been tasked to manage all events and manifestations at the Aichi World Expo from March to September 2005. Word has it that the Photographic exhibition and exchange of artists earlier this year, was a resounding success.

Honourable Ambassador, please accept on behalf of the South African Government, the State Theatre and the South African populace our humble gratitude and appreciation.

I thank you .

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