Premier Dr Zamani Saul announced that Provinicial Government would allocate R30 million to renovate the Mayibuye Cultural Centre in honour of artist, actor and performer, Ezekial Jackson Shuping. He made this pledge during Shuping’s funeral on Saturday.
NC PREMIER Dr Zamani Saul announced that Provinicial Government would allocate R30 million to renovate the Mayibuye Cultural Centre in honour of artist, actor and performer, Ezekial Jackson Shuping. He made this pledge during Shuping’s funeral on Saturday.
He added that R350,000 would be contributed to the annual Jackson Shuping performance arts training sessions this year.
“The sessions run for two weeks every year where training is provided for about 30 young artists in the Province in stage management, performance, scriptwriting, sound and lighting
“We will contribute R500,000 for 2024 and 2025. The first day of these arts training sessions should be on August 17 every year to coincide with his birthday.”
Saul paid tribute to Shuping’s achievements and creative talent.
“His life and achievements spurred many people to do their best. We honour the life-long contributions of an artist who understood at a very young age how his artistic ability may positively affect people’s lives and cause joy when there would otherwise have been pain. Through his work we recognised our culture, familiar occurrences and what it means to be a South African.”
He added that he won the Northern Cape’s first Gold Ovation award for his performance in Emsini.
“Watching and re-watching Jackson’s performance on stage and on the movie Okapi, I am seized with a newfound respect for his craft and talent. He grabbed opportunities that came his way. This allowed him to stay at the forefront of his craft and the many awards bestowed on him attest to this.”
Saul stated that Jackson fought for the theatre and the need for financial support of artists during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Thanks to Jackson and his fighting spirit, all artists had unlimited access to the Northern Cape theatre and received some form of financial support from provincial government during the pandemic.
“His passing not only saddened the people of this Province but the whole country. His unparalleled commitment and dedication to performing arts will find resonance to especially young and upcoming local artists. We pledge our support to the dream of the late Jackson and remain committed to working with the cultural industry and the youth of our Province.”
He extended condolences to the bereaved family.
