“The Board and Management of are pleased to announce that, following their November 2009 announcement on their funding challenges, and the subsequent ten staff retrenchments that took place in December 2009, significant and exciting progress has been made.”
Although R2 million had been received by January 2010 this was insufficient for SABT’s needs and the company would have had to have implemented a further round of retrenchments in April.
SABT successfully lodged an appeal with the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and the first funding instalment has been received for various projects including the upgrade of transport for student dancers attending outreach programmes in Alexandra and Soweto.
A South African corporate has also come on board with a significant sponsorship which will see them taking naming rights to the SABT Alexandra Outreach plus adding their support to a SABT season.
The National Arts Council (NAC) have approved funding towards SABT’s next season of Carmen-the Ballet which opens at the Joburg Theatre on August 13th 2010.
A restructuring of the company has seen Mr Cedric Ntumba appointed as SABT Chairman, and Mr James Campbell appointed as Vice-Chairman.
“The SABT, along with many organisations, has been through challenging times recently due to global and economic circumstances, but, with our newly-formulated structure and focus on all levels, plus overwhelming public support, are confident that we are entering a new era for The SABT and are fully committed to ensuring the ongoing viability and future of ballet in South Africa, both as a creative and vibrant arts industry and as a business venture,” said Mr Ntumba.
SABT has a busy few months ahead before their August season of Carmen – the Ballet at the Joburg Theatre. They are also hosting a second set of the Le Canard SABT Gala Dinners at the Le Canard Restaurant in Sandton and the company will be holding a pre-World Cup Open Day on the 29th May.
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