A DEAL between the Japanese government and the South African Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (ACST) will result in the donation of R2m worth of lighting equipment to the world-renowned Market Theatre complex in Johannesburg. The agreement will be cemented with the signing of the agreement on Tuesday, August 22.
According to Market Theatre Foundation managing trustee, John Kani, this follows a visit to the theatre complex by a Japanese government delegation, upon request of Market Theatre general manager, Kali Motsepe.
"However, due to the SA government's annual grant of R6m to the Foundation, the Japanese would only negotiate with a representative from the government and we are so grateful to them, especially ACST Minister, Dr Ben Ngubane, for acting as our intermediary and sealing the deal."
Kani says the lighting equipment had not been replaced since the theatre received the second-hand lights shortly after its establishment.
The signing ceremony will take place between Dr Ngubane and Japanese Ambassador Atsushi Hatakena at the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in Pretoria.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
