The entertainment sector is one of South Africa's largest and most successful industries, and it offers employment opportunities to most of the population, particularly young people. According to an estimate of South Africa's entertainment and media revenues, expenditure will increase from 128.9 billion South African rands in 2018 to 171 billion this year (2023).
DJ Nation, an event organizer/promoter and the creator of the DJ Nation Annual Bash, which takes place in Taung, says the entertainment industry significantly boosts the economy, mainly when major events draw tourists from neighbouring nations.
“People from Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho travel to Taung for the DJ Nation annual bash. They spend money at gas stations, restaurants, guest houses, and liquor stores. During the event, many people cause traffic on social media platforms, which requires data and benefits network providers. Depending on the magnitude of the event, the entertainment industry in the North West province contributes to the economy in various ways,” he said.
According to DJ Nation, the North West Province's entertainment industry has challenges, including logistics, artists not pitching, trust, finances and a lack of knowledge and consulting. Having said that, he believes that no province can be entirely self-sufficient.
Odirile Banyatsi, an artist manager and event organizer from Mahikeng, believes that the North West's entertainment industry's strength is craftsmanship; he also believes that the sector requires infrastructure development, funding, skill development, and access to government resources and premises.
"The industry in North West may have resources, but those resources occasionally cannot accommodate large events, necessitating our cooperation with neighbouring provinces or outsourcing. A province cannot be completely independent because, in addition to the lack of resources, this would prevent us from booking artists from other provinces. Which would be problematic for the event attendees,” he explained.
"If the province was to be independent, it would need partnerships, product development, and exploration,” said Odirile.
DJ Nation says not everyone in the entertainment industry depends on the government. With government assistance, one can do a lot more than when independent. This is attested to by Dirang Mfolo, an emerging DJ and event organizer from Legonyane near Brits, who says the most significant challenge they face is a need for more resources to showcase their talents. "There are no nearby studios, and our artists/DJs are not helping each other grow," he added.
Dirang says he only gained recognition after launching a program called Hookah Party, which was a hit and is now a significant event around Brits.
Dirang's achievements include running a sneaker treatment wash business in Legonyane, owning two apparel companies (Hookah Party & Easter Hookah Jamboree) and hosting one-man performances in July 2022 and March 2023. He admits that independence can be rugged.
"Without government assistance, businesses may struggle to secure funding or resources, making competing with larger, better-funded firms more difficult. Furthermore, independent businesses may have to bear the full brunt of any financial losses or risks without the safety net of government support," he explained.
"People enter the industry for the wrong reasons, and some enter without understanding the industry. So, I advise upcoming artists and entertainment industry business owners to be very humble, not feel entitled to support, do a lot of research on the legality of the industry, learn how to work with people and build relationships, and ensure to be on the ground," said DJ Nation.
While Odirile advised, young and upcoming artists and entertainment business owners to be educated, committed, accountable, and, most importantly, involved in decision-making.
