NEWLY appointed Nelson Mandela Bay Opera House general manager Monde Ngonyama says he has a mammoth task in ensuring the theatre is declared a cultural institution by the Department of Arts and Culture.
And with the backing of the provincial government, Ngonyama is determined to see this endorsement become a reality.
Ngonyama was announced the new general manager of the Opera House yesterday.
"Having the Opera House declared a cultural institution is a possibility because already last year the provincial government adopted a resolution to have it declared and in her speech the MEC endorsed the idea.
"Mine is to walk on that endorsement. I’ve done groundwork and all I need is the attention of the national minister because he has to declare it a cultural institution.”
He said part of his role would be to provide overall management and promotion of the theatre. "My main concern is for the [arts] industry to succeed and for the Opera House to draw its income from shows.”
The now "retired” scriptwriter said he would also reach out to people on the street.
Ngonyama has been an Opera House board director since 2002, with a short leave of absence between 2006 and 2008.
He was, until his appointment as manager, a head of department at the Hombakazi Combined School in Uitenhage.
He has served as the Eastern Cape representative on the literature panel of the National Arts Council, which he chaired.
He was appointed by former arts and culture minister Pallo Jordan as deputy chairman of the National Film and Video Foundation.
He is also currently serving on the board of the State Theatre in Pretoria.
