Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 26th Dec 2025
Bethlehem, Free State – December 25, 2025 — As communities across the Free State embraced the spirit of giving and unity this festive season, important conversations around accountability, transparency, and leadership within the arts and culture sector also came to the fore.
#FreeStateSpirit #UbuntuInAction #CommunityDevelopment
On Christmas Day, the Lekgutsa Mbele Foundation demonstrated the true meaning of Ubuntu by spreading joy, dignity, and hope to underprivileged communities in Bethlehem. The foundation’s outreach activities took place at Phola Park Informal Settlement, Amaizing Blue White Soup Kitchen in Phase 7, and Bohlokong Stadium, positively impacting families and young people through acts of generosity.
#ChristmasGiving #HopeAndDignity #ServingTheCommunity
At Phola Park, a family in need received clothing, restoring dignity and offering much-needed support during the festive season. Further donations were distributed to disadvantaged families at the Amaizing Blue White Soup Kitchen, ensuring warmth and comfort. The spirit of celebration was extended to children at the TRP Soccer Tournament at Bohlokong Stadium, where toys were handed out, bringing smiles and reinforcing unity through sport.
#YouthDevelopment #SportAndUnity #SmilesThatMatter
While community initiatives reflected compassion and togetherness, concerns were simultaneously raised within the arts and culture sector. The South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) issued an open letter expressing deep concern over recent developments at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS).
#ArtsAndCulture #CreativeSector #Accountability
SAACYF highlighted serious questions surrounding the advertisement of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at the same time as a call for artistic proposals, noting that this overlap creates uncertainty regarding PACOFS’ artistic policy and strategic direction. The forum further raised concerns about the timing of the call for proposals amid significant organizational changes, including the departure of the previous Artistic Director and the absence of artistic programming earlier in the year.
#TransparencyMatters #CreativeLeadership #PolicyClarity
Additional concerns were raised regarding the lack of feedback on submitted artistic proposals, attributed to the absence of an Artistic Director, Artistic Manager, and a functional artistic committee. This situation, according to SAACYF, undermines the credibility of the call for proposals and negatively affects artists who depend on timely communication and fair processes.
#ArtistsRights #CreativeEconomy #FairProcesses
SAACYF also criticized PACOFS’ planned closure from 17 December 2025 to 12 January 2026, describing it as detrimental to the arts and culture industry, particularly during a festive period traditionally associated with performances, employment opportunities, and audience engagement.
#ArtsMatter #FestiveSeasonImpact #SupportArtists
In its appeal, SAACYF formally requested a meeting with the PACOFS Council to seek clarity, accountability, and constructive engagement, emphasizing the need for transparent leadership and strategic alignment that serves the best interests of the Free State’s arts and culture sector.
#SectorDialogue #CreativeAccountability #YouthVoices
Signed by Linda Ngqotwane, Free State Provincial Secretary of the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum, the open letter reinforces the importance of ethical governance, inclusivity, and responsiveness within cultural institutions.
#LeadershipWithIntegrity #FutureOfArts #FreeStateCares
Together, the stories of community upliftment and calls for institutional accountability reflect a broader Free State narrative — one rooted in Ubuntu, responsibility, and the collective pursuit of social and cultural development for all.