Artscape CEO honoured at Cultural Affairs Awards

Pictured with Marlene Le Roux, middle, are Head of Department, Brent Walters, left, and MEC Anroux Marais, right.

The CEO of the Artscape Theatre, Marlene le Roux, was among those awarded at the annual Cultural Affairs Awards on Saturday March 3 at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay.

The event, hosted annually by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, is held to recognise and celebrate the cultural, linguistic and heritage excellence in the province.

Ms Le Roux won the ministerial award for outstanding contribution to the arts and disability.

In a statement issued by the department, Ms Le Roux was described as a tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled.

She has been involved in numerous community projects including the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.

Among her many awards is an Honorary Doctorate from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in recognition of her contribution towards performing arts, education and social transformation.

She was recently also given the Commonwealth Point of Light award on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II for her lifework in the disability sector.

During her keynote address, MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais said everyone who was nominated and awarded at the event had played a pivotal role in responding to the hopelessness South Africans collectively felt at one point.

“At a time when we are faced with a climate of protests, cultural differences and negative news, the promotion of our cultural expressions have and will continue to be a supporting tool to incorporate a mutual understanding of and respect for our unique backgrounds.

“The awards bestowed on deserving nominees provide an opportunity to proudly showcase the assortment of the cultural landscape of the Western Cape and those who work tirelessly to make this possible.”

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport was also acknowledged as the bronze award winners at the annual National Batho Pele Excellence Awards on Friday evening.

The awards are aimed at promoting professionalism, rewarding, and encouraging excellence in the public service. The DCAS achieved bronze in the category for the best functioning provincial department of the year. This is the second time the department has been awarded in this category, having achieved a bronze award in 2015 as well.

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