WHAT'S NEW
		WCMA Workshops (April/May 2008)
		PUBLICATIONS
		Draft Constitution WCMA Newsletter
		2006 ACTIVITIES
		Introduction to Members of Interim Western Cape Musicians Association Meeting of WCMA WCMA Feedback Session Provincial Musicians Conference Interim Working Group Musicians Database
		2007/2008 ACTIVITIES
		Launch of WCMA Offices WCMA Benevolent Fund Launch Cape Music Industry Commisssion (Cape MIC)

A need to structure the music industry was identified by concerned musicians over a period of time, but they had no support from government before. The illness of Mr Robbie Jansen, the Jazz Legend of Cape Town again raised the plight of musicians. Their concerns included:

• the rights of musicians,
• the establishment of a benevolent fund, and
• the lack of pension and medical benefits for musicians.

BACKGROUND

The ex-Head of Department, Mr Rod Solomons called an urgent meeting with prominent musicians, event managers and radio DJs in April 2005.The meetings were organised and managed by Kelvin Katz and Rod Solomons. Participants who attended these meetings and workshops established a voluntary Interim Musicians Lobby Group. The members of this structure included Dimitri Jegels, who declined due to other commitments, Rashid Lombard (declined to attend meetings), Jai Reddy, Mohammed Fall, Joe Mthimka, Kobus Kwezi, Andre Petersen and Spencer Mbadu.At the first Western Cape Musicians Conference which was held on the 7th & 8th March 2006, at the BOE conference centre, Waterfront - an Interim Western Cape Musicians association was newly elected. The delegates who attended the conference, gave a mandate to the Interim Western Cape Musicians Association.

1. To set-up a recognisable structure across the entire province bringing the Musicians Association to the people.
2. To set-up resource centres across the province (in the 6 regions e.g. Boland, West Coast, Eden, Central Karoo,Overberg and Metropole) that can be used by performers, technicians, employers for information, education, support etc.
3. To create a database of the relevant persons in the music industry across the Western Cape.
4. To create and manage a benevolent fund to help support musicians who encounter financial hardship
5. To create platforms whereby musicians and other role-players can be economically empowered.
6. To establish codes of practice that cover issues such as fees and earnings; codes of practice etc.
7. To train and nurture talented young people to become the stars of tomorrow... South African stars.

• Western Cape Education Department
• Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
• Department of Economic Development & Tourism
• Western Cape Musicians Association