Pacofs CEO, Themba Dlamini, stresses the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing the arts during his discussion with the OFM Business Hour. Dlamini reveals that 70% of Pacofs’ budget allocation from the Department of Arts and Culture, goes to salaries – leaving a mere 30% to carry out productions and the like. This brings into sharp focus the importance of generating revenue via relationships with “sustainable external clients” he adds.

One such partnership is that with the Central Media Group’ (CMG) under which OFM and Mahareng Publishing fall. The agreement is aimed at supporting the development of the performing arts in the Free State. 

ALSO READ: Central Media Group supports Free State Arts

What does the agreement entail?

OFM is the exclusive radio partner and Bloemfontein Courant is the exclusive print partner to Pacofs. 

“With new leadership comes new ideas and collaboration. The Central Media Group has considerable reach into OFM's radio audiences and Bloemfontein Courant's readers. This partnership is important to share the journey of so many artists,” says Nick Efstathiou, CEO of Central Media Group.

Dlamini says that the agreement should be viewed as a basis upon which other agreements are entered into.

 “CMG provides us an opportunity to communicate our artistic programs and institutional news with valuable theatre lovers, artists, and other stakeholders,” says Dlamini.

Dlamini has only been at the helm of the facility for over five months, yet in that time frame, there have been some significant changes and projects.

The Pacofs garden restoration project

One such significant change/ project is the garden restoration project which has been spearheaded by Dlamini himself. 

OFM News previously reported that the project was born from a complaint regarding the state of the garden and the theatre itself. The complaints were referred to the Department of Public Works, which owns the Pacofs complex. Dlamini, however, said he is not waiting for procedures and processes to conclude, he is doing the project with his own money. 

ALSO READ: Bloemfontein community supports Pacofs' garden project

He said they needed to take care of the location's appearance and atmosphere since this will draw visitors. He will also be paying for a gardener to maintain the area. A contractor has been hired to install a security fence around the structure.

“The fence will solve many problems for the institution and its customers, by assuring a safe and clean theatre can be maintained. We want Pacofs to be buzzing with activity on its path to becoming a global role player in the arts,” Dlamini said.

Also, a contractor has been chosen to update the 1st Avenue entrance close to the André Huguenet Theatre. When finished, the entrance will resemble a hotel lobby and function as a reservations office.

The Pacofs garden restoration project has received a massive boost from Spoudazo Enterprises Trust, which is a registered Public Benefit Organisation in Bloemfontein.

OFM Business Hour