Minister Dissolves National Arts Council Board Amid Governance Concerns
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has dissolved the Council of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) with immediate effect, citing a failure to resolve a long-running labour dispute and concerns regarding governance. The decision was announced on 26 May and was made under Section 5(5) of the National Arts Council Act of 1997.
The action follows an ongoing dispute related to performance bonuses for the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years, which resulted in a protected strike and financial difficulties for employees.
On 22 April, the minister requested an urgent special meeting with the Council chairperson to approve a one-time settlement to resolve the dispute and establish a governance framework for the process. The ministry stated that no agreement was reached and the Council did not address the matter with sufficient urgency.
“The National Arts Council exists to serve the arts sector and the people of South Africa. It cannot fulfil that mandate while its governance is consumed by a dispute of this nature,” McKenzie said.
“I gave the Council ample opportunity and a clear framework to resolve this matter. That opportunity was not taken. I have therefore exercised my authority under the Act and dissolved the Council with immediate effect.”
The minister also expressed concerns regarding procurement decisions made during the Council’s current term, specifically expenditures on external recruitment fees and mobile devices for Council members. These expenditures appeared inconsistent with the institution’s stated financial constraints.
McKenzie directed the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to review these matters, and any findings related to financial misconduct or irregular expenditure will be referred to the appropriate authorities.
All current Council members ceased holding office immediately following the decision.
The ministry stated that the acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and report to DSAC until further arrangements are made. The department’s Director-General, in consultation with the minister’s office, will determine interim accounting authority functions in accordance with relevant legislation.
The process for appointing a new Council is expected to begin immediately.
“The appointment of a new Council will proceed without delay and in strict accordance with the law,” McKenzie said.
“My priority is to ensure that the NAC has stable, capable governance in place as soon as possible, and that its work in support of South Africa’s artists and arts organisations continues without interruption.”
The NAC released a statement acknowledging the minister’s decision and confirming its commitment to operational stability during the transition period.
The organisation stated that executive management will continue overseeing daily operations while collaborating with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to maintain uninterrupted programmes and services.
