Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has dissolved the Council of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) with immediate effect after the body failed to resolve a prolonged labour dispute, while concerns have also been raised over spending decisions made during a period of financial strain.
The decision, taken under section 5(5) of the National Arts Council Act, follows an ongoing dispute over performance bonuses for the 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22 financial years that resulted in a protected strike and financial distress for affected employees.
According to the ministry, McKenzie had written to the chairperson of the council on 22 April 2026, instructing it to urgently convene a special meeting to approve a once-off, full and final settlement and outlining a governance framework to resolve the matter. However, no settlement was concluded.
“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,” said McKenzie.
He said the council had failed to act despite being given an opportunity to resolve the matter.
“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,” he said.
The minister also raised concerns over procurement decisions taken during the current period, including expenditure on external recruitment fees and mobile devices for council members.
According to the ministry, the spending appeared difficult to reconcile with the institution’s stated financial constraints and has now been referred for further scrutiny.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been instructed to conduct a review, and any findings of financial misconduct or irregular expenditure will be referred to the relevant authorities.
All members of the current NAC council cease to hold office with immediate effect, while the acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer will continue overseeing daily operations and report to the department pending further direction.
McKenzie said the process of appointing a new council would begin immediately.
“The appointment of a new Council will proceed without delay and in strict accordance with the law.”
“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,” said McKenzie.
Meanwhile, the National Arts Council said it had received formal correspondence from the ministry regarding the dissolution and would continue working to ensure operational stability.
“The NAC respects and acknowledges the Honourable Minister’s decision and remains committed to ensuring operational stability and continuity in support of South Africa’s arts and culture sector during this transitional period.”
It said executive management would continue overseeing operations and implementing programmes during the transition period.
“The Acting Chief Executive Officer, together with executive management, will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation and work closely with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of the NAC’s programmes and services.”
“The NAC remains steadfast in its mandate to support and advance the country’s creative and cultural industries and wishes to assure stakeholders, artists, practitioners, and the broader sector that every effort is being made to maintain stability, continuity, and service delivery during this process.”
The NAC also said further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
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