Immediate dissolution declared for National Arts Council by McKenzie

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The minister of sport, arts, and culture, Gayton McKenzie, has enacted an immediate dissolution of the Council of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC).

This action has been taken using his statutory authority as granted by section 5(5) of the National Arts Council Act 56 of 1997.

The dissolution follows a prolonged labour dispute at the NAC relating to performance bonuses for the financial years 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22, which has resulted in a protected strike and ongoing financial distress for affected employees.

According to the department, on April 22, 2026, Minister McKenzie sent a formal letter to the chairperson of the council.

In this letter, the minister requested the urgent convening of a special council meeting. The purpose of the meeting would be to approve a one-time, complete, and final settlement of the ongoing dispute.

Furthermore, the letter outlined a detailed governance framework for facilitating this settlement. Despite this directive, no settlement has yet been concluded, and the council failed to act with the urgency the situation demanded.

“The National Arts Council exists to serve the arts sector and the people of South Africa. It cannot fulfill that mandate while its governance is consumed by a dispute of this nature.

“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 said.

Minister McKenzie expressed concern regarding the council’s inability to resolve the ongoing bonus dispute. Additionally, he highlighted troubling information related to procurement decisions made by the NAC during the current period.

This includes questionable expenditures on external recruitment fees and the purchase of mobile devices for council members, which warrant further scrutiny. These matters appear difficult to reconcile with the institution’s stated position of financial constraint.

McKenzie directed DSAC to conduct a comprehensive review, with any findings of financial misconduct or irregular expenditure to be reported to the relevant authorities.

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He stated that all members of the current NAC Council cease to hold office with immediate effect. The acting CEO and CFO will oversee the NAC’s daily operations, reporting to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) until further notice.

The DSAC’s Director-General, in conjunction with the minister’s office, will determine the interim Accounting Authority’s designation and functions according to the NAC Act and the Public Finance Management Act.

The appointment process for a new council will start immediately, as directed by Minister McKenzie, to minimize the NAC’s period without a governing council and ensure continuity in its mandate to the arts sector.

“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 Minister McKenzie.

National Arts Council yields to McKenzie’s decision

Meanwhile, the NAC confirmed receipt of formal communication from the ministry regarding the immediate dissolution.

The council said it respects and acknowledges the minister’s decision and further stated that it is committed to maintaining operational stability in South Africa’s arts and culture sector.

“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 statement read.