Minister McKenzie Dissolves National Arts Council Over Labour Dispute 

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Johannesburg – Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has dissolved the Council of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) with immediate effect, citing its failure to resolve a prolonged labour dispute and concerns over questionable procurement decisions.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, follows months of unrest at the NAC over unpaid performance bonuses dating back to the 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22 financial years.

Employees have engaged in a protected strike, leaving the institution in financial distress.

Minister McKenzie said he had given the Council “ample opportunity and a clear framework” to settle the matter, but his directive was ignored.

“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,” Minister McKenzie stated.

“I have therefore exercised my authority under the Act and dissolved the Council with immediate effect.”

In addition to the unresolved labour dispute, Minister McKenzie raised concerns about procurement decisions made by the NAC, including spending on external recruitment fees and mobile devices for Council members.

These expenditures, he noted, were difficult to reconcile with the institution’s claims of financial constraints.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has been instructed to conduct a review, with any findings of misconduct to be referred to the relevant authorities.

With the dissolution, all Council members have ceased to hold office.

The NAC’s acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will continue managing day-to-day operations, reporting directly to DSAC.

The Director-General of DSAC, in consultation with the Minister’s office, will designate interim accounting authority functions in line with the NAC Act and the Public Finance Management Act.

Minister McKenzie stated that the process to appoint a new Council will begin immediately and be prioritised to minimise disruption.

“The appointment of a new Council will proceed without delay and in strict accordance with the law,” he 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 dissolution marks a significant intervention in one of South Africa’s key cultural institutions, underscoring the Minister’s insistence on accountability and effective governance in the arts sector.

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