Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has dissolved the National Arts Council with immediate effect following a prolonged labour dispute and concerns over spending decisions during financial constraints.
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.
