MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 24 JUNE 2025
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) wishes to refute misleading information published in the Sunday World article titled “National Arts Council disbursed millions without advisory panel in place” on 23 June 2025.
The NAC categorically rejects the false and defamatory allegations made in this article. We can confirm unequivocally that all National Arts Festival (NAF) Fringe Programme Funding applications were adjudicated by an NAC Council approved Advisory Panel under the oversight of a Council Member, in full compliance with Section 11(2) of the National Arts Council Act of 1997. The Council Member’s role was strictly limited to oversight, as mandated by the Act.
A multidisciplinary and experienced Advisory Panel, appointed in accordance with legislative requirements, has conducted application reviews for the NAC over the past two years. Given the urgent need to support artists in distress, Council re-appointed this Panel on an interim basis to review the new NAF applications.
The NAC maintains an unwavering commitment to ethical governance, transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. We strictly adhere to all processes prescribed by our legislative framework for project funding approvals.
The NAC strongly condemns the inaccurate and misleading reporting by Sunday World and will be referring this matter to the Press Ombudsman for investigation.
Ends.
General: info@nac.org.za
Media: media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
