Media Statement: For immediate release
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) would like to correct the misleading information contained in the published article titled ‘’Zizi Kodwa accused of `jobs for pals` scandal’’ published by The Star on 10 May 2024.
The allegations contained in the article are false and defamatory to the organisation. All Council Members of the NAC since the establishment of the organisation have been legally appointed by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture as per the NAC Act 56 of 1997.
In addition, the NAC is an institution that prides itself on possessing a strong ethical culture and leadership, practicing transparency, accountability and adherence to regulation, whilst continuously striving towards alignment with world-class grant funding practices. We have efficient anti-corruption controls and a dedicated call center for reporting any corruption.
The NAC previously instituted legal action against Mr Freddie Nyathela for wrongly and unfairly attacking and slandering the NAC, its Chairperson, Members of Council, Management and Staff publicly on various platforms (media and others).
The NAC won the court case against Mr Nyathela which interdicted him and SARA from publishing defamatory statements concerning the NAC.
As a result, the High Court issued a sentence of 30 days imprisonment for Mr Nyathela and also ordered him to pay all the legal costs incurred during the application of the matter heard at the High Court of South Africa.
The NAC thus distances itself and condemns in the strongest possible terms the incorrect and misleading article published by The Star. We will be reporting this conduct to the press ombudsman.
Enquiries:
General: info@nac.org.za
Media: media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
About The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)
The National Arts Council is an Agency of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It was established in April 1997 through an act of Parliament (Act No. 56 of 1997). It is the largest Arts & Culture funding agency in South Africa, responsible for serving most of the arts disciplines namely, Dance, Music, Theatre, Craft, Literature, Visual Arts and Multidiscipline.
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Please click on the link below to download the media statement in PDF format:
MEDIA STATEMENT – RESPONSE TO THE STAR ARTICLE FINAL