Media Statement: For immediate release 17 March 2026
The National Arts Council of South Africa reassures the arts and culture sector that operations will continue uninterrupted amid the announced NEHAWU labour dispute.
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has noted reports circulating within the sector regarding a potential disruption to its operations. The NAC confirms that it has received written notice from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) of their intention to embark on a strike action commencing 18 March 2026.
The NAC wishes to reassure all stakeholders, including funded artists, arts organisations, programme partners, and the broader cultural sector, that comprehensive contingency plans are in place to ensure that operations continue without interruption. The Council remains functional and funding disbursements, programme administration, and stakeholder communications will proceed as scheduled.
Commitment to Constructive Engagement
The NAC acknowledges the rights of workers to engage in lawful industrial action, and we respect NEHAWU’s role as a legitimate representative body. We further recognise that this dispute arises from concerns raised by the union, which Council is committed to addressing responsibly. The NAC Council is committed to open, transparent, and good-faith engagement with the union.
We believe that a negotiated resolution, arrived at through mutual respect and dialogue, is in the best interests of our staff, our mandate, and the communities we serve. To this end, the NAC has engaged and will continue to engage through the appropriate labour relations forums and mechanisms.
Legal Position
The NAC wishes to place on record its view that the proposed strike action may constitute an unprotected and unlawful strike in terms of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995. The NAC is currently seeking urgent legal advice in this regard and reserves its right to pursue all available legal remedies, including urgent interdictory relief, should the strike proceed unlawfully.
Operational Continuity and Programme Delivery
The NAC’s primary obligation remains the fulfilment of its public mandate, to support, promote, and develop the arts in South Africa. The Council has put robust continuity arrangements in place across all operational areas, and stakeholders can be confident that:
- Funding applications, approvals, and disbursements will continue to be processed.
- Programme partners and beneficiaries will be kept informed of any scheduling adjustments.
- All statutory reporting, governance obligations, and stakeholder commitments will be honoured.
The NAC takes its responsibility to the sector seriously. We are committed to resolving this matter expeditiously and with the dignity befitting the institution’s values.
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Enquiries:
Media: media@nac.org.za
Issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa
