Question NW1070 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Share this page:

19 April 2022 - NW1070

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Given that the Cultural Promotion Act, Act 59 of 1998, gives him the power and discretion to, without Treasury approval, provide funding to independent institutions which meet the goals, objectives and vision of his department, what is the reason that he (a) doesn’t give funding to independent institutions that urgently require it under the specified Act and (b) is opposed and/or reluctant to apply the Act to support those independent entities that are in desperate need of funding?

Reply:

(a). Primarily, I would like to correct the wrong perception that the Culture Promotion Act, Act 59 of 1998, gives me the power and discretion to, without Treasury approval, provide funding to independent institutions, which meet the goals, objectives and vision of my Department. The Act should be read in concurrence with the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which regulate financial management in all national government departments and other state organs, to ensure that the persons who are entrusted with public service responsibilities manage all public revenues efficiently and effectively. Section 38 of the PFMA requires all government entities to put and maintain proper systems in place for effective, efficient and transparent financial management.

In line with the requirements of the PFMA, my Department has developed internal policies to guide on how its mandate is delivered, and this includes funding policies. Guided by our legislations and policies, we always strive to improve our chances of achieving the desired result - thus our business strategy and/or mandate.

Source file