Question NW3708 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
02 November 2022 - NW3708
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether, given that section 11(2) of the National Arts Council Act, Act 56 of 1997, states that Advisory Panels shall consist of persons who have achieved distinction and/or have special knowledge and/or experience in the field of the arts in question, (a) this was indeed found to be the case and (b) due processes were followed; if not, why not, in each case; if so, will he furnish Mrs V van Dyk with the (i) original funding list and (ii) list with the changes made on it; (2) whether he has found that members of the National Arts Council were indeed found to be guilty of interfering in the processes of the allocation of funding to beneficiaries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether he will move swiftly to act against any such member; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1(a) Panel Members appointed at the NAC were selected in accordance with the NAC Act. Advisory Panel Members have either achieved distinction and/or have special knowledge and/or experience in the field of the arts discipline required by the NAC.
(b) This was indeed the case
(c) Yes, due processes were followed in line with the National Arts Council act.
(i). There is only one list of approved beneficiaries at the NAC. The NAC list of approved funded beneficiaries has been published on the NAC’s website for transparency. Council approved 619 projects for approval, and this brings a total of 39 135 proposed jobs.
(ii). There is no list with changes.
(2). No member of Council has been found guilty of interfering with any process at the NAC in relation to the PESP 3.
(3). No action will be taken against any Council members.