Question NW4332 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
13 December 2022 - NW4332
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) With reference to his reply to question 2599 on 15 September 2022, what are the total legal costs incurred in Rands (a) by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) from its own attorneys and (b) from unsuccessful litigation of opposing parties, whilst fighting the SA Roadies Association (SARA) (i) in the (aa) 2018-19, (bb) 2019-20, (cc) 2020-21 and (dd) 2021-22 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2022 to date. (2) what are the reasons for proceeding to court and incurring such costs, considering that an agreement between NAC and SARA was concluded on 9 November 2021, where matters would be settled amicably?
Reply:
As I have indicated in my response to question 2599 by the Hon. Member that:
Legal costs are annually budgeted, however, it is difficult to make precise determination in budgeting for legal costs, as a result, periodically, the legal costs budget is adjusted informed by case at hand. This is in line with Audit requirements that prescribe adequate contingency provisioning for legal costs and in line with National Treasury Regulations that allow Goods and Services budget adjustments.