Question NW4471 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
13 December 2022 - NW4471
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) With reference to the National Arts Council (NAC), (a) what are the relevant details of the NAC policy on the extension of acting in positions, (b)(i) who are those that are currently acting and (ii) in what capacity and (c) has he found that the specified policy applied was in order regarding their acting and/or extension appointment. (2) what is the total number of vacant positions in the NAC. (3) whether any of the vacant positions have been vacant for more than three months; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons that the NAC is taking so long to fill such positions. (4) what is the involvement of the Council Chairperson in the vacancies (5) what is the name of the former marketing and communications manager of the NAC?
Reply:
(1)(a). The Labour Relations Act stipulates that the maximum period for acting in a higher position shall not be more three (3) months. The NAC allows an employee to act in a higher position for a three (3) months period and thereafter allow for rotation (where there are suitable candidates) if the position is still vacant. Should a need persist, the acting period can be extended.
(b) Currently three people are serving in an acting capacity for the positions of CEO, CFO and the Marketing and Communications Manager.
(c) The policy was applied in that extensions were granted and approved.
(2). The NAC has six (6) vacancies
(3). Yes, five positions have been vacant for more than three (3) months. The reason is that the NAC had to procure the services of a recruitment agency to handle the recruitment of the CEO and CFO position. The other three positions have been delayed due to budgetary constraints.
(4). The Chairperson is involved in the recruitment process of the Chief Executive Officer.