Question NW416 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
08 March 2023 - NW416
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4331 on 13 December 2022, there was a budget of R54 million allocated to the Mzansi national philharmonic orchestra; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. 2. of the specified amount, what amount will (a) go towards developing (i) musicians and (ii) orchestras and (b) be spent on (i) travelling and (ii) accommodation? NW455E
Reply:
1. As clearly explained by my department (DSAC) and NAC during the Portfolio Committee Meetings of 16 September 2022 and 28 February 2023 (Ms. van Dyk was present at both meetings), the allocation of the R54,68million stems from 3 financial years: R11 515 600 (Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Rands Only), allocated in the 2019 – 2020 financial year cycle but were not transferred as envisaged; R21 583 000 (Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Rands Only), allocated in the 2020 – 2021 financial year cycle and R21 583 000 (Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Rands Only), based on 2021 – 2022 financial year cycle allocation.
Out of this amount, the NAC was allocated 5% or R2,7million towards administrative costs, leaving a balance of R51,9million. On 11 December 2021, the first tranche of R41,57million was transferred to the Mzansi Philharmonic. As per contract between the NAC and the Mzansi Philharmonic, 75% of the Mzansi Philharmonic’s budget should go towards artistic endeavours and 25% towards operations. The NAC reported at the Portfolio Committee Meeting of 28 February 2023 that the Mzansi Philharmonic has met this crucial condition and actually did much better than stipulated. The NAC further reported that as per the Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Mzansi Philharmonic (which are unqualified and achieved a clean audit), the Mzansi Philharmonic spent the following for the period under review which ended on 31 December 2022: R33,5million or 77,2% was spent on artistic programmes, including concerts, tours, and an allocation of R20million for grants to regional and youth orchestras, education and community engagement programmes in at least 7 provinces throughout South Africa. R9,92million or 22,8% of total expenditure was spent on operations, including administration and corporate marketing.
I am delighted that almost 80% of the resources were spent on artistic endeavours which yielded more than 1000 job opportunities for orchestra musicians, choral singers, and other creatives.
2. The contract between the NAC and Mzansi Philharmonic states that 75% of the Orchestra’s budget must be spent on artistic related programmes which include concerts, tours, and grants to regional and youth orchestras, education, and community engagement programmes. Up to 25% should be used on operations. DSAC plays an oversight role on the institutions that it funds, however, it does not get involved in operational matters and does not micro-manage these institutions. The Department is satisfied that the Orchestra has spent its budget within these prescribed parameters and that expenditure includes travel and accommodation as is necessitated by the demands of the concerts, tours and other programmes. The Department will receive the Audited Annual Financial Statements of the Orchestra by the end of March 2023 which will include further financials.