Question NW1866 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
01 June 2023 - NW1866
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What (a) number of (i) musicians are on the permanent structure and payroll of the (aa) Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, (bb) Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and (cc) KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and (ii) administrative staff do each of the specified orchestras have and (b) amount of money is budgeted for administrative costs in relation to the rest of the budget?
Reply:
(a). (bb) and (cc); (b).
The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) does not administer provincial and city orchestras; these orchestras do not report to DSAC and do not fall within the ambit of DSAC. Therefore, DSAC is not able to answer your questions regarding operational matters of provincial and city orchestras.
(aa). With regards to Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (MPNO), the National Orchestra does not hire permanent staff and musicians. Just like in a national sports team where the sportsmen and sportswomen are drawn from regional teams, the National Orchestra draws its artists from multiple provinces throughout South Africa, as per each programme’s needs.
However, we commend Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for providing 1012 (one thousand and twelve) job opportunities in 2022 for orchestral players and choir members who hail from multiple provinces of South Africa.
(b). In terms of the split between artistic and operational costs, as per the National Arts Council (NAC) Act and the contract between DSAC and the NAC, 75% of the budget of the National Orchestra must be spent on artistic and production-related endeavours. And up to 25% on operations, including corporate marketing, administrative and other indirect costs. I am glad to report to the House, that in 2022, the Mzansi Philharmonic overachieved in this regard. And spent 77,2% on artistic-related endeavours, including R20 million grants programme which entailed allocations to more than 38 provincial, city and youth orchestras and education and community music programmes throughout South Africa.
In addition to the major urban areas of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, these grants also benefited provinces such as the Northern Cape, North-West, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and the Free State.
Therefore, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is achieving one of its important objectives which is to broaden the orchestral experience of South Africa. The balance of the budget or 22,8% of the budget was spent on operational costs, well below the allowed ceiling of 25%.