(a). The National Arts Council (NAC) has successfully implemented its third Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PES++++++----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------P4). There has been no mismanagement of the PESP4. We opened our call on the 20 February 2023, and closed on the 31 March 2023, and recently announced on the 31st May 2023. This was a record implementation in terms of time (considering the number of applications received). The NAC team worked very hard in ensuring that they do not miss the deadline to announce the dates.
This hard work paid off, as it resulted in the entity announcing the list of 637 successful beneficiaries. Below is an important summary of PESP 4.
Applications Received |
Applications Approved |
Shortfall |
% Funded |
4752 |
637 |
4115 |
|
R5 087 253 146,79 |
R182 400 000,01 |
R4 904 853 146,79 |
4% |
At the recent industry announcement held on 31 May 2023, the industry gave positive feedback to the NAC on the turnaround of the entity in implementing its programmes as well as communicating with the industry. There was not even a single complaint from any stakeholder.
As per the above table, The NAC continues to appeal to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture to attend to the issue of budget limitations related to the sector. The NAC funds seven (7) arts disciplines in the country, and as long as the entity can only fund 4% of the value of applications received, the extreme frustration of our sector will continue. The NAC worked with the Department to further ensure there were no beneficiary duplications between the two entities.
(b). The NAC continues to clarify to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee that there is no scandal related to the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. All funds have been accounted for and the good work of the MNPO continues. Which is to benefit artists across the provinces of South Africa. There has been continued engagement between the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) and the leadership of the NAC to assist them in concluding their audit.
We are proud of the transformative nature of our strategic programmes, in particular the meaningful contribution of the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra to the smaller and Marginalized provinces.