PESP 6 PAYMENT UPDATES

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                           Image: NAC Logo
     (Source: NAC) 

INVITING THE CREATIVE SECTOR INTO A NECESSARY CONVERSATION

By Thami akaMbongo Manzana | The Creative Passport


The Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) was introduced as a critical intervention to support artists, practitioners, and cultural workers across South Africa. For many in the Cultural and Creative Industries, it represented not just temporary relief, but recognition of the sector’s economic and social contribution.

However, months after implementation, serious concerns remain unresolved, particularly around:

  • Delayed or incomplete payments

  • The appeal process

  • Lack of clear, consistent communication from the National Arts Council (NAC)

Most concerning for many practitioners is the perceived silence from the NAC regarding the PESP 6 appeal process — an issue that continues to affect livelihoods and trust in public cultural institutions.

WHAT THE SECTOR IS HEARING — AND WHAT IT IS NOT

While official updates from the NAC have been limited, voices from within the sector have stepped forward to provide clarity where possible.

The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF), through its President Mr Romeo Ramuada, has shared updates regarding PESP 6 payments and engagements with stakeholders.

🎥 Watch the update here:
👉 The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF), Mr Romeo Ramuada, offers feedback on NAC PESP 6 payments


🔗 NAC PESP 6 PAYMENT UPDATES

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                         Image: DSAC Logo
     (Source: DSAC) 


THIS PLATFORM INVITES YOUR VOICE

We are opening this space to artists, cultural workers, administrators, and sector bodies to share:

  • Your experience with PESP 6

  • Whether you lodged an appeal and what response (if any) you received

  • How delays or silence have affected your work and livelihood

  • What you believe must change going forward

🗣️ Use the comment section






The Creative Passport is an independent platform focused on Arts, Culture and the C

reative Industries. Readers are encouraged to follow, comment and engage constructively.

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Comments

Anonymous said…
In the jast 5 year I got rejection letters for different proposals but the letters where all saying the same thing.
I don't even question them anymore because word on the ground says if you talk against NAC on FB you become a target of rejection even if your projects holds merit
December 28, 2025 at 3:08 AM
thecreativepassport said…
But that can't be right. Artists must be able to speak and share their views and thoughts.
December 29, 2025 at 7:31 PM
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