THE SILENCE AROUND DSAC SECTOR CLUSTERS IS BECOMING TOO LOUD
DSAC Sector Clusters Must Account to the Sector They Represent
By Thami akaMbongo Manzana
On 30 March 2026, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture together with Gayton McKenzie launched the 17 DSAC Sector Clusters at Nirox Sculpture Park. The launch was accompanied by public declarations, photographs and promises of a new era of sector coordination, consultation and accountability within South Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries.
What also became public knowledge was that each cluster reportedly received R2 million from DSAC. That means approximately R34 million in public funds was allocated to these sector structures in the previous financial year.
At a time when many artists, practitioners, organisations and cultural workers continue to face funding challenges, project uncertainty and institutional instability, it is only fair and democratic that the broader sector asks questions. These are not attacks. They are clarity-seeking questions rooted in transparency, accountability and good governance.
The Ministry, DSAC leadership, the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture and the sector cluster leadership themselves have an opportunity to assist the public in understanding how these structures are functioning and what impact they are making.
South Africa’s creative sector has experienced many moments where entities and structures were launched with great excitement, only for the sector to later discover governance failures, lack of consultation, financial mismanagement or unclear mandates. Surely the sector should not have to wait for another forensic investigation before asking legitimate questions.
In the spirit of openness and nation building, here are 10 clarity-seeking questions directed to the DSAC Sector Clusters and their stakeholders:
1. What is the latest status of the DSAC 17 Sector Clusters?
The sector deserves a formal update on whether all clusters are operational, functional and actively engaging their constituencies. Which clusters are fully active and which are still struggling with administration or coordination?
2. How far are the clusters in their formal formations?
Have constitutions, governance frameworks, policies and leadership structures been fully established? Are these recognised legal entities or interim formations?
3. Are the clusters still planning sector consultations?
Many artists and organisations across provinces have indicated that they have not yet been consulted or engaged. Are there plans for national and provincial consultations, especially in rural communities?
4. How can the public access the financial reports relating to the R2 million allocated to each cluster?
Public money requires public accountability. Has the funding been audited? What percentage was spent on administration, salaries, travel, consultation or programmes? Can annual or quarterly financial reports be made publicly accessible?
5. Can the sector access the clusters’ plans of action?
Artists and stakeholders need to understand what each cluster intends to achieve. Are there strategic plans, timelines and measurable deliverables available for public viewing?
6. Can DSAC release the latest leadership lists of all 17 clusters?
Transparency also means clarity on representation. Who currently serves in leadership, advisory or steering committee positions within each cluster? Which provinces and subsectors are represented?
7. When do the terms of the current leadership structures end?
Were these leadership structures elected, appointed or nominated? Are there term limits? Will there be future elections or open nomination processes?
8. Are we going to wait until another forensic investigation before asking hard questions?
South Africa’s arts and culture sector has experienced repeated governance crises across institutions. Accountability should become proactive rather than reactive. Oversight must happen now — not after collapse or scandal.
9. Minister Gayton McKenzie indicated that clusters should have offices, administrators, websites and operational visibility. How far are these developments?
Have all clusters secured office space? Are administrators employed? Are websites active and accessible to the public? How regularly are stakeholders being updated?
10. How much is DSAC planning to allocate towards the 17 Sector Clusters in the current financial year?
Given the significant investment already made, the sector deserves clarity on future allocations, sustainability plans and expected outcomes from these structures.
Transparency Builds Trust
The Cultural and Creative Industries sector does not benefit from secrecy, gatekeeping or defensive leadership. It benefits from transparency, consultation and ethical governance.
The DSAC Sector Clusters were introduced as structures meant to unify and strengthen the sector. That vision can only succeed if practitioners feel informed, included and respected.
As public representatives and custodians of public resources, both DSAC and the cluster leadership should embrace these questions, not avoid them.
In fact, answering them openly may become the first real sign that the sector is moving towards a more accountable and inclusive future.
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