A CALL TO SERVE
Why Arts and Cultural Practitioners Must Step Forward to Protect the National Arts Council
By Thami akaMbongo Manzana
The opening of the process to appoint an Independent Panel that will recommend candidates to serve on the Council of the National Arts Council (NAC) presents yet another defining moment for South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries.
This is not merely another government advertisement. It is an invitation to shape the future governance of one of the country's most important public institutions responsible for investing in the arts.
The question is: Who will answer the call?
Governance Begins Before Funding
For many years, artists have been vocal about delayed funding, inconsistent communication, governance failures, transparency concerns and the overall direction of the National Arts Council.
While these concerns are valid, meaningful change cannot only happen when funding outcomes are announced. It begins much earlier with the people entrusted to oversee the institution.
The Independent Panel has a significant responsibility. It will assess nominations, shortlist candidates, conduct interviews and recommend individuals who could eventually govern the National Arts Council.
In many ways, the quality of the Council depends on the quality and integrity of the Independent Panel.
This Process Cannot Belong to Politics Alone
South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries have often found themselves frustrated when appointments appear disconnected from the realities of artists, cultural workers and creative entrepreneurs.
That is precisely why experienced practitioners, cultural leaders, academics, administrators, lawyers, financial experts and governance specialists from within the sector should consider applying.
This should never become a contest of political affiliations.
Rather, it should become a demonstration of public service, professional competence and commitment to the cultural sector.
The National Arts Council belongs to the people of South Africa not to political parties, factions or individuals.
The Independent Panel must therefore reflect independence not only in name but also in practice.
We Need People Who Understand the Sector
The advertisement makes it clear that applicants should possess expertise in areas such as:
Arts and Culture
Corporate Governance
Human Resources
Law
Finance and Auditing
Public Administration
Risk Management
Governance of Public Entities
This is encouraging.
However, governance expertise alone is not enough.
The panel also needs individuals who genuinely understand the lived realities of creative workers:
They should understand what it means to build productions from limited resources.
They should appreciate the struggles of community arts centres.
They should know the challenges facing musicians waiting for royalty payments.
They should understand the realities of visual artists, writers, filmmakers, dancers, designers, digital creators and heritage practitioners.
Good governance and sector knowledge should walk hand in hand.
Independence Must Mean Independence
The advertisement correctly requires panel members to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
This principle must be taken seriously.
South Africa deserves a process that inspires confidence.
Every decision made by the Independent Panel should withstand public scrutiny.
Appointments should be based on merit, experience, ethical leadership and commitment to public service not personal relationships, political influence or organisational loyalties.
Trust in public institutions is built through transparent processes.
The Arts Sector Must Participate
One of the greatest mistakes artists can make is believing that governance is someone else's responsibility.
When good people choose not to participate, they unintentionally leave space for others to shape the future without them.
The Cultural and Creative Industries have repeatedly called for transformation, accountability and professional leadership.
This is an opportunity to contribute directly to that vision.
Those who possess the required qualifications and experience should seriously consider submitting applications.
Participation is not only about criticism.
It is also about service.
Building Institutions That Artists Can Believe In
South Africa requires strong cultural institutions.
Strong institutions require ethical leadership.
Ethical leadership begins with fair appointment processes.
Whether one has previously supported or criticised the National Arts Council should not determine participation.
What matters now is helping build an institution capable of serving future generations of artists.
The Independent Panel represents the first important step in rebuilding confidence.
It deserves the attention of the entire Cultural and Creative Industries.
A Collective Responsibility
The future of South African arts cannot rest solely in the hands of government.
Nor can it rest solely with artists.
It requires collaboration between experienced practitioners, governance professionals and public servants who share one commitment to build institutions that are credible, transparent and accountable.
The invitation issued by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture should therefore be viewed as more than an administrative process.
It is an opportunity to strengthen the governance foundations of the National Arts Council.
The Cultural and Creative Industries should not watch from the sidelines.
They should participate.
Because when capable, ethical and independent people step forward, the entire sector stands to benefit.
The future of the National Arts Council begins long before the appointment of its Council.
It begins with those courageous enough to ensure that the selection process itself is fair, independent and worthy of public trust.
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