OPEN LETTER TO VINCENT MASHALE

 

OPEN LETTER TO MR VINCENT MASHALE, NAC ACTING CEO

To: Acting Chief Executive Officer
National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC)

Cc:
NAC Council Members
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

Dear Acting Chief Executive Officer,

I write to formally raise serious concerns regarding the current staff strike at the National Arts Council (NAC), which has now entered its second day.

It has come to our attention that there is a growing disconnect between the realities on the ground and the information being communicated to Council and other stakeholders. The assertion that operations are continuing uninterrupted under a “skeleton staff” is, in our view, misleading and does not accurately reflect the current operational challenges facing the organisation.

Key functional areas of the NAC have been significantly affected, including:

- Arts Development and project processing

- Human Resources

- Payments and financial disbursements

The absence of personnel in these critical units has materially impacted the institution’s ability to function effectively. The so-called “skeleton staff” currently in place does not possess the necessary authority or institutional capacity to review reports, approve processes, or execute payments. As a result, core operations are effectively stalled.

Should evidence be required to substantiate these claims, it is our firm view that the current operational realities will not support the narrative that has been presented.

Furthermore, we are concerned about the apparent lack of impartiality in the handling of this matter. It appears that the Acting CEO is aligning closely with the Deputy Chairperson of Council, who was previously part of the leadership during the period that contributed to the current crisis. This raises serious concerns about governance, objectivity, and the ability to resolve this matter in a fair and balanced manner.

We have also observed that attempts to engage are being channelled through a limited leadership structure, without due consideration for broader Council engagement. This undermines principles of collective governance and transparency.

Given the urgency and seriousness of the situation, we respectfully call for the following:

- Immediate intervention by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

- A Special Council Meeting to be convened urgently, allowing for broader engagement with all Council Members.

- An honest and transparent assessment of the operational impact of the strike.

It is important to emphasise that if this matter is not addressed with urgency, the consequences will extend beyond the institution and negatively affect the broader arts and culture sector. Funding processes, project timelines, and contractual obligations are already at risk, and deadlines will not be met under the current conditions.

The well-being of staff and the stability of the institution must be treated as a priority. Failure to act decisively at this stage may result in long-term damage to the credibility and functionality of the NAC.

We trust that this matter will receive the urgent attention it deserves.

Yours truly

Thami akaMbongo Manzana

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