Why DSAC Appointments Must Now Be Closely Watched This is not a sponsored article. I am fully aware that members of the Patriotic Alliance and supporters of Gayton McKenzie will dismiss this as an attack — but the issues raised here are real, and they are not going away, hulle baiza . In a telling turn of events, the controversial Facebook post by Meshe Habana — Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Alliance — has now been deleted. This follows growing scrutiny, public questioning, and the circulation of concerns amplified by our publication: https://www.thecreativepassport.co.za/2026/03/political-influence-public-recruitment.html But while the post may be gone, the questions it raised remain firmly in place .                   Image Source:  Facebook Deletion Is Not Accountability Deleting a post does not erase the implications behind it. The original message encouraged applicants to submit their personal details directly to a polit...

When Recruitment Becomes Political: Are We Witnessing a New Form of Capture? This is not a sponsored piece. I already know PA members and supporters of Gayton McKenzie will say this is an attack — but the truth does not become an attack just because it is inconvenient, hulle baiza . In a constitutional democracy, public trust in state institutions rests heavily on one principle: fairness .  Nowhere is this more critical than in the recruitment of public servants. The expectation is simple — that positions in government are filled through transparent, merit-based processes that serve the public interest, not political agendas. Yet, recent developments involving the Patriotic Alliance raise uncomfortable questions. A social media post by Deputy Secretary General Meshe Habana encouraged applicants to submit their details — including full names and positions applied for — directly to her after applying through official channels.  On the surface, this may appear administrative or ...

  An Institution in Crisis, A Sector Demanding Accountability By Thami akaMbongo Manzana On Monday, 23 March 2026, the ongoing staff strike at the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) reaches Day 6. Six days of halted operations. Six days of uncertainty. Six days of growing concern across the Cultural and Creative Industries. But more importantly: Six days of unanswered questions. Context: A Crisis That Has Been Building This moment did not emerge overnight. Following the presentation by National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, serious concerns were raised regarding staff dissatisfaction at the NAC. Since then: • Formal communication has been sent to the Acting CEO and Council • Public calls for accountability have been made • Sector formations such as TORO NATION & TOWNSHIP & RURAL CREATIVE NETWORK have raised alarms • Arts organisations have called for urgent engag...

MME Connie Chiume does not deserve a building in her honor.  By Vuyani Vusi Pambo Image Source: EFF Facebook There is a moment in Bloke Modisane's devastating memoir, Blame Me on History , where he walks through the ruins of Sophiatown after the bulldozers have come. He stands in the dust and feels, as he puts it, "the closing of the cycle of my life in its destruction." I thought of Modisane this week when the Gauteng ANC Youth League announced its plan to build a theatre in honor of the late, great Mme Connie Chiume. Not because the proposal honors memory—but because it threatens to repeat a dangerous pattern. It seeks to build something new without first asking what we have already allowed to crumble under this government. Image Source:  Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images Like most black South Africans, I grew up watching Mme Connie in shows such as Mohlolohadi and not so long ago, Gomora. It goes without saying that Mme Connie amplified South African storytelling to...

The National Arts Council Must Stop Threatening Its Workers By Thami akaMbongo Manzana The recent media statement issued by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) regarding the anticipated strike action on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 by the union National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) raises serious concerns about the tone, posture, and institutional attitude of the Council and management towards its own workers. While the statement attempts to reassure the arts sector that operations will continue uninterrupted, the language used reveals a troubling approach: one that leans more toward legal intimidation than constructive engagement.                           Image  Source: NAC A Tone of Threat Rather Than Dialogue One of the most problematic aspects of the statement is the Council’s assertion that the proposed strike may constitute an “unprotected and unlawful strike” under the Labour R...

Why Young Actors Should Respond to Opportunities Like the Ticket to the Moon Casting Call By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  In South Africa, opportunities for young actors remain incredibly scarce. Many of us work in an industry that is largely unregulated and project-based , meaning most performers survive from one gig to the next . Unlike other professions with predictable employment, actors often face long periods without work, income, or stability. For this reason, when a structured opportunity such as a Young Touring Company emerges, it deserves serious attention and support from the theatre community. The reality is that having a contract where you know that for a certain period you will receive a regular payment brings something many artists rarely experience: security . Even if temporary, it allows a performer to plan their life, manage responsibilities, and focus on developing their craft without constantly worrying about the next job. Another important aspect of such companie...

Minister Gayton McKenzie: Defends Cuts to Major Festival Funding, Outlines Transition Plan. By Paul Noko Asinamali: a play tells the story of five black prisoners who tell the stories of their lives and their road to prison under the apartheid regime. It was inspired by events that surrounded the 1983 rent strike in the Lamontville township, led by the martyred activist Msizi Dube. In the current leadrship we told stories how prison shaped the thinking of decisions made that affect the creative industry. Hearing the minister one can only say Asinamali. Minister Gayton McKenzie of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has reaffirmed the government's decision to reduce funding for major cultural festivals, including the National Arts Festival, KKNK, CTIJF, and Aardklop. The move, announced in 2025, aims to promote financial independence among arts organizations and shift resources toward emerging and rural promoters. In a recent statement, Minister McKenzie emphasized that these...