The NAC - the saga continues
by Kresta Tyler Johnson
The remaining members of the NAC board have been dissolved by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr. Pallo Jordan (see ArtThrob�s story on the subject from last month). Welcomed by some, particularly the Network for Arts and Culture South Africa (NACSA), many felt this was the only remedy to the chaos that has engulfed the Committee for the past year plus.
Advertisements were placed in mid-December for nominations of new board members. Chairperson of the NACSA, Professor Andries Oliphant, was quoted as saying, �We believe that an investigation must be held now into what has happened over the last 18 months. Those who are guilty of abusing the NAC's resources and of contravening its various procedures and codes, must be brought to book in order to bring closure to this period of decline at the NAC.�
The uncertainty which has surrounded the current NAC board, the suspension of members and counter-allegations between various individuals, has only served to discredit what is meant to be the premier arts and culture funding body. The reluctance of Minister Jordan to take a stand and become involved until late in 2004 did nothing to assist the situation.
Further adding to the current uncertainty have been the appeals launched by members of the NAC board to try and retain their positions. Particular individuals have attempted to utilise NAC money to fund their legal travails but this has been blocked by the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). These actions only fuel the allegations of misappropriation of funds.
The one certain thing now is that a legitimate board, in the eyes of either the Minister, the DAC or the public, does not exist. At a time when the arts are establishing a growing profile in the restructuring of South Africa and revitalisation of its rich culture there is a crucial need for government funding. While artists and the arts have always been under-funded even with concrete institutions in place, the situation will only deteriorate until this fiasco is settled.
