- Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa says a forensic investigation will look into how R300 million of a stimulus package meant for creatives was "overcommitted".
- The media briefing comes after creative artists staged protests over the weekend in both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
- Mthethwa apologised to those affected.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa says a forensic investigation will be launched after R300 million that was given to the National Arts Council (NAC) to disburse was "over-committed".
Mthethwa was providing an update on the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP) programme.
He said: "I want to clarify this point... money is not missing. People overcommitted the funds... part of it still there, part of it has been disbursed and part of it is being disbursed. No money disappeared.
"The NAC over-committed the funds that were allocated to artists. This is where we need action, and we are going to take action. Senior management has been suspended, but it is not enough," he said.
Mthethwa said he had instructed his department to do a forensic investigation, however, they are unable to provide clear guidelines as to when the investigation would be finalised.
He apologised to the creatives who were affected and suffering.
"We want to see how can we reprioritise the grant we gave to (the) NAC in ensuring we deal with this situation."
The media briefing comes after creative artists staged protests over the weekend in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. They have been protesting against unpaid funds by the NAC. Last year, the government availed R300 million to the NAC in the form of its PESP.
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This was aimed at employment creation and retention initiatives for artists and others in the cultural sector.
Artist Sibongile Mngoma said: "The groundswell of support across the country shows that our cause is shared and of utmost importance. Sit-ins, hunger strikes, and protest marches - there are clarion calls for meaningful change in the agencies and government departments that are tasked with the care of Arts & Culture. We call upon creative industry practitioners across SA to unite and take action wherever they can help so that truth, transparency and progress can prevail and our industry can get up off its knees and thrive."
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