Thami AkaMbongo Manzana: A moment of light, a moment of truth.

1. A DEADLINE HONOURED – A RARE BREATH OF FRESH AIR

On 01 December 2025, the National Arts Council (NAC) kept its word. In a sector where delays have become folklore and deadlines feel like extended metaphors, delivering the PESP 6 outcomes on time is not small work. It is a sign of an institution trying to rebuild trust, brick by brick, deadline by deadline.

For that, the NAC Management, Board and Staff deserve appreciation. Not performative applause, but genuine acknowledgement. Meeting this commitment may appear administrative, but for artists who plan their survival around these announcements, it is monumental.

2. CELEBRATING THE UNSUNG FRONTLINE: THE HELP DESKS

Before applications closed, the sector witnessed something profoundly simple yet powerful: structures working together.

The South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF), alongside the South African United Cultural and Creative Industries Federation (SAUCCIF), rolled up their sleeves and walked with practitioners through the application maze.

The Help Desks made an impact that is difficult to quantify – and that is precisely why the NAC should consider releasing data on:

– how many first-time applicants were approved, – which regions historically underrepresented saw improved submissions, – and whether the Help Desk model widened access.

Transparency here would not only tell a story of impact but would validate the long hours and passionate labour of these grassroots structures.

3. IN EVERY FUNDING CYCLE, TWO REALITIES

Whenever outcomes are released, the sector splits into two emotional landscapes:

Those who celebrate.

And those who sigh quietly and ask, “What more must I do?”

Both realities are valid.

Both deserve empathy.

But today calls for a pause – a moment to say:

Let the spotlights shine on those who made it.

Let us normalise celebrating others without questioning the legitimacy of their success.

Your time will come too. Sometimes joy shared is also hope returned.

4. A SHIFT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

For years, the sector raised concerns about non-arts entities receiving arts funding.

This year feels different.

This cycle reveals more true practitioners, community builders, companies, ensembles, festivals and cultural organisations receiving support.

It is a sign of recalibration – imperfect, yes, but pointing in the right direction.

Yet this positive shift is bittersweet because the NAC no longer publishes the full beneficiary list. Had this list been public, the sector could see for itself the progress made. Transparency does not weaken institutions; it strengthens them.

5. THE SHADOWS WE CANNOT IGNORE

While celebrations continue, accountability cannot be sidelined.

In the build-up to the announcement, worrying issues surfaced:

– Rumours of Panel Adjudicators whose terms had ended but allegedly remained involved.

– Reports of adjudicators discussing deliberations with allies.

– Suspicions of funding flowing towards personal networks.

– And the ongoing complexity of conflict of interest in a tight-knit sector where relationships overlap.

These may be rumours, but rumours thrive where communication is thin and oversight is fragile.

If the NAC wants to solidify its credibility, it must confront these shadows openly.

Institutions erode not only through wrongdoing but also through the perception of wrongdoing.

And here is the nuance:

Yes, some may abuse their roles.

But not every approved applicant is approved through favour, and the sector must resist turning suspicion into a default narrative.

Let us keep our criticism sharp, but fair.

Our accountability firm, but not cynical.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAR COMMUNICATION

One major misstep this cycle was the delay in issuing compliance rejection letters. These should have been released ahead of the announcements, giving applicants clarity and time to prepare.

The sector deserves processes that honour its dignity.

We also await firm guidance from the NAC regarding the three-year funding cycle, which remains a crucial pillar for organisational sustainability.

Artists cannot live on uncertainty.

Structures cannot plan on guesswork.

Communication is not admin – it is leadership.

7. THE POWER OF THE APPEAL PROCESS

The previous Interim CEO made a commitment in a meeting with SAACYF, SAUCCIF, and other stakeholders – a commitment I personally witnessed – that PESP 6 will have a funded appeal process.

This is important.

Appealing is not being bitter.

Appealing is not being troublesome.

Appealing is not rebellion.

It is a democratic right within an institution built for public service.

Once applicants receive their formal letters, organisations and practitioners should make full use of the appeal mechanism.

8. A CALL TO THOSE APPROVED: DO THE WORK WITH INTEGRITY

To every funded organisation and individual – congratulations. But this is not the time to relax.

PESP is not just about projects.

It is about job creation, economic stimulation, and communal upliftment.

Do the work with integrity.

Hire responsibly.

Pay fairly.

Implement professionally.

Let your success open doors for others.

Your project is someone’s employment.

Your integrity is someone’s dignity.

9. CELEBRATE, CRITIQUE, BUT DO NOT DESTROY

We must normalise something very important in this sector:

Being funded does not disqualify your right to hold institutions accountable.

And being unfunded does not invalidate your critique.

The long-held myth that “people only protest when they are not funded” is simply untrue.

We witnessed during the NAC 60-Day Sit-In that even funded practitioners stood in solidarity for ethical governance.

Let us end the culture of personalising institutional critiques.

We fight systems, not each other.

10. A NEW CHAPTER: CELEBRATION WITH A PURPOSE

So today we say:

Well done to the NAC for keeping your promise.

But do not stop cleaning house.

Continue rooting out compromised individuals, outdated practices and opaque processes.

Leadership demands courage – continue exercising it.

And to the sector –

Let joy not be suspicious.

Let disappointment not become bitterness.

Let accountability not become warfare.

Let solidarity not be seasonal.

As Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela reminded us:

“Singayisusa nanini.”

We can uproot the rot any time.

But today, let us celebrate the wins – loudly, unapologetically, and with full hearts – even as we work quietly behind the scenes to restore the system.

This is how we rebuild.

This is how we honour each other.

This is how the arts survive.

Thami AkaMbongo Manzana
akambongo@gmail.com
AkaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd

Disclaimer: Artslink.co.za encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views published do not necessarily represent the views of Artslink.co.za.

This piece is penned by Thami akaMbongo Manzana in his personal capacity – as an artist, thinker, and observer of life.

The reflections, ideas, and expressions shared here are entirely his own and are not meant to represent the views or positions of any organization, structure, or association he may be part of.

These are personal thoughts flowing from the heart, mind, and lived experience – meant to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and spark the imagination.