NAC strike day 3: “NAC is run like a cartel” Workers accuse NAC management of insider deals and silence on R1m bonuses
Day 3 of the first-ever NAC staff strike. Employees have traded their workstations for the picket line, warning that the institution’s administrative system cannot survive the current management crisis.
DAY 3 DEADLOCK:An NAC employee holds a placard on Day 3 of the historic strike in Newtown.
NAC Strike reaches critical Day 3 with no Progress on Unpaid bonuses
The National Arts Council (NAC) staff strike entered its third day on 20 March 2026, with workers still demanding over R1 million in long-overdue performance bonuses.
What started as a labour dispute has now become a major crisis in South Africa’s arts sector. Despite earlier signs that NAC management wanted to talk, there has been complete silence since the strike began. NAC was contacted for comment but never responded.
This follows day 2 when anonymous employees sent a desperate letter to Parliament, and MP Eugene Mthethwa replied to them promising to intervene.
The lawyers’ letter from Moodie & Robertson had invited further CCMA conciliation, seen as a U-turn from initial legal threats but that promise has not turned into any real engagement.
Workers’ mood: “We are united and making history”
Shop steward Damien Naidu described the mood among striking workers as strong and determined.
“We are united, we understand that we are making history. NAC staff have never gone on strike before. It’s true what Animal Farm says: all animals are equal but some are more equal than others.”
Naidu said that no progress has been made on the unpaid bonuses:
“No, we're utterly disappointed by the Senior Management for their non-engagement. The management are disrespecting us by not addressing our issues. They could’ve resolved this a long time ago.”
No contact from NAC Management or Board since strike began
When asked if NAC management or the board has made any contact with workers or their representatives since the strike started, the answer was a simple:“NO.”
This silence comes after the lawyers’ letter claimed the NAC “remains committed to resolving the matter” and invited NEHAWU to further conciliation under section 150 of the Labour Relations Act.
Workers say the lack of follow-through shows disrespect and has only hardened their resolve.
Employees demand urgent intervention from Parliament
The anonymous letter sent on day 2 to Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mr McGluwa, committee members, and the Public Protector pulled no punches. It accused the NAC council and management of “continuous arrogance behaviour” and “throwing legal threats to staff using the public and artists money”.
The letter called for the NAC to be placed under administration, saying “the NAC house is rotten and on fire”. It also criticised Minister Gayton McKenzie and the council chairperson for failing to bring change.
MP Eugene Mthethwa responded directly, writing:
“As a member of the portfolio committee, I serve at the behest of the sector’s community… We cannot and shall not turn a blind eye to issues affecting the NAC… I trust that you will find this reassuring and will therefore afford the Portfolio Committee the opportunity to look into the matters raised.”
Workers reject possible permanent appointments for Julie Diphofa and Reshma Bhoola
Staff told The Public Dispatch they are opposed to the possible appointment of Julie Diphofa as CEO and Reshma Bhoola as CFO. Diphofa, a former acting CEO, and Bhoola, the current acting CFO, have both been implicated in a number of controversies that have raised serious concerns among employees.
“Staff won’t support them. Staff won’t respect them. They are the reason the organisation is in this mess. They are the rot of the organisation and the reason for the toxic culture at the entity. They run the NAC like a spaza shop, like it’s their father’s company, as if they did you a favour by employing you. said Naidu”
He also revealed a grievance was filed against Diphofa for not acting on harassment and abuse claims, but it was never sent to the Human Resources Commitee as instructed by Botha.
“The acting CEO was protecting Julie,” Naidu claimed.
Response to last year’s promise by NAC Chairperson Eugene Botha
Last year, NAC Chairperson Eugene Botha told Parliament that no positions would be advertised while Diphofa and Bhoola were suspended.
“We expected that, because the council members want their buddies in those positions so that council can enjoy its benefits of excessive made up meetings and committees, millions on Honorariums, flights, accommodations, new phones etc,” Naidu said.
“Like the portfolio committee Chairperson said, the NAC is run like a cartel.”
Workers’ clear message to the NAC Board today
The striking staff sent a direct appeal to the board:
“We want to be acknowledged and respected. We want the council to support us the way they support the sector. When the sector strikes or storms the offices, council decisions are round robined on WhatsApp and monies are paid. Grant decisions worth millions are round robined on WhatsApp and paid. Yet staff issues are ignored, meetings of negotiation are disrespected.”
An anonymous aggrieved employee added:
“We're now on day 3 and nothing has changed. We just want fairness.”
What this means for South Africa’s arts sector
The NAC strike is now affecting artists who rely on grants and support programmes. With no talks, no bonus payments, and growing calls for administration, pressure is mounting on Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Portfolio Committee.
The Democratic Alliance and arts community have backed the workers on social media. If the strike continues, vital funding for creatives could be delayed even further.
South Africans are watching closely. Will the NAC board finally listen, or will Parliament step in and place the troubled entity under administration? The next 24 hours could decide the future of the National Arts Council and the entire creative sector.
The NAC was approached for comment regarding the ongoing strike and the allegations raised by staff, but no response was received at the time of publication.