The Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture has intervened to rescue the financially struggling National School of the Arts (NSA), ensuring its continued role in nurturing South Africa's future artists.
On Saturday, Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe visited the school and pledged immediate aid and long-term stability measures, ensuring the school's vital role in arts education for underprivileged students.
The school, which specialises in high school subjects in the arts, and falls under the Gauteng Department of Basic Education, has been facing severe financial difficulties.
"The NSA is a valuable national asset within the arts sector and an integral part of granting access to the arts for underprivileged students," said McKenzie during the visit.
This came after the ministry learned that the school's cash flow was nearly depleted, and there were concerns about meeting payroll obligations by the end of August.
In response, the minister promised to have the ministry cover some of the school's immediate liabilities.
"We will work closely with the Department of Basic Education to study the school’s business model and return it to stability over the coming months," added McKenzie. This collaboration aims to ensure the NSA’s independence and long-term viability.
According to a statement from the ministry, about a third of NSA learners are exempted from school fees, including those living in the NSA hostel. However, a troubling number of parents, despite allegedly being able to pay, have refused to do so.
"This is a matter the ministry will be examining carefully, along with the school and the DBE," the minister noted.
The ministry also plans to engage with the school's creditors to help turn around its financial situation.
"The National School of the Arts is a treasure that has produced such sterling alumni as Charlize Theron, Vincent Bones, Lorna Maseko, Bianca Le Grange, and Zoe Modiga,“ McKenzie said.
IOL