We have assisted SARA throughout the process of applying for funding till they got funded, says National Lotteries Commission over dispute with SARA
However, the organisation that skills youth in technical production skills for producing live events, says it is not whether or not they got approved for funding, but getting allocated less than they applied for, with no reasons given is the issue.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has yesterday, Augiust 18, 2026, refuted claims made by the South African Roadies Association (SARA), that its application for funding has not been handled properly by the National Lotteries Distribution Agency for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
In response to CITYLIFE/ARTS’ questions regarding the dispute NLC said instead, it has been helpful all the way from the application process till the organisation was compliant for its application to qualify for funding, which was eventually approved this year.
This is after the application underwent an adjudication process by the National Lottery Distribution Agency adjudicators.SARA’s funding was approved in April 2026, Jodi Scholtz, the NLC Commissioner told CITYLIFE/ARTS yesterday. She provided the publication with what she said were the chronological events with regards to the matter.
CITYLIFE/ARTS, is therefore,publishing the timeline bellow as provided by the NLC:
“This is the chronological timeline of the NLC trying to assist SARA. There was a delay initially due to our system, but, we’ve been working with SARA to get them compliant. The Fact that they have been funded is a testament to the NLC assisting SARA to get compliant on our system, so that they’re eligible for funding,” Scholtz said.
However, SARA maintains that the issue is not whether or not the organisation’s application was approved for funding, but that, instead of receiving the full amount it applied for, the Distribution Agency allocated a less amount, R9 784 536.00,, instead of the R15, 743, it applied for.
In addition, SARA said the NLC has also up to date, failed to give SARA a reason as to why the organisation was not allocated the amount requested on its application form, which SARA argues, would enable it to fulfil its mandate as per the application.
“SARA’s application for funding has been approved. It is unfortunate that SARA refuses to accept the amount allocated. The regulations do not make any provision for an appeal to be lodged on the basis of the amount allocated – Part III 2A,” said Scholtz.
SARA said that it has taken its complaint to the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee for Trade, Industry and Competition, which in turn, has formally requested the NLC to furnish the Committee with a report as to why there is a delay in resolving the dispute.
“The NLC has received questions from the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition and has responded on 18 August 2026,” Scholtz said.
SARA through it lawyers, the organisation told this publication as reported yesterday, 18 August, 2026,has also lodgedwith NLC a Personal Access Information Act (PAIA), application, requesting the following:
.The date of adjudication. Confirmation of the exact date on which SARA’s application was formally evaluated by the adjudication Committee/Panel
.The Minutes of the meeting. The relevant excerpts of the official minutes from the specific Adjudication /Panel.
.Formal reasons for the partial award. A clear statement of reasons detailing why the committee elected not to grant the full R15, 743, 609.07 requested, specifically highlighting if any line items were explicitly rejected or downscaled.
.How much was allocated to the Arts, Culture and Heritage National Distribution Agency in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, and how much was distributed, especially for arts development and youth empowerment.
.Copy of the report of the site visit inspection conducted by an NLC grant officer at SARA House on 10 March, 2026.
Scholtz confirmed to CITYLIFE/ARTS that the Commission has received such a request.
“The NLC has received a PAIA request from SARA’s lawyers that is being attended to,” Scholtz said.