After Six Years and R25 Million Spent, Soweto Center Still Needs Additional Funds for Completion

After more than six years and an expenditure of over R25 million, the National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts (NAAPA) in Soweto, led by renowned South African musicians Caiphius Semenya and his wife, Letta Mbula (both notable figures from the classic musical King Kong), has yet to commence operations. An additional R28 million is now required to bring the facility “to the point of functionality,” the lawyers representing Semenya informed GroundUp.

Through his legal representatives, Semenya indicated that the Caiphus Katse Semenya Foundation “currently anticipates the project will be completed sometime during 2026.”

In the meantime, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is examining the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funding for the academy following a whistleblower tip.

The academy received at least R10 million (possibly R12 million) from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in 2018, and an additional R15.1 million from the NLC in September 2020 intended for “the completion of a music academy.”

This lottery funding was approved on September 23, 2020, by the previous, discredited administration of the organization, just weeks before President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted a Presidential Proclamation allowing the SIU to investigate corruption related to NLC grants.

Despite the significant funds allocated, the only document the NLC holds is a letter confirming the receipt of a funding application from the Caiphus Semenya Foundation. “Nothing else,” remarked a well-informed source within the NLC.

The NLC stated it became aware of issues surrounding the grant only after being notified by the SIU regarding its investigation.

GroundUp has learned that, in contrast to the NLC, the SIU possesses documentation pertaining to the grant. It remains uncertain whether this information was obtained from the whistleblower.

The NLC explained that the grant was awarded as a proactive funding initiative, which has become central to the misappropriation of lottery funds. Proactive funding was historically designated for emergency disaster initiatives and identified priority areas. Unlike standard lottery funding, proactive funding did not necessitate a grant application.

The newly appointed NLC Board has halted all proactive funding and replaced it with more tightly regulated “research-based funding.” The NLC’s priorities for this financial year regarding such funding encompass gender-based violence and femicide, food security and child hunger, safe hubs, and the creative industries.

Shortly after GroundUp reached out to Semenya, he engaged a prominent law firm. The attorneys indicated they needed an additional week to respond to follow-up queries due to their client’s travel schedule, which had precluded them from gathering instructions in response to our correspondence. GroundUp had already extended deadlines for follow-up inquiries and declined this further request.

R28 million needed in addition to R25m spent

In early March, GroundUp visited the academy located within the Soweto Theatre precinct in Jabulani. The exterior of the double-storey building appeared nearly finished, yet signs of unfinished work were evident inside.

Individuals working on-site claimed that the construction had stalled due to a lack of funds.

A budget dated March 3, 2023, provided by Semenya’s lawyers, estimates that an additional R28 million is required to finish the academy to “the point of functionality.” This includes:

• the costs associated with “completion of construction” of the recording studio complex;
• the acquisition of “necessary recording equipment, instruments, and academic resources”;
• the furnishing and waterproofing of both buildings; and,
• the installation of “appropriate security measures (e.g., gates, burglar guards, etc.).”

How the R28 million will be secured to render the facility operational remains unclear, although Semenya’s lawyers have stated that the Foundation is currently collaborating with DSAC “to detail the specific funding commitments to be undertaken, i.e., the manner, timing, and extent of the anticipated fund disbursement.”

Additionally, the Foundation is working to identify suitable civil society or private sector funders as contingency options should the final grant from DSAC fail to cover remaining construction expenses.

Delays have also arisen because “previous interactions between the Foundation and DSAC were managed by former Minister Nathi Mthethwa,” necessitating a “reintroduction or re-pitching” to the current minister, Gayton Mackenzie, and deputy minister, Peace Mabe.

“The Foundation has engaged in productive discussions with the current leadership and understands that DSAC intends to maintain its prior support for NAAPA.”

Zimasa Velaphi, DSAC’s chief communications director, did not respond to inquiries regarding the academy and its funding.

Academy launch

In July 2019, Mthethwa praised the academy during discussions surrounding the arts and culture expropriation bill.

“The department has allocated R12 million in support of the academy. This support will extend over three consecutive years as we aspire for our youth, along with those still on the journey, to also win Grammy Awards, and not just Ladysmith Black Mambazo,” he remarked to Parliament.

“In December 2018, we launched phase one of the initiative to build the National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts. This effort is led by Mr. Caiphus Semenya and Ms. Letta Mbulu through the Caiphus Semenya Foundation.

“The academy aims to provide professional training in arts, music, dance, and drama. It seeks to promote the highest levels of human aspiration and artistic integrity through the composition, documentation, and performance of art.”

The department had already contributed R10 million toward the academy’s construction, he noted.

Following the academy’s launch, Mthethwa, who is currently serving as the South African ambassador to France, tweeted: “Today, I am proud to attend the press launch of The National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts, a new Pan-African arts institution established by South African music legends, uBaba uCaiphus Semenya & Mam Letta Mbulu in Jabulani, Soweto. #NaapaInAfrica.”

Despite the centre remaining non-operational years and millions of rand later, the NLC awarded Semenya’s foundation a R15.1 million grant in a single installment “for the completion of a music academy.”

When asked if the Foundation had adequately reported on the grant in interim and final reports, the NLC’s response was simply: “No.”

“The NLC has placed all proactive funding projects on hold due to ongoing internal and external investigations,” the NLC informed GroundUp. “However, this project has been flagged by the SIU, which has informally indicated to the NLC that an investigation is underway.”

During his budget address in May 2023, new arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa informed MPs that the Academy “is nearly completed, with only minor construction touch-ups needed, supported by the department.”

However, when GroundUp inspected the academy, it became evident that substantial work was still required.

The exterior requires painting, and the main interior lacks a ceiling. Certain door frames still need plastering, and several rooms are missing their doors. Bags of cement leaning against a wall indicated ongoing construction.

While several lecture rooms are reportedly completed, the recording studios, which are the core of the complex, remain unfinished and unstaffed.

Additionally, reports indicated that some interior walls had to be demolished and rebuilt.

It was clarified that the project was being executed in three phases: the first was funded by the department and the second by the NLC. Fundraising is currently in progress for the third phase, which includes studio construction and remaining tasks, as informed by a source.

Confusion over grant

Although the NLC grant was designated for the “Caiphus Katse Semenya Foundation,” Semenya clarified to GroundUp that the academy is not a “personal” project but rather an initiative led by DSAC.

During a phone call, Semenya expressed that there is a “misconception” regarding the academy being an “NLC project.” While some lottery funding was allocated toward the academy, he maintained that the project “belongs” to DSAC.

The R15.1 million lottery grant was issued to Semenya’s foundation; however, he asserted that the request for the grant originated from DSAC, not his foundation.

“Yes, we received funding from Lotto through the Department of Arts and Culture; they requested that funding, and it was Mr. Mthethwa who facilitated that.”

“I understand that there is a misconception of this being a Lotto project. No, it’s not; it’s the Department of Arts and Culture,” Semenya clarified.

“Lotto merely provided us with funds to fulfill specific requirements they identified; this entire project is (for) the Department of Arts; it’s not my individual endeavor. That’s the clarification I wish to provide,” he stated.

Semenya, who has yet to be interviewed by the SIU, acknowledged awareness of its investigation.

“We are awaiting an official letter from those conducting this investigation so that all matters are handled formally,” he remarked.

Instead of answering written questions from GroundUp, Semenya proposed a meeting at the academy on an unspecified date and requested that we bring our evidence. GroundUp declined and requested written responses to our inquiries with an extended deadline.

Instead, Semenya enlisted the services of prominent South African law firm Webber Wenzel to address our questions.

Semenya’s attorneys disputed the claim that the academy is a DSAC project.

“In referencing DSAC’s involvement, Mr. Semenya aimed to convey that NAAPA is not a typical private commercial venture; it receives both ideological and financial backing from DSAC.”

The attorneys stated that the NAAPA initiative was “conceived” by Semenya and Mbulu.

“The project was launched through the Foundation, which remains responsible for its construction and management. Due to a shared vision concerning the importance and advancement of arts education in South Africa, DSAC has embraced a supportive role and has attempted to aid in the project’s development to the best of its ability. However, DSAC has not undertaken any formal managerial authority or responsibility over NAAPA.

“NAAPA is an initiative of the Caiphus Katse Semenya Foundation, a registered non-profit organization focused on the reclamation, propagation, and preservation of South Africa’s indigenous performing arts,” Semenya’s legal team informed GroundUp.

“The foundation is also acknowledged as a Public Benefit Organization by the South African Revenue Service and was established to develop NAAPA.”

Website

As of late March 2025, the academy’s website does not indicate that it has yet to commence operations. It features images of young musicians and actors set against a backdrop of what appears to be an artist’s rendering of the completed academy. Additionally, it includes a video showcasing an artist’s impression of a finished facility and photographs of the still-under-construction academy. The section featuring “Phase Three” – the final phase of construction – implies that the academy is complete without clarifying that it remains under construction.

A document dated June 5, 2023, lists the academy’s board members as “Hon. Lindiwe Mabuza, Mr. Caiphus Semenya, Ms. Letta Mbulu, Ms. Angie Mokwetla, Ishmail Semenya, Mosese Semenya, Vule, Brenda Sesani, Zamo Magwaza, Monareng Mokwetlo, Zamo Sibisi.” (Please note that Mabuza passed away in 2021.)

The academy’s website states: “The Foundation is governed by the Patrons and Board of Governors. The Patrons are Mr. Caiphus Semenya and Ms. Letta Mbulu, alongside nine members of the Board of Governors.” The board members are not identified.

It additionally states: “The National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts is the brainchild of SA’s icons Mr. Caiphus Semenya and Ms. Letta Mbulu, both distinguished music composers, song lyricists, stage performers, and founders of the Caiphus Katse Semenya Foundation.”

Links to Cuba

Dr. Cynthia Khumalo, director-general for the department’s Arts and Culture Promotion Development branch, informed Parliament’s arts and culture portfolio committee in August 2022 that the construction of the academy had been completed.

However, she noted that payment had not been finalized as some reports remained outstanding at the time of the report.

She indicated that the department had partnered with the Caiphus Semenya Foundation to establish a school for African performing arts with the intention of teaching students contemporary dance and music.

Khumalo emphasized that the project is linked to South Africa’s bilateral agreement with Cuba, aimed at “bridging the gap between universities and schools.”

The project is among the academies supported by the department, focusing on training and capacity building in the creative sector.

“NAAPA also aims to attract students from the African diaspora, including African Americans, Cubans, and individuals from the Caribbean islands who wish to study African arts,” Semenya’s lawyer stated to GroundUp.

© 2025 GroundUp. This article was first published here.

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