The Performing Arts Councils (PACs) were conceived in 1961 to replace the NTO, and in 1963 then Minister of Education, Arts and Sciences Dr. Jan de Klerk announced the institution of the four performing PACs. The primary function was to provide artists and artisans with secure career options and to develop and promote drama, ballet, music and opera by offering audiences in the province regular professional productions.
However, when government policy changed in 1994, all performing arts boards were transformed into playhouse management boards and many of the companies became independent.