2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Participants

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is proud to unveil the list of qualifying participants for the 2025 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) supported by Nedbank, Sun International, MTN South Africa, and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). This exciting programme offers talented young South African performing, visual and digital artists the chance to win 1 of 2 undergraduate scholarships to a local arts institution of their choice in 2026.

This year, over 200 applications were received nationally. The ACT NSP is a key driver in ACT’s mission to empower youth and foster sustainable growth in the arts sector through mentorship, skills development, and career-building opportunities.

2025 ACT NSP participants

Northern Inland Provinces (Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng)

• Agrey Makoro (visual arts)
• Andiswa Booi (performing arts)
• Boitumelo Momakwe (performing arts)
• Cindi Ntombi Angel (performing arts)
• Dethaliah Mathala (visual arts)
• Dian Botes Prinsloo (visual arts)
• Dimpho Honey Moloi (performing arts)
• Dzunisani Mkhonto (visual arts)
• Jiyane Angel Samkelo (performing arts)
• Juniour Mafoko (performing arts)
• Katleho Pearl Mohafa (performing arts)
• Kelebogile Charntell Tsharo (performing arts)
• Kelebogile Moruti (performing arts)
• Kgalalelo Rakolle (performing arts)
• Khanyisa Dweba (visual arts)
• Khothatso Avril Moshoeshoe (performing arts)
• Lebohang Nozika Isabel Kolotsane (performing arts)
• Lerato Sithole (visual arts)
• Letodi Letsoalo (visual arts)
• Lulamani Khoza (performing arts)
• Mbali Tshegofatso Khumalo (performing arts)
• Naledi Tsomele (performing arts)
• Njabulo Moela (performing arts)
• Nqobile Alfetrina Sambo (performing arts)
• Nyakallo Samuel Sibanyoni (visual arts)
• Odirile Godfrey (visual arts)
• Ofentse Mokgiele (visual arts)
• Omphile Kelebogile Ditabo (visual arts)
• Pule Brian Banda (visual arts)
• Siphesihle Mongezi Somqayi (visual arts)
• Siyabonga Dhladhla (performing arts)
• Siyabonga Innocent Temba (performing arts)
• Teboho (visual arts)
• Tendani Ruth-Lynn Nthangeni (performing arts)
• Thabo Sibanda (visual arts)
• Tshiamo Kgomo (performing arts)

Central Inland & Western Provinces (North West and Free State)

• Mpho Sarah Simelane (performing arts)
• Renee Cassim (visual arts)

Coastal Provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape)

• Alutha Siyo (performing arts)
• Amuran Bester (visual arts)
• Ashwin Bennett (visual arts)
• Babalwa Awande Mkhize (performing arts)
• Duan Kika (performing arts)
• Emily Helen George (performing arts)
• Joshua Fick (visual arts)
• Khelan Jason Botha (performing arts)
• Lethabo Zenande Lumkwana (performing arts)
• Makabongwe Mbonele Mdletshe (performing arts)
• Mawande Okuhle Mthethwa (performing arts)
• Mthetheleli Ndlovu (performing arts)
• Mthokozisi Nyangiwe (performing arts)
• Noluthando Shandu (performing arts)
• Nonjabulo Patience Zulu (performing arts)
• Phiwe Kobeni (performing arts)
• Taitem Corrigan (performing arts)
• Velaphi Emmanuel Langa (performing arts)
• Wayde Solomons (performing arts)
• Yolisa Palesa Mokgopha (visual arts)
• Zamajobe Mpanza (performing arts)
• Zukisani Sizani (performing arts)

The programme commenced on 14 June 2025 and runs through to mid-August with biweekly online training sessions. Artists receive mentorship and professional development training, and top performers will be shortlisted for the finals week starting 5 October 2025, with this culminating in a gala event on 11 October 2025, where the 2 scholarship recipients will be announced.

This year’s theme, #NyolohaLimitless, is a call to imagine a present or future where the power of visual and performing arts is amplified by next-generation innovation and elevation. The #NyolohaLimitless hashtag speaks to the programme’s expansive outlook, where youth and creativity knows no bounds and digital technologies offer new, immersive pathways for artistic expression and audience engagement.

Mentors include Grant Towers (Performing Arts Assistant Mentor), and Dahlia Maubane (Visual and Digital Arts Mentor).

‘In Sesotho, Nyoloha means ‘to rise’, and the ACT NSP is a vital part of our strategy to empower the next generation of South African creatives,’ says Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. ‘We are proud of our finalists and winners who continue to make strides in their careers.’

Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, adds: ‘So many talented young artists applied this year in all the categories, and we congratulate the qualifying participants. We know the programme and mentorship will change your lives in the best possible way, as it has for all those who have come before you. Not only for the finalist and winners, but for all the participants whose lives and careers are flourishing. We look forward to seeing you grow over the next few months. It’s an exciting time.’

‘Congratulations to our qualifying NSP participants! You now join a programme supported by legacy organisations with a future focus. The MTN Foundation and ACT partnership delivers on a strategic objective for both organisations to participate in the socioeconomic development of our disenfranchised youth, by accelerating digital transformation for art skills development and job creation, and to employ digital solutions for the cultural and creative industries,’ says Niel Nortje, Art Collection Manager at MTN.

Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International, says: ‘Education in the arts is not just important, it’s transformative as it nurtures talent, and builds confidence in youth. The ACT NSP, without a doubt, creates opportunities that can change lives and communities. We are incredibly proud to support this initiative and look forward to witnessing the participants’ growth, creativity, and the impact they will make in the world.’