Successful ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024 Candidates Announced

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is pleased to announce the successful candidates for the fourth iteration of the ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024. This fourth iteration of the programme, with training provided by the The ICRD Group Foundation and Startup Business Campus, sees 50 participants selected from all 9 provinces of South Africa.

Leading up to this year’s open call, ACT hosted an information briefing session in February 2024 that attracted 500 artists, creatives, arts organisations, community arts centres, and arts entrepreneurs. This high turnout indicates a growing interest in the programme. A total of 141 eligible applications were received nationwide, from which 50 participants were chosen.

Here are the successful candidates from each province:

Eastern Cape

• Cebo Mzanywa (Arts Pioneers NPO)
• Lea Seekoe (Love and Race Production)
• Sibusiso Molefe (Bang Entertainment)
• Thando Nombewu (LoveSeed Foundation)
• Yiva Madyibi (Art with Heart)

Free State

• Bongani Ronald Tshabalala (Bapala Creatives)
• Kopano Motsekoa (Holla Bloem)
• Vuile Samuel Wiso (Vuyile Sam Pty Ltd)
• Vuyo Mayesa (Expression Culture Academy 190-319 NPO)

Gauteng

• Atlegang Milanzi (Make Music Matter)
• Bronwyn Davis (Eden)
• Buti Johannes Maruping (Mjinko est)
• Buyisiwe Njoko (Digging Thoughts)
• Godisamang Khunou (Mogale Pictures)
• Katlego Kganyago (Bashitwa Films)
• Lerato Lodi (Black Archive Studio)
• Mashudu Casimiro (Fimash Projects)
• Mondli Kunene (Mondli Art Projects)
• Nhlanhla Makuwa (Ubumbano Cultural Art CC)
• Nkosingiphile Ngobese (20Future Entertainment Company (Pty) Ltd)
• Noluthando Buthelezi (Kwantu Writers)
• Nombeko Miranda Nokwe (Nokwe Creative Development Foundation)
• Nomonde Fihla (Owami Lifestyle Productions cc)
• Sakhele Mzalazala (SM Communications Pty Ltd)
• Sibusiso Fihlani (Art That Matters Projects)
• Struan Douglas (Music and Heritage Education NPC)
• Thabiso Heccius Pule (Nyakaza Collectives)
• Thami Thabe (Visual Verbal Expression)
• Thato Lengosane (Monx Empyrean)
• Zami Ndhlazi (Zuport)

KwaZulu-Natal

• Lithakazi Mkombe (1 Old Note)
• Njabulo Lieutanant Mbatha (House of Liezee Pty Ltd)
• Simphiwe Radebe (Content Designers)
• Mbalenhle Pomani (Mzansi Arts Development Ensemble)

Limpopo

• Ariel Makhokha (Bomo Photographic Studio)
• Noxolo Mapengu (Gemstone Jeans and Projects)
• Thabiso Michael Machete (Vastec Trading Enterprise)

Mpumalanga

• Faith Magagula (Izithethe Development Project)
• Nkosinathi Mahlangu (Nathi Inn PTY (LTD)
• Noxolo Mapengu (Gemstone Jeans and Projects)
• Tshepang Mogane (Bin-Fest)
• Xolile Mabuza (Tendalo Trading)

Northern Cape

• Tshepo Gaerupe (Eagles Empowerment Group Trading as Our Voice)
• Vuyo Mayesa (Expression Culture Academy 190-319 NPO)

North West

• Odirile Majatladi (Seabe Com. Group)
• Rethabile Weevirs (Weevirs Creative Foundation)
• Tebogo Mgodoyi (Ree-Joy Designs)
• Tshepo Mothudi (Limited Play)

Western Cape

• Celeste Loriston (Story Team Pty Ltd)
• Celestine Williams (Cyan Development Concepts)
• Leletu Jikela (Jikela Studios)
• Mzuvukile Benayo (Angels of Hope)

‘We are thrilled with the response and congratulate the 50 participants selected for the programme. The diversity and calibre of the selected candidates are truly impressive. We look forward to seeing these talented individuals grow and contribute to the arts and culture sector,’ said Jessica Denyschen, ACT CEO.

The ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024 is a business development initiative designed to empower artists and creative entrepreneurs. The programme, facilitated by the ICRD Group Foundation, spans 3 months, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to launch profitable businesses within 90 days. The comprehensive training encompasses various elements, including creative and business strategy sessions to foster creativity while building strong business foundations, hands-on project validation workshops to refine project ideas with expert feedback, financial planning training on creating realistic budgets and understanding investor relations, and 1-on-1 mentorship sessions for personalised guidance and support.

The training includes elements of an ideathon, bootcamp, coaching sessions, masterclasses, and pitching opportunities. Industry experts are invited to provide expert advice in the 4 disciplines, ensuring participants receive high-quality, relevant insights and guidance. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that participants can effectively develop and implement their projects over a 90-day period, this ultimately leading to the creation of profitable and sustainable businesses.

On completion of the training programme, participants will receive a certificate of completion for participation when meeting 100% of the programme requirements as outlined in the participant agreement. Participants will pitch their projects on completing the training for the opportunity to receive a cash investment and 1-on-1 mentorship. Only projects with merit that can generate real income will be eligible for potential investment.

Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) at Nedbank, says: ‘The ACT Thuthukisani Programme was created to help art businesses grow, and we can say with confidence that this is exactly what is happening. The Nedbank Arts Affinity through ACT has supported artists through many different projects over the years and what we found is that, regardless of the artists’ and creative industry practitioners’ talents, they need intensive mentorship training to learn how to effectively take charge of their finances, talent and lives in a structured, sustainable way. With the appropriate business and entrepreneurial skills, they are able to attain increasing levels of success and achieve their full potential.’