SA: Creative entrepreneurs receive R35k in ACT programme rollout

The selected participants have successfully completed the programme’s investor readiness phase, which included intensive mentorship and training. Each will now receive R35 000 (about $1 800) in funding to implement their creative projects within 90 days.

The Thuthukisani Atologa Programme, facilitated by the ICRD Group Foundation, is a six-month initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in South Africa’s creative industries. Participants were trained in financial management, intellectual property rights, marketing, AI integration in the creative process, and investor pitching.

The selected entrepreneurs and their ventures are:

• Celeste Slabber-Loriston (Story Team Pty Ltd), Western Cape – Launching a permanent cultural theatre experience in Hermanus that blends live performance with oral history and original music.
• Vuyo Mayesa (Expression Culture Academy NPO), Northern Cape/Free State – A denim upcycling initiative that promotes environmental sustainability, job creation, and peer-led skills training.
• Noluthando Bhutelezi (Kwantu Writers), Gauteng – The From Pen to Profit project aims to empower freelance writers through resources, a skills development course, and a dedicated web platform.
• Buti J Maruping (Mjinko Est), Gauteng – Creator of Olo’s Dream Adventures – Ways of the Monkey, a multilingual children’s book series promoting literacy, heritage, and inclusive learning. The series is available in all 12 official languages, including Braille, with plans for expansion into animation and educational games.

“This iteration of the ACT Thuthukisani Atologa Programme has equipped entrepreneurs across South Africa with tools to build sustainable, flourishing businesses,” ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said. “The partnership with ICRD Group brought depth and relevance to the training.”

Nedbank executive head of CSI, Poovi Pillay, said the implementation phase began in early April, with all projects to be completed within three months. The four finalists were chosen from an initial cohort of 50 businesses, later narrowed down to 30 who completed the full training programme.

The ACT Thuthukisani Atologa Programme continues to support South Africa’s creative economy by fostering innovation, sustainability, and business development within the arts and culture sector.