SA: ACT announces Nyoloha Scholarship Programme winners

The winners were drawn from the 15 finalists competing in the Performing Arts and Digital/Visual Arts categories. The finalists, all vying for two fully paid scholarships valued at R300 000 each, put on impressive displays of their talents. These scholarships will allow them to pursue degrees in the arts at South African institutions of their choice.

In the Digital/Visual Arts category, Bonolo Nyatshane from North West took home the top prize, while Kgabo Tauatsoala from Gauteng won the Performing Arts scholarship. Alongside the main scholarship announcements, a year-long internship at Moving into Dance was awarded to Ntokozo Malope from Gauteng. The Market Theatre Laboratory’s head, Charaé Halley, also extended invitations to four of the Performing Arts finalists Mpumelelo Dlamini (Mpumalanga), Nosipho Thabede (KwaZulu-Natal), Zime Silinda and Nosipho Nhlapo (both from Gauteng), to audition for scholarships in the 2025 performance programme.

In addition to the scholarships, winners received a Huawei MatPad T and Samsung gear courtesy of MTN, while all 15 finalists were presented with MTN goodie bags as tokens of appreciation.

“I’m very appreciative of this opportunity that ACT has given,” Nyatshane said. “I am proud of all the finalists. Thank you for the platform to express ourselves.”

Tauatsoala said: “First and foremost, glory be to God. I am truly grateful for the strength God has given me throughout this journey. A big thank you to the judges, my mom, cast members, and the ACT for their incredible support.”

The finalists showcased their creativity and talent through an array of performances and visual works, each reflecting the theme NyolohaAfrica: Our Canvas, Our Voice, Our Future. The event also highlighted the exceptional work of local designer Thato Mahlangu, who created costumes for the finalists. Mahlangu won the ACT NSP designer competition earlier this year.

Reflecting on the event, ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen said: “Untapped talent abounds throughout this country, and through initiatives like the ACT NSP, along with the unwavering commitment from sponsors like Nedbank, Sun International, MTN, and BASA, we can begin to develop futures for young artists.”

Nedbank executive head of corporate social investment Poovi Pillay echoed this sentiment, congratulating the winners and highlighting the bank’s continued investment in the arts. “Nyoloha means ‘to rise’, and all 15 finalists are our rising stars.”