NEFCISA is empowering South Africa’s creative workforce by linking passionate individuals with forward-thinking organisations. Through paid placements, training, and collaboration, the programme helps creatives gain real industry experience while supporting organisations that drive cultural and social development.
Igniting South Africa’s Creative Workforce - In partnership with the Social Employment Fund (SEF)
Overview
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is proud of its partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for its Social Employment Fund (SEF).
Through this collaboration, MIAF is running a national programme that is creating jobs, addressing skills gaps, and strengthening South Africa’s creative industries — in line with the SEF’s overarching goal to generate work for the common good and build community value through employment, social contribution, and inclusive economic participation.
Operating under the banner NEFCISA (National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa), the initiative is recruiting and training participants, matching them with host organisations, and has already placed 1 500 workers across the country — surpassing its original target of 1 000. NEFCISA is delivered through a network of 20 host organisations spanning five provinces, who are actively hosting participants and contributing to work for the common good across South Africa’s creative and cultural industries.
Key Objectives:
- Support employment and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
- Offer skills development and training programmes.
- Foster partnerships between public and private creative sectors.
- Promote South African creativity at both provincial and national levels
- Foster community development through social contribution.
Jobs created
Provinces reached
Months
Host organisations
Participants trained
Training sessions held
Highlights
Music In Africa Foundation
MIAF begins rollout of IP training for creative and cultural industries
January 27, 2026
Music In Africa Foundation
Call for applications: Music In Africa Foundation Intern arts administrators (part-time)
January 9, 2026
Music In Africa Foundation
Internship opportunities in media and creative fields at the MIAF
December 10, 2025
Music In Africa Foundation
Call for applications: MIAF monitoring and evaluation officer
November 10, 2025
Music In Africa Foundation
MIAF launches National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa
November 5, 2025
Music In Africa Foundation
Recording studios wanted: Partner with MIAF to produce music for social impact
November 4, 2025
Become a NEFCISA Host Organisation or Worker
Host Organisations:
You’re an organisation that exists within the creative industry of South Africa in the following provinces and are eager to collaborate with MIAF to generate work for common good.
Why NEFICSA?
As a host organisation, you benefit from talented workers in areas such as production support, scheduling, media, administration, and other creative sector roles:
- No cost to you — all workers are paid by NEFCISA.
- Flexible placements — take on as many workers as your HR needs allow, for durations that suit your operations.
- Capacity building — provide a supportive environment where workers can contribute meaningfully while developing their skills.
The catchment area for the programme consists of:
- Gauteng
- Western Cape
- KZN
- Free State
- Mpumalanga
As a Host Organisation, you must:
- Be involved in the cultural and creative industries
- Host and supervise participants for the full 10-month placement period
- Support the workers training during the placement
This form is intended for recording studios and music production hubs in South Africa that wish to collaborate in implementing a national social-impact initiative focused on job creation, skills development, and community upliftment in the creative industries.
Workers:
You’re a worker, who is interested in the creative and cultural industries of South Africa.
Why this programme is right for you:
- Paid Work Placement – Receiving pay for hands on experience in the creative industry.
- Skills Development and Training – induction and role-specific training designed to strengthen your creative, technical, and professional skills.
- Pathway to Future Employment: work-ready, improving your chances of securing permanent roles or freelance opportunities after completion.
As a worker, you must:
- Be currently unemployed and seeking work.
- Be a South African citizen or have confirmed refugee status with permission to work.
- Have demonstrable skills or experience relevant to creative sector roles.
ABOUT NEFCISA
The National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa (NEFCISA) is a national work placement and skills development programme designed to strengthen South Africa’s creative economy. Powered by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) through the Social Employment Fund (SEF), NEFCISA connects skilled but unemployed creatives to meaningful work opportunities that deliver real community value.
South Africa’s cultural and creative industries are rich in talent, cultural identity, and economic potential, yet many creatives face limited access to jobs, training, and organisational support. NEFCISA directly responds to this challenge.
Through a structured national system, the programme is recruiting and training participants, matching them with vetted host organisations across five provinces, and has placed over 1 500 young workers into part-time creative roles.
NEFCISA focuses on three key impact areas:
Community and Public Art: music, film, theatre, visual arts
Digital Inclusion: animation, broadcasting, photography, videography, gaming, and digital media
Youth Support and Recreation: dance, fashion, literature
Participants receive onboarding, workplace integration support, and role-specific training to ensure they gain relevant, in-demand skills. Host organisations benefit from trained talent to expand their public-facing creative programmes and impact.
NEFCISA is more than an employment initiative. It is a strategic investment in the growth, professionalism, and sustainability of South Africa’s creative sector, unlocking pathways for long-term careers, entrepreneurial development, and sector transformation.

Music In Africa Foundation
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Rosebank
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 56
Participants document community initiatives, profile music stakeholders, digitise cultural content and support music education, events and creative enterprise development. Their work improves access to African music knowledge, preserves cultural heritage and strengthens the continent’s creative economy.
Website: https://musicinafrica.net
Spotless Worx SA
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: KwaMashu, Inanda, and Berea
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 21
Participants support music projects, live events and digital content production through artist coordination, event logistics, social media and marketing. The programme creates employment while promoting local artists and community-based cultural initiatives.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/spotlessworxsa
iSupport Music Business
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: Durban Central
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 20
Participants contribute to branding, digital marketing, content creation, publicity, research and event administration for community and creative projects. Their work increases visibility for local organisations and expands access to creative opportunities.
Website: https://isupportdoyou.com
Bridges for Music
Based: Cape Town, Western Cape
Operating in: Langa
Theme: Youth Support and Recreation
Participants: 20
Participants create and promote music addressing social issues while developing practical industry skills. The programme empowers young people through creative expression, community engagement and cultural participation.
Website: https://bridgesformusic.org
BUPILA (Pty) Ltd
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Pretoria Central, KwaMashu (KZN), Margate (KZN)
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 156
Participants work across event production, technical services, marketing, artist liaison, hospitality and administration. The programme develops employable skills while expanding access to cultural events and supporting creative entrepreneurship.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/folklorefestival.za
Maboneng Township Arts Experience
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Alexandra, Soweto, Katlehong, Marlboro Gardens, Sebokeng, Cape Town CBD (WC), Milnerton (WC), Gugulethu (WC), Osizweni (KZN), Emalahleni (MP)
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 308
Participants support township tourism, cultural events and community activations through visitor services, events and digital engagement. The programme strengthens township economies while increasing access to arts and culture.
Website: https://www.maboneng.com
UKZN Centre for Creative Arts
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: Durban Central, Glenmore, and Shakaville
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 150
Participants support arts festivals, multimedia projects and community outreach initiatives that promote inclusion, cultural participation and creative skills development.
Website: https://cca.ukzn.ac.za
Botaki Ba Afrika
Based: Pretoria, Gauteng
Operating in: Hatfield
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 71
Participants contribute to visual arts, music, literature, exhibitions, performances and public programmes. The initiative makes arts more accessible while developing emerging creative practitioners.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/botakibaafrika
Fun House
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: Durban Central and KwaNgcolosi
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 41
Participants support the Branded Voices Unheard initiative through music, theatre, visual arts and digital media. The programme develops creative skills and creates opportunities for artists from underserved communities.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/official_fun_house
The Wot-if? Trust
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Diepsloot and Phake Thabeng (MP)
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 65
Participants support township businesses, creative skills development, environmental projects and community events. The programme promotes inclusive economic participation and sustainable community development.
Website: https://wot-if.co.za
Cultural and Creative Industries Guild of Africa (CCIGA)
Based: Midrand, Gauteng
Operating in: Carswald, Crowthorne, Bloemfontein (FS), Phutaditjhaba (FS), Emalahleni (MP), Victor Khanye (MP), George (WC) and Hermanus (WC)
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 100
Participants work in media production, podcasting, photography, graphic design, digital marketing and technical production, increasing access to creative opportunities across multiple provinces.
Website: https://cciga.org.za
African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO)
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Selby, Krugersdorp, Dundonald (MP), and Ermelo (MP)
Theme: Youth Support and Recreation
Participants: 209
Participants collect and process recyclable waste while supporting community recycling initiatives. The programme creates sustainable livelihoods, improves environmental outcomes and promotes circular economy practices.
Website: https://www.africanreclaimers.org
Jazzworx
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Bryanston
Theme: Youth Support and Recreation
Participants: 21
Participants create music and awareness campaigns addressing social issues while gaining experience in recording, production and artist development.
Website: https://www.jazzworx.com
Bassline Live
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Rosebank
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 3
Participants support live music events, artist development, audience engagement and community outreach, helping expand access to South Africa’s live music sector.
Website: https://bassline.co.za
The Music Imbizo
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: Durban Central
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 40
Participants support music industry workshops, conferences, performances and digital communication activities, helping emerging artists build sustainable careers.
Website: https://www.themusicimbizo.co.za
Jazz in the Native Yards
Based: Cape Town, Western Cape
Operating in: Woodstock, Gugulethu, and Langa
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 50
Participants support township jazz performances, artist coordination and community events that preserve South African jazz heritage and broaden audience access.
Website: https://jazzinthenativeyards.co.za
RGB Gaming
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Glenferness AH and Fourways
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 15
Participants support gaming arena operations, event production and digital design initiatives that champion student sportsmanship and build inclusive, positive digital communities at a local level.
Website: https://www.rgbgaming.co.za
Katanimate Animation Studio
Based: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Operating in: Berea
Theme: Digital Inclusion
Participants: 5
Participants support 3D animation production, production coordination and digital content creation that empower underrepresented youth and enrich public broadcasting with authentic local storytelling.
Website:
Western Cape Arts Festival
Based: Knysna, Western Cape
Operating in: Knysna Central and Concordia
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 35
Participants support cultural mapping, creative event production and craft market trading that preserve indigenous heritage and revitalise local cultural economies.
Website: https://wcartsfest.org.za
The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative
Based: Emakhazeni, Mpumalanga
Operating in: Bushbuckridge, Emalahleni, Mbombela, Secunda
Theme: Community and Public Art
Participants: 140
Participants support arts education facilitation, community performance development and local arts administration that expand cultural participation in rural communities and empower youth through creative engagement.
Website: https://forgottenangle.co.za
8Tones
Based: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Operating in: Orange Farm
Theme: Youth Support and Recreation
Participants: 31
Participants support arts education facilitation, community performance development and local arts administration that expand cultural participation in rural communities and empower youth through creative engagement.
Website: https://www.8tones.africa
ONBOARDING & OFFBOARDING
Whether you’re just starting out or coming to the end of your placement, these tools help you manage the key steps in your NEFCISA journey.
Participant feedback and exit form
Completing your journey with NEFCISA? Use this form to share your experience and formally close out your placement.
Link: https://wkf.ms/4kELgVb
Request for reference letter
Need a reference letter to support your next opportunity? Submit your request here and our team will assist.
Link: https://wkf.ms/4583PtX
TRAINING
Complete your training feedback tool and then request for certification related to your training as a NEFCISA participant.
Training feedback form
Help us improve future training sessions by sharing your feedback on the content, delivery, and overall experience.
Link: https://wkf.ms/44zAska
Request for training certificate
Completed your training? Request your certificate of completion.
Link: https://wkf.ms/4w8P6Lh
WHISTLEBLOWER PROGRAMME
SEE SOMETHING WRONG? SPEAK UP.
NEFCISA is committed to providing a safe, fair, and respectful environment for all participants. If you experience, witness, or become aware of misconduct, report it anonymously through this platform.
Report issues such as:
- Fraud, corruption or misuse of programme funds
- Demands for money from participants, kickbacks or bribes
- Sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse
- Bullying, victimisation or intimidation
- Unfair dismissals or retaliation
- Abuse of authority or any conduct that places participants at risk
Reports should be made honestly, in good faith, and based on information you reasonably believe to be true.
Report here: https://wkf.ms/442dl1r
PROTECT YOUR PROGRAMME. PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY. REPORT MISCONDUCT.
FAQ
The National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa (NEFCISA) is a national employment and skills development programme supporting South Africa’s creative industries.
Yes. NEFCISA is a live, active programme.
Host Organisations: Any creative industry businesses, organisations, or projects across South Africa that can provide meaningful work placements and skills development opportunities for creatives. Host organisations must be able to support practical learning, mentorship, and contribute to community impact through their placements.
Workers / Participants: Skilled but unemployed creatives across South Africa who are seeking practical work experience, professional development, and exposure to real-world projects in the cultural and creative industries. Applicants should have a relevant skill set or background and be ready to contribute meaningfully to host organisations.
Free State, Gauteng, KZN, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape.
Participants are placed in part-time creative roles hosted by organisations operating across the cultural and creative industries.
Placements run for a maximum of 10 months.
You can apply through the submission portal found in the ‘JOIN NOW’ page.
Organisation HR Manual/policy, organogram, CIPC/NGO Certificate, registration documentation
Recruitment is the responsibility of the host organisations while the actual contracting will be between the worker and MIAF. All host organisations are encouraged to present a call for workers to their existing networks within the sector.
NEFCISA is delivered in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), as Strategic Implementing Partner for the Social Employment Fund (SEF).
SEF is a bold and ambitious fund aimed at tackling unemployment, administered by the IDC and delivered under the Presidential Employment Stimulus.
NEFCISA is currently being implemented under Round 4 of the IDC’s SEF programme. The current funding cycle is scheduled to conclude on 30 August 2026.
Participants and host organisations will be informed during August 2026 as soon as decisions regarding future funding and the continuation of the programme become available.
You can contact the Project Coordinator, Neo Gcabo, via email at [email protected]
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