Arts scholarship finalists are shining
By Heather Dugmore
Each year, phenomenally talented young people from all over our country apply for the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha scholarships in performing and digital or visual arts.
Sponsored by Nedbank and MTN South Africa, these scholarships are part of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (ACT NSP), in which over 60 young artists in all the arts genres participate every year. This includes a 3-month mentorship leading up to the selection of 15 finalists and the announcement of 2 scholarship winners. Each of the scholarships is valued at R300 000 and the winners use it to study towards an arts qualification at a South African higher education arts institution of their choice.
Nyoloha” means “to rise”, and all the participants in this programme are rising stars,’ says Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Impact Nedbank. ‘Their talent and commitment is why Nedbank sponsors this and other ACT programmes to elevate recognition for the arts as a critical sector of our economy, a viable career, and an essential developer of human thought and consciousness.’
Three rising stars, all scholarship finalists, participated in the Q&A below. Before 2022, the ACT NSP was known as the ACT Scholarship Programme.
Mosie Mamaregane
2017 ACT scholarship finalist | Actress, writer and director
How old are you and where did you grow up?
I’m 27 and I grew up in Limpopo in a township called Seshego.
What was your home life like while you were growing up?
I was exposed to a richly creative life inspired by my siblings and friends. My younger years were filled with talent shows, school competitions, hiring DVDs on Fridays and going to the cinema with friends to catch the release of a new film.
Where do you live now and why do you live here?
I live in Johannesburg because most of my work is this side.
Why did you apply to the ACT NSP?
To further my acting studies after matriculating from the National School of the Arts (NSA) in Johannesburg where I majored in Drama and Theatre.
What part of the mentorship helped you the most?
Working with Rethabile Mothobi, the mentor for Drama, was a truly nurturing and insightful experience. Her guidance and care for the craft sharpened my skill a lot.
How has the ACT NSP helped you grow?
It facilitated my growth by making me realise just how much potential I have to make a living in the industry.
How has the ACT NSP helped to shape your career?
By creating a platform to have access to other creative artists, fostering a beautiful collaborative relationship.
How would you describe yourself before you joined the programme?
I would describe myself as someone who has always known what I wanted from life. I believe that my passion and talents are God-given. I just needed a platform to shine.
How would you describe yourself now?
I am the same person but there has been immense growth in my skill, and I know it’s a career that can sustain me if I continue to execute it well.
Please describe your career now? What do you do and where do you perform?
I am a Naledi Award winner for the best young theatre maker’s production Peeling Shadows. I also received international acclaim as a director, writer and performer for my adaptation of Nobel Prize nominee Es’kia Mphahlele’s Down2Avenue that was staged at Jersey City Theatre Centre in New York in November and December 2024.
What was it like performing at the Nedbank corporate event in February?
It was nothing short of amazing! The co-ordinator Keitumetse Mbatha and facilitator Awande Dube managed the process so gracefully, and choreographer Sunnyboy Motau, who received the ACT ImpACT Award in 2016, was brilliant. I would definitely do it again.
You have your own company. What do you offer?
Acting Coach – the business I started in collaboration with Tenfold Media – offers actors an understanding of the details of their craft. We offer a channel of services, including acting methods for beginners, camera and character chemistry work, vocal guide exercises, acting audition material and a self-tape shot professionally in studio.
What do you need to do to grow your business?
I need more clientele and more casting directors and agents to send their beginner actors for these workshop sessions. I need to engage more with the corporate industry to bridge the gap between creative passion and business in the arts.
How do you feel about the arts in South Africa?
I feel the arts in South Africa needs a strong and transparent funding stream that supports the high standard of work that is being produced. Too many talented artists are facing financial crises. We need proper channels where artists’ needs are heard and met. At the moment, issues are aired on social media but mostly go no further. We also need more community arts development centres and more libraries that are facilitated by appointed community arts councillors.
What is your dream and ambition?
Besides what I do and love, I also have dreams to pursue a music career and do more film work. Overall, my dream is to become the best version of myself in every sense of the term – artistically and as a human being. I want to spread the confidence and light that I have gained to unlock something positive for someone else.
Nondumiso Mbewe
2022 ACT Nyoloha scholarship finalist | Visual artist
How old are you and where did you grow up?
I am 25 and I was born and raised in Hospital View, Tembisa. I have lived there for 20 years, born and raised, and I’m still living there.
What was your home life like while you were growing up?
I was raised by my mother and older brother as my father passed away when I was 3, leaving my Mom to take care of us. My father’s death deeply affected us emotionally, and life was financially challenging at times. But my Mom made sure we had what we needed. I attended Tersia King Learning Academy and matriculated in 2016. My father ensured that our education would be taken care of with a fund that had he set up for our school expenses.
Why did you apply to the ACT NSP?
I applied because I was a self-taught artist. I started drawing during lockdown while studying towards a diploma in Administrative Management from Tshwane University of Technology. I graduated, but I was really interested in furthering my studies in painting or drawing and was in need of a scholarship.
How did you hear about the ACT NSP?
I saw a post on Instagram.
How has the ACT NSP helped you grow?
When I started the ACT NSP my drawing abilities were very limited. I was afraid of making mistakes and constantly worried about the work being perfect instead of doing my best and trying again through trial and error.
What part of the mentorship helped you the most?
It helped me overcome my fear of drawing and enabled me to complete the artwork. It helped me understand that I need to be less hard on myself and trust my drawing abilities.
How has the ACT NSP helped to shape your career?
It helped me learn more about different styles of art and, importantly, it taught me how to be a professional artist. The programme helped me realise that this is truly my passion and that I can make money from my work while loving what I do. I went from drawing on paper to learning how to customise sneakers and denim jackets. I’m now venturing in murals and creating comic books. The programme helped open my eyes and understand that being an artist has many dimensions into which I can channel my career.
How would you describe yourself before you joined the programme?
I was very unsure, very doubtful and not so optimistic. I would say I lacked a lot of faith in pursuing an artistic career, especially as a self-taught artist who lacked knowledge about drawing and painting techniques.
How would you describe yourself now?
Very optimistic! I have clear and achievable goals as an artist and a creative entrepreneur.
Please describe your career now.
Besides my own business, I have just been offered a new position as a sneaker customiser for Sneaker District, which is a premium sneaker store in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. A highlight from 2024 is the stall I had with the 10 Million Makers sneaker customisers in September for the ACT 30th anniversary celebration. It was awesome! I sold my own designed bags and had the opportunity to connect with other artists and vendors.
You have your own company. What do you offer?
I am the owner of Ndumicreations, a sneaker and clothing custom-designing business. I started this business while I was studying when I realised people were willing to pay me to create designs on their sneakers and other items. My services include sneaker and clothing customisation, denim design and embroidery. There’s a demand for my services based on the rise of self-expression within the youth culture, expressed through clothing, art and fashion. My business is doing well and I hope to own my own customisation lab one day, working with large sneaker orders.
What do you need to do to grow your business?
I need to improve my marketing skills so that I can reach a larger market and new audience.
How do you feel about the arts in South Africa?
The arts in South Africa are growing at a rapid rate, with more South African artists being recognised here and abroad. Many artists are collaborating with other brands, which is a step in the right direction.
What is your dream and ambition?
My dream is to have a group and solo exhibition and to own my sneaker customisation lab. My biggest ambition would be to customise sneakers in different countries for major sneaker outlets and to paint murals for local and international clients.
Sphesihle Hlatshwayo
2023 ACT Nyoloha scholarship finalist | Portrait artist
How old are you and where did you grow up?
I am 19 and I grew up in Daveyton township in Benoni, Johannesburg.
What was your home life like when you were growing up?
My great-grandmother and my mother raised me, and life was not always stable as resources were scarce. Art was never seen as a career option in the township, but despite these challenges, I always had a deep connection with art.
Where do you live now and why do you live here?
I live in Pretoria, where I’m studying Fine Arts at Tshwane University of Technology. I live here because of the opportunities for my artistic growth and education.
How did you hear about the ACT NSP?
Through Keitumetse Mbatha from ACT who came to my school to tell us about the ACT NSP, as well as through my network and art channels that share opportunities for young artists in South Africa.
Why did you apply to the ACT NSP?
To grow, both artistically and professionally, to learn from some of the best in the industry, and to connect with a community of artists.
How has the ACT NSP helped you grow?
It has helped me to refine my craft. I create portraits using gas flame on wooden board and candle smoke on tissue. It has given me the opportunity to work with accomplished mentors and broadened my understanding of the art industry. It has given me the tools to succeed creatively and professionally.
What part of the mentorship helped you the most?
Learning how to stay true to my unique style while also expanding my technical skills. My mentors helped me understand the importance of patience, consistency and believing in myself. The mentorship has significantly shaped how I approach my work, making me more confident in my artistry and career choices.
How has the ACT NSP helped to shape your career?
It gave me key opportunities to showcase my work and gave me access to a network of like-minded artists and professionals.
What were you unsure of or lacking before joining the programme?
I was unsure of how to take my art to the next level and how to present it professionally. I lacked some business skills, especially in navigating the art world and promoting my work.
How would you describe yourself before you joined the programme?
Before I joined the programme, I was an aspiring artist with raw talent but lacked the guidance and tools needed to refine my craft and navigate the art world. I was uncertain about how to develop my voice and make an impact in the industry.
How would you describe yourself now?
I am a more confident and focused artist with a clear vision for my work. I understand the value of persistence and patience in honing my craft. The mentorship has helped me grow into an artist who is not just passionate but also professional in how I approach my career.
What are you doing currently?
While doing my Fine Arts diploma at Tshwane University of Technology, I have had the opportunity to showcase my work at events like the Ekurhuleni Arts Showcase and a collaboration art showcase at the Pretoria State Theatre. I have gained recognition for my unique candle-smoke portraits, which have been featured in major media like Times Live, Briefly South Africa and Newzroom Africa.
What do you need to do to improve your artistry?
I need to continue pushing my boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and refining my skills in both traditional and innovative mediums. It’s important to constantly evolve as an artist, and I plan to challenge myself with new methods that enable me to express myself in deeper and more impactful ways.
What do you need to do to improve your skills?
I need to know more about the art market and develop stronger strategies for self-promotion, networking, and managing my career. Understanding the business side of art will help me sustain my practice and grow my presence in the art world.
How do you feel about the arts in South Africa?
The arts in South Africa are vibrant, full of talent, and incredibly diverse. However, there’s still a need for more support, recognition, and resources for artists, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. I hope to contribute to the arts community and see it continue growing in new and exciting ways.
What is your dream and ambition?
My dream is to be a globally recognised artist who creates impactful work that resonates with people from all walks of life. I want to inspire those who, like me, didn’t have the resources but found a way to tell their story. I would like to build a platform where I can share my work and guide emerging artists who are in similar situations to where I started. My ambition is to build a legacy through my art, challenging perceptions and connecting with audiences worldwide.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ACT, together with long-term partner Nedbank and returning partners Sun International and MTN South Africa, strongly believes in helping to build a better, more educated and sustainable arts industry in South Africa. The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme rewards commitment, excellence and growth potential.
Don’t forget to visit www.act.org.za/nyoloha before 30 March 2025 to view the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme open-call details and start paving your way to a brighter future.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Arts & Culture Trust – 31 years of supporting arts in South Africa
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent development and art investment organisation. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the capacity for arts and culture initiatives to create sustainable futures through development and investment in innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. Through structured development programmes, ACT provides support to all expressions of arts and culture, including literature, music, visual art, theatre, and dance. This support extends to festivals, community arts initiatives, arts management, arts education, and arts administration. Over the past 31 years ACT has supported more than 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide, including small businesses.
For more information, please visit the ACT website, follow them on X, or like their Facebook page.
About Nedbank
In partnership with ACT, the Nedbank Arts Affinity has donated more than R30 million over 31 years to support over 830 arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of talented young artists in South Africa, simply link your Nedbank Greenbacks to the Arts Affinity and Nedbank will donate money to ACT, at no cost to you. The Arts Affinity currently supports the ACT Thuthukisani Programme and the ACT Tlholo Project. For more information, visit any Nedbank branch, call us on 0860 555 111 or visit nedbankarts.co.za.
About MTN South Africa
Launched in 1994, MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Follow us:
About Sun International
The Sun International brand has a proud legacy in the gaming, hospitality, conferencing, leisure and entertainment sectors. Sun International’s iconic properties, such as the world-famous Palace of The Lost City Hotel at Sun City and the magnificent Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town – situated on the water’s edge of the V&A Waterfront – have become synonymous with luxury, comfort and outstanding service, firmly establishing the group’s position as an internationally recognised premium brand.
Sun International’s diverse South African property portfolio includes 15 hotels, 2 premier resorts and 11 well-located casinos – all of which offer modern, fully equipped conferencing and banqueting facilities, while the Sun Vacation Club at Sun City is now a leading timeshare model in the country.
The group is also the local industry leader in online gaming. Thanks to the latest global technology, betting through its SunBet platform, Sun International also offers the most innovative and exciting online betting experience available.
The group has also set the standard for hosting events, and their world class arenas remain the preferred venues for international events and shows. The three championship golf courses at the Sun City and Wild Coast Sun resorts regularly host large-scale golfing tournaments, including the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City, which is now part of the European Tour.
Whatever the activity, all Sun International’s properties and facilities offer a quality experience supported by authentic personal service. Most Valued Guests (MVG) are rewarded with exclusive offers and preferential rates through the MVG loyalty programme, designed exclusively for Sun International gaming patrons.
In February 2021, Sun International joined the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of an award-winning, multi-brand loyalty programme called ‘Discovery’. Through GHA, Sun International can now participate in a network with 17 million members that operate in 85 countries.
Sustainability and community involvement form an integral part of the group’s corporate culture. Through collaborative partnerships with government and local business, Sun International’s socio-economic development and environmental initiatives ensure scarce environmental resources are never wasted; and the group is committed to providing ongoing and meaningful support to vulnerable communities throughout South Africa.