For Immediate Release – 08 April 2026
In consideration of the school holiday period, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has extended the application deadline for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) to Monday, 27 April 2026, to give young performing and visual and digital artists across South Africa more time to meet the deadline.
Now in its fifth iteration, the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, sponsored by Nedbank, Sun International and the MTN Foundation, supports exceptional talent through funding for accredited tertiary study in the arts from 2027, with two scholarships valued at R300 000 each. Beyond financial assistance, the ACT NSP plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of South African creative professionals through a structured 4-month online mentorship and skills development programme. This programme is facilitated by industry experts in the visual and performing arts.
In addition to the online application process, ACT invites schools, community centres, and organisations that would like to host an in-person open call session to get in touch. To request a school or community visit, please send an email to info@act.org.za and marketing@act.org.za.
These sessions provide prospective applicants with detailed information on eligibility criteria, application requirements, and guidance on how to submit a strong application.
The ACT NSP has contributed to the growth of numerous emerging artists who have gone on to build sustained careers in the creative industries. Its alumni include award-winning performer Tankiso Mamabolo, a 2011 scholarship recipient who developed her practice as an independent songwriter, composer, and singer after completing her studies at the University of Cape Town. She has since released 2 albums and recently starred as Mama Morton in the musical Chicago.
Other notable alumni include Wonder Ndlovu, known for roles in Justice Served, GO, and Scandal!; and Dillon Windvogel, recognised for his role as Wade Daniels in Blood & Water as well as appearances in Spinners and Arendsvlei.
Candice Modiselle, a 2012 scholarship alumna, has established herself as a leading media personality, television presenter, and actress on Generations: The Legacy. She was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans (2023), has hosted platforms such as Forbes 30 Under 30, and continues to build her profile as an entrepreneur and public figure.
More recently, visual artist Rick Baloyi, a 2019 scholarship recipient, has gained recognition through his commission for a curated arts experience at Africa’s first Montreux Jazz Arts Festival in Franschhoek. His work has been exhibited in multiple gallery shows and is featured on Latitudes Online.
These journeys reflect the long-term impact of the programme in enabling young artists to access education, refine their craft, and contribute to South Africa’s growing creative economy.
Key details:
- Applications now close on Monday, 27 April 2026.
- Applications are open to South African emerging artists aged 17–25 and who qualify for tertiary education.
- Disciplines include acting, singing, dance, visual arts, and digital arts.
- The application platform can be accessed at act.org.za/nyoloha.
- The scholarship covers tuition and study materials for accredited tertiary study commencing in 2027.
ACT encourages all eligible applicants to apply within the extended time frame and to make use of the available support channels to ensure their applications are completed successfully.
ENDS
About the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is an undergraduate scholarship initiative that provides life-changing opportunities for school leavers to pursue tertiary studies in the performing, visual, and digital arts. Through a blend of mentorship, training, and live showcases, participants gain professional exposure, build networks, and prepare for sustainable careers in the creative economy. The programme is proudly supported by long-term partners Nedbank and MTN South Africa.
Programme structure and outcomes
- Identifies emerging talent nationwide through auditions and portfolio reviews.
- Provides 4 months of mentorship and workshops with industry leaders.
- Culminates in an exhibition and performing arts event to showcase finalists’
- Awards 2 full scholarships annually (valued at R300 000 each) in performing, visual and digital arts disciplines.
- Builds an alumni network that connects graduates to professional work opportunities in the creative industries.
Quick stats
- The programme has awarded 8 scholarships awarded since the 2022 relaunch of the programme.
- Has trained and mentored 257 young South Africans since 2022.
- More than 30 alumni employed for entertainment services at corporate events since September 2024 through the Nedbank Arts Affinity and other corporate partners.
- Over 100 direct professional gig opportunities created for the arts and related support sectors.
Celebrating 32 years of arts excellence – Arts & Culture Trust
The 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, as well as arts management, education, and administration.
Over the past 32 years, ACT has supported more than 830+ arts, culture, and heritage development projects countrywide, including small businesses. For more information, 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 R32 million over 32 years to support 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 Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, the ACT Thuthukisani Programme, and the ACT Tlholo Project. For more information, visit any Nedbank branch, call 0860 555 111 or go to nedbankarts.co.za.
About Sun International
Sun International is a leading South African gaming, hospitality and entertainment group, with a portfolio of 15 hotels, 2 premier resorts, 11 casinos and online betting through its SunBet platform. Known for iconic destinations such as Sun City and The Table Bay Hotel, the group delivers premium leisure and conferencing experiences to local and international guests. Beyond its core operations, Sun International is committed to sustainability and socio-economic development, supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact in communities across South Africa. This includes more than 30 years of support for the Arts & Culture Trust, contributing to the development of arts and culture projects nationwide.
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 its customers. They are inspired by their 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’. Their strategy is Ambition 2026: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Follow MTN:
twitter.com/MTNza
linkedin.com/company/mtn