7 JULY 2026
A new wave of South African artists begin their Nyoloha journey
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is thrilled to announce the 60 qualifying participants selected for the 2026 ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP), supported by Nedbank, Sun International and MTN South Africa.
The ACT NSP, now in its fifth year, gives talented young South African performing, visual and digital artists the opportunity to develop their creative practice and career readiness through mentorship, professional development training and industry exposure. At the end of the programme, 2 undergraduate scholarships will be awarded to selected participants to study at a recognised arts institution in South Africa in 2027.
As ACT’s flagship youth development initiative, the ACT NSP continues to identify and nurture emerging artistic talent from across South Africa, creating pathways for young creatives to access education, strengthen their craft, and build sustainable careers in the cultural and creative industries.
2026 ACT NSP participants
Central inland and western provinces
(Free State, North West and Northern Cape)
- Kelebogile Tabane (Acting)
- Lerato Michelle Mbewe (Dance)
- Moipone Mathapelo Audrey Mahlatsi (Digital Arts)
- Oregolele Amanda Shopane (Multiple Performing Arts)
- Kelebogile Freda Kandula (Acting)
- Simphiwe Olerato Hope Pono (Singing)
- Kago Jerome Ried (Acting)
Coastal provinces
(KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape)
- Asekhona Gila (Dance)
- Bjorn Gerhard Krüger (Singing)
- Bonang Charity Libuke (Visual Arts)
- Cebolozakha Khumalo (Dance)
- Christina Elizabeth Bolley (Visual Arts)
- Emihle Ndenetya (Dance)
- Jan-Paul Herselman (Digital Arts)
- Jodi Rhoda (Dance)
- Lilitha Spelman (Singing)
- Morgan Ruth Wilson (Visual Arts)
- Nazeerah Ceres (Visual Arts)
- Phakama Phewa (Dance)
- Sinokuhle Langa (Multiple Performing Arts)
- Xoliswa Mkhize (Singing)
- Simangele Queen Kubheka (Singing)
- Mxolisi Gcwabe Mkhize (Dance)
- Lucia Nelisiwe Nhaguilinguane (Singing)
- Sindisiwe Noxolo Dlamini (Dance)
- Andiswa Slindile Gumede (Acting)
- Kelello Mokhele (Acting)
- Mbulelo James (Acting)
- Mehluko Mholi Mdunge (Acting)
- Aphiwe Sandisiwe Dlamini (Dance)
- Alwande Mngoma (Singing)
- Owami Qiniso Ngcobo (Dance)
- Makhosi Nomcebo Dubazane (Singing)
- Andiswa Aphelele Mbanjwa (Dance)
- Tshegofatso Mphoentle Shikwane (Digital Arts)
- Daina Eva Armstrong (Visual Arts)
Northern inland provinces
(Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng)
- Archie Kgomotso Makuru (Acting)
- Boikano Zibanzi Dzunisa Khumalo (Visual Arts)
- Gift Sbusiso Hlophe (Acting)
- Juana Nhlanhla Khoza (Acting)
- Kai-Li Ding (Digital Arts)
- Kgomotso Lungile Malindisa (Visual Arts)
- Mbulelo Wandile Mafu (Acting)
- Neo Neo Nwafor (Visual Arts)
- Nobuntu Manzini (Digital Arts)
- Owakhe Khanya Sinxoto (Dance)
- Lesego Tyra Nyoni (Acting)
- Thapelo Kamohelo Monkhe (Dance)
- Thobile Radebe (Acting)
- Tshiamo Maminyana Chantell Kekana (Singing)
- Xolani Nkosi (Digital Arts)
- NHLAWULEKE Asher Shileng (Singing)
- Inga Tsholoba (Dance)
- Thando Paddy Letebele (Multiple Performing Arts)
- Oratile Ali Lekgadimane (Visual Arts)
- Sanele Mtsweni (Visual Arts)
- Lethabo Julie Boshomane (Visual Arts)
- Mpho Julius Netshanzhe (Visual Arts)
- Warona Angela Kaguli (Visual Arts)
- Percy Mathebula (Visual Arts)
The programme started on Saturday, 13 June 2026, and will run until mid-September, with participants taking part in bi-weekly online training and mentorship sessions. Following the training phase, selected participants will be shortlisted for the regional finals week, starting on 26 October 2026. The programme will culminate in a showcase and media event on Saturday, 31 October 2026, where the 2 scholarship recipients will be announced.
This year’s theme, #NyolohaTranscends, draws inspiration from the Sesotho word ‘nyoloha’, meaning ‘to rise’. The theme reflects ACT’s commitment to ensuring that artistic potential is recognised and supported regardless of geography, background or circumstance. It celebrates young creatives who continue to rise above barriers and pursue their artistic ambitions with determination, resilience and imagination.
This year’s mentorship team includes Lungile Themba, Performing Arts Mentor; and Dahlia Maubane, Visual and Digital Arts Mentor.
‘The ACT NSP is about far more than identifying talent; it is about investing in the future of South African creativity’, says Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. ‘Every year we meet remarkable young artists whose passion, discipline and originality inspire us. We are excited to welcome this year’s participants and look forward to witnessing how they grow, collaborate and challenge themselves throughout the programme.’
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, adds: ‘We congratulate the wonderfully talented range of selected participants. We know the programme and mentorship will be a life-changing experience, just as it has been for all those who have come before you. It’s such an exciting time and we look forward to seeing you grow over the next few months.’
Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN, says: ‘Our trusted partnership with the ACT once again enables MTN to support young creatives throughout their journey, from early career development to enterprise creation. As the creative sector becomes increasingly digital, MTN is proud to play a role not only as a provider of digital tools and connectivity, but also through platforms such as the MTN Skills Academy, which helps equip young people with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 NSP participants and look forward to supporting your bright, connected futures.’
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International, says: ‘Behind every successful artist is often a moment when someone recognised their potential and invested in their growth. The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme provides exactly that opportunity. We are proud to support a platform that encourages young creatives to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and build futures shaped by their talent and determination.’
Stay connected with ACT through its website and social media platforms for programme updates and participant highlights throughout the year.
#ACTNyoloha #NyolohaTranscends #ACTSAtalent #ACTSTRAT
ENDS
Interview and media enquiries:
Keitumetse Mbatha
marketing@act.org.za
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 since its relaunch in 2022.
- A total of 257 young South Africans have been trained and mentored since 2022.
- More than 30 alumni have been 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 have been 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 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 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 Wild Coast Sun, 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