Excitement mounted as the MC for the Awards,  Gamelihle Bovana and Arts & Culture Trust CEO, Jessica Denyschen took to the stage to announce the winner of the Nyoloha Digital/Visual Arts scholarship: Bonolo Nyatshane from North West. The tension in the theatre was electric as the name of the winner of the Nyoloha Performing Arts scholarship: Kgabo Tauatsoala from Gauteng followed. The pouring of congratulations and applause was deafening.

A year-long internship at Moving into Dance was awarded to Ntokozo Malope from Gauteng. Charaé Halley, Head of the Market Theatre Laboratory (MTL), invited Mpumelelo Dlamini, from Mpumalanga, Nosipho Thabede from Kwazulu Natal, Zime Silinda from Gauteng, and Nosipho Nhlapo from Gauteng – 4 of the finalists in Performing Arts category – to audition for a chance to win a scholarship for the 2025 performance programme at the MTL. The scholarship winners also received a Huawei MatPad T and Samsung gear sponsored by MTN and all 15 finalists each received a goodie bag from MTN.

Both winners are grateful to ACT, the sponsors and their fellow finalists for the recognition their Awards bring. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, making their futures brighter. ‘I’m very appreciative of this opportunity that ACT has given and I am proud of all the finalists. Thank you for the opportunity, and for providing a platform to express ourselves,’ said Bonolo Nyatshane, the visual/digital arts scholarship winner. The performing arts scholarship winner Kgabo Tauatsoala was overwhelmed with emotion, saying, ‘First and foremost, glory be to God. I am truly grateful for the strength God has given me throughout this journey. I would like to thank my mom, my fellow cast members, the artistic director and ACT for their incredible support. A big thank you to the judges as well—I deeply appreciate this recognition.’

The presented artworks, movement, dance and song was touching and impactful as the finalists articulated their perspectives on the present and the future while showing societal transformation through their creative expressions as they took the audience on a journey with their interpretation of this year's theme of "NyolohaAfrica: Our Canvas, Our Voice, Our Future. “

Local alent excelled both on and off stage. Young and upcoming designer, Thato Mahlangu, the winner of the ACT NSP designer competition created the costumes for participants showcasing their talents at the prestigious ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Finals event.

“Untapped talent abounds throughout this country and it is through an initiative such as the ACT NSP and the ongoing unwavering commitment by our sponsors Nedbank, Sun International, MTN and BASA and the support from members of the arts and culture industry, that we are able to begin to develop futures for young artists and performers.' says Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. 'Congratulations to the finalists and the winners. Nyoloha means 'to rise' in Sesotho. We believe the life and creative lessons these rising stars learned through the ACT NSP will positively impact them personally and give them a platform to rise to the top of their creative careers.'

The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme is an undergraduate scholarship programme aimed at providing opportunities for school leavers to pursue a tertiary qualification in the visual and performing arts. In partnership with Nedbank, Sun International, MTN, BASA, Moving Into Dance and the Market Theatre Laboratory. The Arts & Culture Trust has been offering scholarships since 2009.

Through the programme, talented and ambitious young people from across the country are introduced to the world of professional arts through a 3 month intensive training and mentorship period resulting in an a week of rehearsals, excursions and master classes, culminating in a performance showcase and exhibition. Working with industry professionals and experts, participants gain valuable experience and the opportunity to work with other future artists from different backgrounds. To find out more about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, visit act.org.za/nyoloha.

This year the Arts & Culture Trust celebrates 30 years as South Africa’s premier independent arts development and investment organisation and a milestone 30 year partnership with Nedbank.

“Our long term partnership with  Nedbank has created ongoing creative opportunities over three decades through programmes such as the NSP, thereby  blending business and art in new ways, for the benefit of for emerging artists, arts practitioners and the arts and culture industry as a whole.” says Jessica Denyschen. “We thank Nedbank Sun International, MTN and all our sponsors and supporters for their  enormous contributions to the ACT and for making our programmes accessible to South Africans.”

Poovi Pillay, Executive Head for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) at Nedbank, says: ‘Congratulations to the outstanding winners, we know you will excel at your higher education institutions of choice and we look forward to sharing your journey. Just as Nyoloha means ‘to rise’, all of the 15 of the finalists are our rising stars, as are all the other participants in the 80-Strong mentorship programme that led up to the finale. I’d like to share some insights about what this scholarship has meant to our 2023 scholarship winners. The 2023 Visual and Digital Arts Category winner, Azanda Nyangintsimbi, is currently pursuing a fine arts degree at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town. He says: ‘Being awarded the scholarship was a pivotal moment for me; it was incredibly validating to have my potential recognised and it enabled me to come to Michaelis.’ The 2023 Performing Arts Category winner, Naledi Lebelo is pursuing a music diploma at the Campus of Performing Arts in Midrand. She says: ‘I have always loved music and wanted to be a musician. My mother was concerned about my pursuing such a challenging career, but after I won the Arts & Culture Trust Nyoloha Scholarship, she is super proud of me and very supportive of my pursuing a music qualification.’ Their responses speak to why Nedbank sponsors the scholarship and why we sponsor other ACT programmes to elevate arts and culture in our society so that it is recognised as a critical sector of the economy and a viable career.

Niel Nortjé, Manager of the MTN Art Collection says: ‘It was such a tremendous pleasure and privilege to have worked with curator, Zanele Mashumi, and the group of NSP Fine Art finalists when their exhibition was being installed at MTN’s Head Offices. The response to the exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive, with some sales recorded already at opening night. The MTN SA Foundation believes in valuable strategic partnerships, such as with the ACT, that enables opportunities for young creatives from across the art disciplines to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the arts and culture sector. We are especially proud of this year’s scholarship winners and wish to congratulate, and sincerely thank, all the finalists and mentors for how each of them has inspired us. We look forward to seeing how you continue to rise, inspire, and contribute towards the sector and wish you all the very brightest of futures.”

Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development (SED) Specialist at Sun International, says: 'We are especially delighted to host this year’s dazzling gala showcase at Carnival City, one of Sun International’s reputable venues for hosting the country’s biggest live events. Every year I am blown away by the highly talented Nyoloha finalists and their unprecedented high level of superior performance and presentation of artworks. The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme gives talented young people the opportunity to expand, develop and believe in their talents. Sun International is extremely proud and grateful to be part of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship journey and is elated for all the finalists and of course the two winners. We are committed to supporting the ACT in the important and impactful work they do and we look forward to growing this partnership. Congratulations to all the finalists and to the ACT Team!'

Let’s keep #ImpACTingFutures for tomorrow! To keep in touch with the ACT, visit their website, follow them on X or like their Facebook page.  

At the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards held in Johannesburg, Vusmzi Initiative took first place in the Disability Empowerment category, while Lethabo claimed the top spot in the Social Innovation category.

Vusmzi Initiative is a sustainable apiculture and agriculture model that empowers people with disabilities. This innovation opens up socio-economic opportunities for people living in remote and rural communities by establishing beekeeping enterprises.

Lethabo is an AI-powered platform enabling users to manage electricity and water services in their native language. This app simplifies tasks like bill payments, issue reporting, and general enquiries across languages including isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Sesotho using natural language processing.

“The Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards are designed to support entrepreneurs who are developing impactful solutions to address critical social challenges faced by women, youth, people in rural areas and people with disabilities,” says Bridgit Evans, Executive Director of the SAB Foundation. “These capable innovators will receive comprehensive support, including funding, business mentorship and coaching, access to mental health resources, and the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs through our provincial impact meet-ups. This holistic approach ensures they are equipped to drive meaningful change and scale their businesses effectively.”

This year the entries showcased ground-breaking solutions to social issues in health, food waste management, environment, education and other industries.

Another innovation that stood out this year was, Enabled: Affordable Hearing Solutions, an innovative software solution designed to assist individuals with hearing impairments. They were awarded second place in the Disability Empowerment category.

TB Detection AI and Auscultation secured second place in the Social Innovation category for their outstanding work in healthcare. Their advanced digital stethoscope uses AI to detect tuberculosis (TB) and allows healthcare workers, even those without specialised training, to screen for TB quickly and cost-effectively.

“This is the 14^th cohort of our Social Innovation Awards programme and the 9^th cohort in the Disability Empowerment Awards programme who will be embarking on their entrepreneurial journey with us,” says Evans. “To date we have invested over R185 million to assist 326social innovators to grow their businesses. They have created 3 261new jobs and collectively employed 4 475people, which has indirectly impacted 17 900 livelihoods.  The different innovations that they are working on have positively impacted the lives of over 8 million people, diverted over 1.3 million tonnes of waste from landfill and saved 300 million litres of water.”

“We were incredibly excited by the innovations presented this year, and look forward to seeing them change lives in communities that need it the most,” concludes Evans. A heartfelt congratulations to our winners and we are confident that they will remain committed to growing and refining their businesses.”

To learn more about the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards visit https://sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-Awards

Full list of winners of the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards:

DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT AWARDS:

First place: Vusmzi Initiative (Eastern Cape)

A sustainable apiculture and agriculture model that empowers persons with disabilities.

Second place: Enabled: Affordable Hearing Solutions (Western Cape)

An innovative software solution designed to assist individuals with hearing and visual impairments.

Third place: Chief Ralekhudu Enterprises (Gauteng)

A programme that provides scarce skills training for persons with disabilities and the opportunity to earn a certified occupational qualification in wheelchair and assistive device servicing, repair and refurbishment.

Development Award: Sign Language Education and Development (Western Cape)

An interactive online learning programme to train educators in South African Sign Language.

Development Award: NavWok (Kwa-Zulu Natal)

A smart cane technology that provides personalised navigational support for the visually impaired.

Development Award: Enable Centre: Equal Access Programme (Western Cape)

An impactful solution that provides access to rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.  

SOCIAL INNOVATION AWARDS:

First place: Lethabo (Gauteng)

An AI-powered platform enabling users to manage electricity and water services in their native language.

Second place : TB Detection AI and Auscultation (Western Cape)

An advanced digital stethoscope that uses AI to detect tuberculosis (TB).

Third place : Tsepo V3 (Western Cape)

A cost-effective and eco-friendly portable power station to make energy more accessible.

Development Award: Kingdom Vision (Free State)

A collaborative model to improve and expand access to quality eye care for low-income communities.

Development Award: Petricam (Eastern Cape)

An innovative and affordable microbial monitoring solution that makes analysis more accessible.

Development Award: Flexigyn (Western Cape)

A user-guided hysteroscopy platform that enables minimally invasive procedures.

Development Award: Red Academy Career Sprint (Western Cape)

A unique software development programme that immerses students in real-world technology environments.

Development Award: Chelo (Polokwane)

A groundbreaking platform that revolutionises fundraising and project management in education.

Seed Award: Shiyiwa: Community Based Clinics Upgrade Programme (Gauteng)

A community-based programme revolutionising primary healthcare delivery in clinics.

Seed Award: SL Tita Charcoal (Eastern Cape)

A sustainable charcoal manufacturing process using local resources and innovative design.

Seed Award: Leruo (North West)

A mobile app with facial recognition technology to help smallholder farmers register and track their cattle.

Seed Award: Reading Apple (Polokwane)

A cutting-edge digital tool that enhances reading skills using smart AI technology.

Seed Award: Tipped (Western Cape)

A digital tipping solution that uses QR codes linked to digital wallets.

Seed Award: Micro-sized Household Biodigester (Gauteng)

A groundbreaking solution combining micro-sized biodigesters and vertical hydroponic systems.

Seed Award: Afoody (KZN)

A unique technology platform that combats food waste and promotes sustainable consumption.

Seed Award: Franc (Gauteng)

A mobile application that promotes financial inclusion by providing access to financial investment.

Seed Award: Authentic8 (KZN)

A barcode scanning application that tackles the issue of counterfeit goods.

To learn more about the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards visit https://sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-Awards. 

Having recently been introduced to his body of work, I was left with tears in my eyes and my jaw on the floor at the realization of how South Africa and the world haven't been raving about this multi-instrumentalist and acclaimed producer. 

Mpumi Dhlamini is a Multiple SAMA & SA METRO FM Awards nominee for Best Newcomer as well as Best Jazz Album (respectively). He has performed and collaborated with other greats (coz I believe that he is a great talent) likes of Proverb, Zwai Bala, Jimmy Dludlu and Lira - while producing works for Wanda Baloyi, Brian Temba, Kabomo, Zama Jobe and Sphelelo Mazibuko, continuing to push the boundaries of genre-bending and sonic expression in the jazz world.

The South African (SA) Guide-Dogs Association is thrilled to announce the launch of their second annual Wear Your Shades Day, taking place on Friday 18 October. This nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness and support for individuals with visual impairments while promoting the importance of eye health.

Wear Your Shades Day is more than a fundraising effort – it's a movement that encourages all South Africans to show solidarity to the visually impaired community. By participating and purchasing a R20 sticker, you’re not only helping to fund vital services but, also contributing to a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience freedom and independence.

“Every year, our mission is to transform the lives of approximately 800 individuals by providing them with Assistance Dogs and long cane training,” says Pieter Van Niekerk, spokesperson for the SA Guide-Dogs Association. Van Niekerk, who is visually impaired himself, and a proud Guide Dog owner explains that Wear Your Shades Day is a powerful way for the public to get involved and support their ongoing efforts to make a real difference in the lives of those living with disabilities.

Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment, and in at least 1 billion of these cases, could have been prevented through measures such as wearing sunglasses to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wear Your Shades Day emphasises the importance of sunglasses not just for protecting eye health, but also for helping visually impaired individuals feel more integrated and confident.

Funds raised from the campaign will directly support the SA Guide-Dogs Association’s programmes, including the breeding, raising, and training of Assistance Dogs for the visually impaired, physically disabled, and children on the Autism spectrum, as well as providing Orientation and Mobility services.

How to get involved:

• Purchase a sticker: Show your support by buying a R20 sticker. This can be done through the following channels

1.        Online – Buy your digital sticker via the SA Guide-Dogs website at http://www.guidedog.org.za as a shop item.

2.        Call – Contact one of the SA Guide-Dog offices to order your stickers. You can collect them from their offices or have them delivered.

3.        Selected resellers – Stickers are available at participating retailers including Pick n Pay, Falco Milano, Big Blue, Pet World, and BUCO Hardware.Buildware.

• Wear your shades: On 18 October, wear your coolest shades with pride, alongside your sticker, to raise awareness about visual impairment and eye health.
• Share Your Shine: The SA Guide-Dogs Association invites you to Wear Your Shades and Share Your Shine by celebrating the unique brilliance that makes each of us special, regardless of our abilities. They want to see what makes you one-of-a-kind, special, what makes you ‘shine.’

Tag @sa_guide_dogs on Wear Your Shades Day wearing your sticker and shades, using the hashtags #shadesday #shareyourshine, and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.guidedog.org.za or contact them at info@guidedog.org.za.