AFDA student Culture Molatole rises onto the African stage after representing South Africa in the prestigious ARSO Essay Competition.

Culture Molatole: A young creative voice representing South Africa, the arts sector and a new African future.

In a powerful moment for South Africa’s creative and academic sectors, AFDA Live Performance student Culture Molatole has emerged as one of the national winners of the prestigious 2025/2026 African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Essay Competition, coordinated nationally by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

Molatole’s achievement not only celebrates academic excellence, but also reaffirms the growing influence of the arts sector within continental conversations around trade, innovation, identity and Africa’s economic future. His recognition stands as a reminder that creative voices are equally important in shaping the direction of the continent.

Currently a third year Live Performance student at AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy in Johannesburg, Molatole represents a new generation of artists who are boldly merging storytelling, critical thinking and African consciousness. Passionate about acting, writing and experimental theatre, he continues to explore human experience both on stage and on screen while contributing to conversations that move beyond performance into leadership and social transformation.

The South African State Theatre has also welcomed and celebrated the achievement, recognising the importance of young creatives participating in national and continental platforms that shape Africa’s future. As one of the country’s leading cultural institutions committed to developing creative voices and advancing the creative economy, the State Theatre continues to advocate for the recognition of artists as thinkers, innovators and contributors to nation building.

This year’s ARSO Essay Competition focused on the role of harmonised standards in reducing technical barriers to trade and promoting fair and just trade within intra African and global markets. The competition attracted students from leading institutions including AFDA, UNISA, the University of Venda and Wits University, reflecting the diversity of intellectual and creative thought emerging from South Africa.

Speaking about his artistic journey, Molatole describes storytelling as a tool for reflection, provocation and transformation.

“I am passionate about storytelling and creative expression that explores human experience. I want to create work rooted in African identity while contributing meaningfully to the industry through collaborative and experimental creative processes.”

The South African Bureau of Standards highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to contribute ideas capable of shaping Africa’s growth, trade and development. Molatole’s success therefore becomes symbolic of a broader shift where the arts and creative industries increasingly occupy important spaces within policy, innovation and continental development conversations.

At the national competition, Molatole was awarded R100,000 for securing second place and will now proceed to represent South Africa at the continental stage of the ARSO competition alongside fellow finalists Gladys Matloga, Vhahangwele Belemu, Rendani Nkwamalau and Gugu Somtunzi.

As he prepares to compete against peers from across Africa, Culture Molatole carries with him the hopes of the creative sector, the support of institutions such as SABS and the South African State Theatre, and the voice of a generation determined to shape Africa through creativity, intellectual engagement and fearless storytelling.

Bongani Nicholas Ngomane
nicholasngomane87@gmail.com
072 700 6030
SA Theatre Reviews
http://www.satheatrereview.co.za

I write to document and celebrate voices that are shaping South Africa and the African continent through creativity, critical thinking and meaningful contribution to society.