The Debut Fund Programme, an initiative of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in partnership with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), hosted the #MyDebutStory Alumni Event on 6 March 2026 at Y Studios in Johannesburg. The event brought together emerging creative entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and sector stakeholders to celebrate the journeys of creatives who have successfully transformed artistic ideas into sustainable businesses.

The gathering created a space for connection, reflection, and collaboration, highlighting how emerging creatives are building businesses that contribute to South Africa’s growing creative economy.

Since its launch in 2017, the Debut Fund Programme has supported emerging creatives nationwide by providing mentorship, business development tools, strategic networks, and industry opportunities. What began with 197 participants in its first iteration has grown to over 450 participants in the third iteration, demonstrating both national demand and the programme’s expanding impact in strengthening the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

More than a once-off financial intervention, the programme connects creatives to knowledge, partnerships, and platforms needed to grow viable enterprises, thereby strengthening the broader ecosystem that supports creative entrepreneurship.

Hosted by Y radio personality Xtremme DJ, presenter of Y’s Morning Break, the event featured a powerful panel of Debut Fund Programme alumni now running successful creative businesses, demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

Amongst the panel was Siphokazi Jonas, a participant from the first iteration of the programme. Based in Cape Town, Jonas has built a respected career as a writer, poet, playwright, and producer, earning national and international recognition, including a South African Film and Television Award and the UJ Debut Prize for South African writing. Her collaborative projects provide employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the growth of South Africa’s creative sector.

Also featured was Bularah Chopo, a second iteration participant who runs Bapala Creative Arts and Services in QwaQwa, Free State. Through his company, Chopo produces theatre productions, facilitates creative workshops, and develops community-based storytelling initiatives that create platforms for local artists, growing the local creative sector and creating opportunities for performers, facilitators, and production teams.

Fashion entrepreneur Shikombiso Bila, founder of a crochet fashion brand inspired by Xitsonga heritage, shared her journey of building a fashion enterprise that celebrates cultural identity while expanding into international markets, including Seychelles Fashion Week. Bila’s work supports artisans and creative professionals, contributing to the growth of South Africa’s craft and fashion ecosystem.

Together, the panel illustrated how the Debut Fund Programme enables creatives to transition from artistic practice to creative entrepreneurship, building sustainable businesses, creating opportunities within their communities, and contributing to the growth of the creative economy.

Nomkhosi Houghton, BASA Programmes Manager, said: “The #MyDebutStory Alumni Event celebrates the resilience, innovation, and growth of creatives who are building sustainable businesses in a dynamic sector. Through the Debut Fund Programme, BASA connects creatives to mentorship, knowledge, and networks that help ideas thrive, while strengthening the ecosystem that supports creative entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

By sustaining engagement beyond programme participation, the Debut Fund Programme continues to build a pipeline of creative entrepreneurs, connecting alumni to opportunities, partnerships, and industry networks that support long-term sustainability.

The Debut Fund Programme is proudly supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, whose investment remains instrumental in advancing youth participation and strengthening South Africa’s creative economy.

Sinenhlanhla
sinenhlanhla@basa.co.za
BASA
http://wwwbasa.co.za