New wave of creative entrepreneurs
Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), announces the graduation of 53 emerging creative entrepreneurs from the Debut Fund Programme, a flagship national programme designed to unlock opportunity, access, and long-term sustainability for young creatives from peri-urban, rural, and underserved communities.
The graduation took place at Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg, from 9 -11 April 2026, bringing together participants from all nine provinces for the final phase of the programme, which combined a three-day national boot camp, Pitch Den presentations, and a formal graduation ceremony.
Representing all nine provinces, the Debut 53 cohort reflects the depth, diversity, and dynamism of South Africa’s creative talent. These graduates are artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and builders of the country’s cultural and creative economy. The final boot camp included mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and industry-led masterclasses designed to strengthen their creative enterprises and prepare them for long-term sustainability.
The Debut Fund Programme addresses a critical barrier in the creative sector: access. While South Africa is rich in creative talent, many emerging creatives – particularly those outside major urban centres – face limited access to mentorship, industry networks, business skills, and market opportunities. Through structured mentorship, training, and exposure, the programme equips participants with creative excellence and business acumen to build viable, sustainable enterprises.
“The Debut Programme is about opening doors. These 53 participants represent a new generation of creative entrepreneurs shaping the future of South Africa’s creative economy,” said Nomkhosi Houghton, Programmes Manager.
The 53 graduates emerged from a highly competitive national pipeline that received 2,140 applications. Of these, 420 participants progressed through the Hlanganisa phase, 205 advanced to the Kickstarter phase, and 53 finalists reached the Catalyst phase and graduation. Throughout the 3 year programme, participants developed skills in creative entrepreneurship, branding and storytelling, financial management, and pitching and market readiness, translating creative practice into structured, investable businesses.
The Pitch Den formed a central part of the final phase, with all 53 participants presenting their ventures. Ten finalists were selected, from which five winners were awarded financial grants to grow their businesses. In a defining moment, Dr Cynthia Khumalo, Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, returned all Top 10 finalists to the stage in recognition of the quality of their pitches and matched their funding, effectively doubling the grants and reinforcing direct investment in creative futures.
In her keynote address, Dr Khumalo highlighted the scale and significance of the creative economy, noting that the sector contributes approximately 3.9% to South Africa’s GDP, generated R271 billion in 2023, and supports around 1.4 million jobs, largely driven by young people between the ages of 20 and 34. She emphasised both opportunity and responsibility, stating: “Your entire future depends on continuing to excel. This is where the real work begins.”
The graduation programme also featured leadership and cultural moments, including opening remarks by BASA CEO, Beth Arendse. The event was hosted by actress Nozuko Ntshangase, with a performance by Afro-soul artist Sya Zwide and a closing set by Lerato Kganyago, bringing a celebratory close to the programme.
The Debut Programme sits within a broader national agenda to strengthen the Cultural and Creative Industries, including the establishment of CCI Sector Boards, the implementation of the CCI Masterplan, and increased focus on youth employment, innovation, and global competitiveness. Despite sector growth, challenges remain, including informality and gig-based work, limited access to funding and networks, digital divides, and unequal geographic distribution of opportunity. The programme responds directly to these challenges by building capacity, confidence, and connection.
The graduation of the Debut 53 signals the impact of intentional investment in creative talent and what becomes possible when opportunity meets potential. The graduates now join a growing national ecosystem of creatives building sustainable businesses, creating employment opportunities, shaping culture, and contributing to South Africa’s economic future.
“In the spirit of the keynote address and inspired by Maya Angelou, ‘Still I rise.’ So too does a new generation of South African creatives – rising with purpose, with power, and with possibility.”
For media enquiries contact; Sinenhlanhla Mdiya /Sinenhlanhla@basa.co.za
