SA: ACT announces 2021 Building Blocks Programme graduates

The Building Blocks Programme is geared towards developing entrepreneurially minded arts practitioners and aims to empower a large number of creatives across the country by bolstering their professional and business acumen with an arts-specific framework.

More than 160 applicants from across the country competed for 43 spots on the programme, which was funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa with support from Sun International and Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC). It included training and mentoring in Asset-Based Community Development in the arts, digital skills, marketing, governance, monitoring and evaluation.

“We are proud of every single graduate in this programme,” ACT CEO Marcus Desando said. “The dedication and commitment it took to fulfil all the requirements to qualify for graduation demanded real investment from the participants. Graduating from the ACT Building Blocks programme is a proactive move towards entrepreneurial progress and enablement in entering or sustainably participating in the economy as art and culture practitioner or organisation.”

Below is the full list of the graduates:

Gauteng

• Buhle Martha Radebe
• Lungile Zaphi
• Lethabo Gumede
• Kganya Mogashoa

 KwaZulu-Natal

• Jarryd Watson
• Noxolo Thandeka Mlungwana

Free State

• Lerato George Thulo
• Lana Combrinck
• Pheello Rasello
• Berlina Medupi

Limpopo

• Makwena Manamela
• Nthwaleng Selinah Tlaka
• Boitumelo Kodibona

 Eastern Cape

• Litha Ncokazi
• Sibusiso Molefe
• Heidi Sincuba
• Gary Ndlovu

 Western Cape

• Christie van Zyl
• Xolane Marman
• Ralton Nolan
• Kirsten Pienaar

 Northern Cape

• Balfour Lekgwathi
• Richie Cloete
• Vuyo Mayesa
• Monnapula Maranda

 North West

• Amogelang Mokonoto
• Thina Minya
• Thabo Mauco
• Nonhlanhla Pitseng
• Tshepo Mothudi

 Mpumalanga

• Smangele Theledi
• Speelman Mabena
• Clement Mokoena
• Joseph Mandla Mahlangu

Additional graduates from the ECPACC’s Creative Enterprise Accelerator Programme include Athenkosi Kilane, Colleen Mapatwana, Cynthia Nontsikelelo Mshweshwe and Monwabisi Ngcai.