MIAF begins rollout of IP training for creative and cultural industries

With a strong focus on developing and strengthening entrepreneurial skills among South Africa’s young creative workforce, the training programme offers a wide range of modules, including IP Management in the Creative Economy, Digital Marketing and Media Management, Communication Basics, Networking and Personal Branding, Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation, Project Management Basics, Introduction to Festival Production, and Audio Technical Production.

MIAF held the first IP training workshop on Friday, 16 November, at its training centre in Johannesburg.

The IP module is delivered by Bongani Mdakane, a practising attorney with over 15 years’ experience. The module provides essential practical information to help local creatives navigate the complex world of intellectual property, including how to register creative businesses and artistic works. It also features a session on the commercialisation of IP, led by MIAF Executive Director Eddie Hatitye.

NEFCISA is a work-placement initiative implemented through a partnership between MIAF and the Social Employment Fund (SEF). The programme is designed to empower South Africa’s creative workforce by linking participants with host organisations through paid placements, structured training, and hands-on collaboration. Through this approach, creatives gain real industry experience, while organisations receive capacity support to advance cultural and social development initiatives.

In the first phase of the project, MIAF is providing paid work opportunities to a minimum of 1 000 South Africans, placed at various MIAF partner organisations across the country in fields such as event production, media, public relations, journalism, theatre, waste management, fashion, dance, music, and film production.

Training under the MIAF programme is available exclusively to participants formally enrolled in NEFCISA. Further information on eligibility criteria and joining the programme is available on the NEFCISA official website.

Additional training workshops are scheduled to take place in the coming months as the programme continues to expand nationally.