SA: ACT announces 2021 Building Blocks Programme recipients

The announcement follows an open call by the organisation to arts and culture practitioners in February. The programme is geared towards developing entrepreneurially minded arts practitioners. It seeks to empower a large number of practitioners across the country by bolstering their professional and business acumen with an arts-specific framework.

According to ACT, more than 160 applicants were received for the programme. As a means to support the entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen the resilience of small to mid-level organisations and arts practitioners, the programme's extensive and updated curriculum will cover the following areas: digital skills, marketing, governance and monitoring and evaluation and asset-based community development in the arts.

“After the outcomes of the previous iteration of the ACT Building Blocks Programme it is very exciting for us to welcome another cohort of participants who will experience the extensive masterclasses and mentoring that is part of this programme,” ACT CEO Marcus Desando said. “ACT as an organisation is highly encouraged by the calibre of participants who have applied and the fortunate ones who were chosen. We wish them enrichment and fortitude through this programme and its impact on us all.”

The 43 successful applicants are as follows:

Gauteng

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

 Kwa-Zulu Natal

• Goodman Majola
• Dane Duwane Francis
• Jarryd Watson
• Noxolo Thandeka Mlungwana

Free State

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

Limpopo

• Rendani Fulufhelo Mashau
• Makwena Manamela
• Mashapa Sesera
• Nthwaleng Selina Tlaka
• Sello Matsemela

Eastern Cape

• Litha Ncokazi
• Sibusiso Molefe
• Heidi Sincuba
• Ryan Carlo Campher
• Gary Ndlovu

Western Cape

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

Northern Cape

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

North West

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

Mpumalanga

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