The opportunity to win a fully paid scholarship valued at R350 000 to study for an arts degree at a South African arts institution of choice created a flurry of excitement nationally among matriculants, school-leavers, educators and parents when the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) announced the Nyoloha Scholarship Programme open call earlier this year.
A total of 89 applications were received. After having completed the audition process, the 54 qualifying participants, mostly from Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, have undergone a rigorous two-month learning programme under the mentorship of award-winning musical theatre and stage performer Samantha Peo (performing arts) and renowned fine artist and Sasol New Signatures fine art competition finalist Estelle Dry-Muller (visual arts). The work of the qualifying participants has been rated and ACT – together with its partner, the Nedbank Arts Affinity, and sponsors Sun International and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) – are pleased to announce the 15 finalists. The winner will be revealed at a glittering, exclusive, specially curated function at Montecasino, Johannesburg, this Saturday, 8 October 2022.
The finalists in the visual arts sector of the programme, all hailing from Gauteng, are Liam Rose (20) from Randburg, Oteng Kopiso (22) from Boksburg, Ndumiso Mbewe (23) from Tembisa, and Lethabo Modimola (17) from Diepkloof. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed working with this group of enthusiastic young people whose passion and dedication shone in their work,’ says Dry-Muller, the visual arts mentor for the programme.
From across South Africa the performing arts finalists for 2022 are Sigcobise Fezeka Mbatyoti (20) from Fort Beaufort, India Wesi (17) from Sandton, Yolo Mazwai (18) from Craighall Park, Marang Qhamisa Khwene (19) from Pretoria, Sanele Kobe (25) from Fourways, Alfred Malesela Pitseng (22) from Polokwane, Bandile Mndawe (19) and Thando Khensani Silinda (20) both from Mbombela, Lesegisa Mowasa (17) from Khatu, Emihle Kutu (19) from Beacon Bay in East London, and Dithabe Mbali (17) from Khayelitsha. Performing arts mentor Peo says ‘I was so impressed by the creativity, bravery and risk-taking of so many of the participants. I really believe that they challenged themselves, many against all odds, to show up and put the work in. I was blown away by the intelligence and innate talent and understanding of the tasks by more than half the group. Their editing and understanding of filmmaking at their age and with just a simple phone app was so exciting to see.’
Mpumalanga-based theatre/performance finalist Bandile Mndawe says he decided to apply to the programme because his mother can barely afford to feed him and his five younger brothers, therefore making a university education impossible. ‘I have been subject to challenging circumstances such as waking up at 04:00 every weekday to get a bus at 05:00 so I’m not late for school,’ says Bandile. ‘I was called names like “Johnny Walker” because I was the only one walking to a bus station. Drama was where I could vent using my feelings because I felt no one was listening, and that also helped me connect well with certain pieces of my audition. I could not give up on my dream because my mother could not pay for me; I had to research looking for funding and after two years of research I found this opportunity.’
ACT Interim CEO Jessica Denyschen says: ‘The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme aims to encourage young people with artistic potential to gain the necessary self-confidence and open-mindedness to generate fresh ideas and exploit different perspectives in order to ultimately compete and seize the opportunity to study at an arts institution of their choice in South Africa. It has been greatly encouraging to witness the development and release of creativity by all the participants who have grown in leaps and bounds since the start of the programme. The programme celebrates some of this country’s finest young emerging talent. We congratulate the finalists and wish all applicants the very best for all future endeavours.’
During this rehearsal week, from 3 to 7 October, the 15 finalists are taking part in tours of art institutions and participating in masterclasses facilitated by their mentors. They will also get the opportunity to meet and interact with the esteemed visual artist Baba Tjeko and musician Holly Rey.
The gala awards evening on 8 October from 17:30 will feature art, entertainment and performances by the music, drama, and dance participants, while all nine visual artists will exhibit their original artworks. Members of the public and the arts community are invited to follow this iteration via the live stream of the event at no charge. Details are available on ACT’s social-media platforms. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards the scholarship programme.
Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank, says: ‘The talent, courage, commitment, and growth of these 15 finalists representing dance, visual arts, drama, music, singing and performance have made us even more proud to be South African. They have been selected from 54 participants in the mentorship programme, and even though there can be only one winner of the fully paid scholarship, we congratulate each finalist, and each and every one of the 54 participants. We believe in them and urge them to pursue their art ambitions, dreams, and careers. They have excelled and grown so impressively over the past few months of mentorship. We wish them the very best of life.’
Heidi Edson, Head of SED Sun International Group, says: ‘To all finalists, let me extend our warmest congratulations. We honour and commend you all for your passion and commitment. We at Sun International are incredibly proud of your contribution and dedication to the future generation within the arts.’
To keep in touch with the Arts and Culture Trust, please visit their website, follow them on Twitter or like their Facebook page.
