The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) remains one of the few long-term undergraduate arts scholarship initiatives in South Africa dedicated to identifying, mentoring, and funding the next generation of creative talent. At a time when sustained funding for arts education is limited, the programme continues to provide rare and meaningful access to tertiary arts studies, professional mentorship, and industry exposure for emerging young creatives across the country.
ACT is proud to announce the mentors for the 2026 edition of the annual ACT NSP. Acclaimed visual artist and creative practitioner Dahlia Maubane returns as the visual and digital arts mentor, while performer, producer, creative strategist, and entrepreneur Lungile Themba joins the programme as the performing arts mentor.
Johannesburg-based photographer and multimedia designer Dahlia Maubane is best known for her widely respected and ongoing project Woza Sisi, which explores identity, beauty, and storytelling within black communities. Maubane, a graduate of the University of Johannesburg and the Market Photo Workshop, has exhibited her work locally and internationally and was named one of The Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans.
Themba’s work spans performance, musical storytelling, film, media, and live production, with a focus on bringing African historical narratives to contemporary audiences. He is the creator of SIKELELA: The Enoch Sontonga Story, recognised at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards in the category Outstanding Theatre Production.
‘We are delighted to welcome Lungile Themba to ACT NSP and excited to have Dahlia Maubane continue her journey with the programme,’ says Jessica Denyschen, CEO of ACT. ‘Dahlia returns to the programme with invaluable insight gained through the 2025 mentorship experience, and we are excited to see her support and guide a new cohort of visual and digital artists as they navigate their journeys towards professional creative careers. Lungile is an exciting addition to this important mentorship role, and his extensive experience across performance, production, and creative entrepreneurship will help ensure that the 2026 performing arts participants emerge both polished in their craft and future-focused in their professional development.’
ACT NSP, supported by long-term partner-sponsors Nedbank and
Selected programme participants will participate in a 4-month biweekly online mentorship and training programme. The programme combines discipline-specific mentorship with practical industry exposure and continued exploration of the integration of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies within the arts.
The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme will see a selection of 11 finalists progress to the production and exhibition showcase phase, hosted at partner community arts centres across South Africa. The programme will culminate in a prestigious winners’ media event, where 2 finalists will each be awarded a scholarship valued at R300 000 to pursue a qualification in the arts.
Under Maubane and Themba’s mentorship, this year’s ACT NSP finalists will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished practitioners who bring both specialised creative insight and tangible industry knowledge to the programme. Their mentorship will enable participants to refine their artistic practices, strengthen professional skills, and engage meaningfully with the changing landscape of the South African creative economy.
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Corporate Social Investment at Nedbank, says: ‘The mentorship of all the talented young artists who participate in this programme literally changes their lives in the best possible way. We are very excited to see how Dahlia and Lungile empower the participants to claim their unique identities and grow their talents in ways that will serve them throughout their careers. We look forward to the next few months. It’s an exciting time.’
Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International, says: ‘ACT NSP continues to create pathways for talented young creatives across South Africa by connecting them with experienced industry mentors and meaningful opportunities for growth. Through collaborative partnerships and sustained investment in arts development, the programme contributes to building a stronger and more inclusive future for the creative sector.’
Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN, says: ‘At MTN, we understand the value of fostering strategic mentorships that build digital skills, empower entrepreneurs, and drive inclusive economic growth across South Africa. A strong focus on knowledge transfer and leadership development is essential to preparing young creative talent for success in an evolving digital and cultural economy. The success of the NSP is built on the expertise and commitment of individuals who invest in the next generation. We are therefore deeply grateful to Dahlia Maubane and Lungile Themba for generously contributing their knowledge, experience, and skills to this important initiative.’