When talent is not enough, what exactly are we rewarding? By Thami akaMbongo Manzana "There is a time and place for everything." It is a phrase we have heard throughout our lives. In the Cultural and Creative Industries, it has become one of the most repeated explanations for why some people make it while others, equally talented, never do. But what if timing is not the whole story? Or perhaps the more uncomfortable question is: whose timing are we talking about? Many artists have received the phone call that changed their lives because they happened to be in the right room at the right time. Others were introduced to the right producer, director, curator or executive by someone who opened a door that remained closed for thousands of equally deserving practitioners. Some went to universities and arts institutions that gave them the networks, confidence and opportunities to succeed. Others never had that privilege, yet possess extraordinary talent. Some align themselves with...

  ARE WE ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS? By Thami aka Mbongo Manzana Firstly, congratulations to all the beneficiaries of the National Arts Council (NAC) funding. The announcement of successful applicants in Visual Arts, Craft, Literature, Dance, Music and the outstanding results still to come in Theatre and Multi-Disciplinary Arts will undoubtedly bring relief and excitement to many artists and organisations across South Africa. Every funded project represents a dream, an opportunity, and in many cases, a chance to sustain livelihoods in a sector that continues to face significant challenges. The beneficiaries deserve to celebrate. However, while we celebrate those who have been funded, are we asking enough questions about the broader funding ecosystem? For years, practitioners have been told that there is simply not enough money. We have accepted this explanation as fact. But is the problem really that there is not enough money, or is it that the available money is not being distribu...

WHY SOUTH AFRICA'S PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS NEED LEADERS, NOT CAREER POLITICIANS IN EXECUTIVE SUITS By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  The role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is one of the most important positions in any institution. In South Africa's public entities, particularly within the Cultural and Creative Industries, CEOs are entrusted with a responsibility that extends far beyond administration, compliance, and financial management. They are meant to be visionaries, institution builders, innovators, and custodians of public trust. Yet across many public institutions, a troubling pattern has emerged. The same faces continue to move from one institution to another. One leaves a public entity today and appears in another tomorrow. Another completes a term in one agency and resurfaces in a different organisation shortly thereafter. Looking at the landscape, one could easily conclude that South Africa has a pool of fewer than ten individuals considered capable of leading public cul...