WHAT THE EFF CAN LEARN ABOUT ENGAGING CREATIVES AND INDEPENDENT VOICES  By Thami akaMbongo Manzana It has taken me considerable time to find the courage and the right words to write this piece. It is perhaps one of the most difficult articles I have penned because I have never hidden my belief that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) remains one of the strongest political vehicles through which the aspirations of South Africa's cultural and creative industries can be advanced. Over many years, Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing artists, performers, writers and cultural practitioners, often giving the sector a platform when many chose to ignore it. It is precisely because of that history that I believe we must also reserve the right to disagree when we believe the movement or its leadership gets it wrong.  Respect does not require silence, and loyalty should never demand blind agreement. On this matte...

  What It Means for the Arts Sector, Minister Gayton McKenzie, and Upcoming Funding Decisions By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria has delivered a significant interim ruling that could have far-reaching implications for the governance of the National Arts Council (NAC) and the administration of public arts funding in South Africa. The judgment, dated 31 July 2026 , temporarily suspends the implementation of Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's decision of 25 May 2026 to dissolve the NAC Council, pending the final determination of a judicial review. Based on the pages shared, the court also orders that the applicants and remaining Council members be reinstated pending the outcome of Part B of the proceedings. While this is an interim order rather than the final determination of the dispute, it immediately raises important questions about governance, funding approvals and institutional stability. What Did the Court Orde...

  Why Arts and Cultural Practitioners Must Step Forward to Protect the National Arts Council By Thami akaMbongo Manzana The opening of the process to appoint an Independent Panel that will recommend candidates to serve on the Council of the National Arts Council (NAC) presents yet another defining moment for South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries. This is not merely another government advertisement. It is an invitation to shape the future governance of one of the country's most important public institutions responsible for investing in the arts. The question is: Who will answer the call? Governance Begins Before Funding For many years, artists have been vocal about delayed funding, inconsistent communication, governance failures, transparency concerns and the overall direction of the National Arts Council. While these concerns are valid, meaningful change cannot only happen when funding outcomes are announced. It begins much earlier with the people entrusted to overse...

  IS IT FINALLY TIME FOR THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES TO OCCUPY THE SEATS OF POWER? By Thami akaMbongo Manzana For decades, South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries have consistently argued that one of the greatest challenges facing the sector is that decisions affecting artists are often made by people who have never lived the realities of being an artist. From funding models and labour conditions to intellectual property, education, infrastructure and social protection, the question has always been the same: Who is making these decisions, and do they truly understand the lived experiences of creatives? As South Africa approaches the Local Government Elections on 04 November 2026 , an interesting political development is unfolding. Writer, poet and cultural activist Ntsiki Mazwai has been announced as the mayoral candidate for the Land Party in the City of Johannesburg. At the same time, arts practitioner Tshepo Mashiane has been announced by ActionSA as its MMC c...

WHY SOUTH AFRICA CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE ITS BIGGEST CREATIVE ECONOMY  By Thami akaMbongo Manzana South Africa's music industry is far more than entertainment. It is an economic driver, a cultural archive, a source of employment, a diplomatic tool, and one of the country's most visible exports. Every day, musicians, producers, composers, DJs, engineers, promoters, venue owners, publishers, managers, and countless others contribute to an ecosystem that sustains thousands of livelihoods. Yet despite its enormous contribution to the Cultural and Creative Industries, the music sector continues to face longstanding challenges relating to royalties, education, governance, transparency, contracts, and fair remuneration. If South Africa is serious about building a thriving Cultural and Creative Industries sector, then getting the music industry in order should be one of the country's highest priorities. The Cost of a Broken System The music industry is arguably one of the sectors w...

Questions Following the Funeral of Bra Seputla Sebogodi By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  The Creative Passport extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, fellow artists and the countless South Africans who have been touched by the life and work of the late Bra Seputla Sebogodi . South Africa has lost a giant of theatre, television and storytelling - a cultural icon whose contribution to the country's creative landscape will continue to inspire generations. May his family find comfort in the outpouring of love and in the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. Image: Seputla Sebogodi  Sometimes circumstances beyond our control occur. Public officials may be called elsewhere, schedules may change unexpectedly, and government cannot always be represented at every event by the same individuals. We acknowledge that reality. However, such situations also raise important questions about representation, consistency and institutional responsibility. On the same wee...