The Creative Passport Interviews Grey Zionlion Mafumbu The Creative Passport sits down with Grey Zionlion Mafumbu , an outspoken advocate for Township and Rural Creatives, for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of South Africa’s arts, culture and creative industries. In the interview, Mafumbu reflects on the persistent exclusion of township and rural creatives from funding, infrastructure, opportunities and decision-making structures, arguing for greater dignity, economic justice, ownership and representation for artists from these communities. The conversation also tackles some of the most pressing institutional and policy issues facing the sector, including the performance of Minister Gayton McKenzie , the current state of the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) , the role of the National Heritage Council (NHC) and National Lotteries Commission (NLC) , the 18 sector clusters, parliamentary oversight, and the future of South Africa’s C...

  South African Cultural Innovator Mandisi Sindo Represents the Arts at the 6th China-Africa Future Leaders Dialogue South African award-winning Shack Theatre originator, cultural entrepreneur, innovator and artivist Mandisi Sindo was among an esteemed group of emerging leaders from across Africa and China who participated in the 6th China-Africa Future Leaders Dialogue , held from 20–27 July 2026 in Chengdu, China. The prestigious dialogue brought together young leaders from diverse sectors including politics, diplomacy, business, agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, innovation, and culture. Designed as a high-level symposium, the programme sought to strengthen China-Africa relations by fostering meaningful dialogue, exchanging ideas, building sustainable partnerships, and exploring collaborative solutions to shared challenges facing both continents. The programme officially commenced with an opening address by Programme President Liu Quansberg , who welcomed delegate...

  Intellectual Property Theft, Authorial Experience, Protection Mechanisms, and the Copyright Amendment Bill This interview centres on the lived experience of author Kentse Badirang, examining the personal, professional, and structural implications of intellectual property theft, as well as companies' legal reform and creator protection within South Africa’s cultural and creative industries. As an author, can you describe your personal experience with intellectual property theft and how it has affected you both professionally and emotionally? I experienced Intellectual property theft firsthand when I discovered that my Setswana manuscript, titled Molayakgosi , had been published and launched for a 13-year-old girl in Kurumane in the Northern Cape.  It was launched by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in collaboration with the Marang Career Center, which was reportedly the NPO that discovered the child.  It was launched on the 10th of May 2024.  I was ...

Why Sibongile Mngoma matters? Some leaders are defined by titles. Others are defined by how they treat people when no one is watching. This Tuesday Edition is an appreciation of Sibongile Mngoma not because of position alone, but because of character, courage, and consistency.  In an industry that remembers your past more than it recognises your potential.  In a dog-eat-dog sector that often celebrates downfall more than growth, this is a moment to pause and say: leadership that sees people fully still matters.           Image  Source: Sibongile Mngoma  Can you briefly share your professional journey and how you found your way into the Cultural and Creative Industries? I was born into it.        Image  Source: Sibongile Mngoma What key moments or decisions have shaped your career path and growth within the sector? Career path was shaped by other people's opinion of what they called " my talent" .  Growth was shap...

  Why Mercy Pakela Matters?  Mercy Pakela is a South African Living Legend — not by title, but by contribution, endurance and impact. She has seen it all. From the golden era of live bands, vinyl and packed stadiums to today’s digital, fragmented music economy, she has lived every chapter of our cultural history. She has worked alongside some of the greatest artists this country has ever produced. She understands the limelight, the sacrifices behind it, and the systems that both elevate and exploit creatives. Mercy Pakela knows the industry from the inside — on stage, in studios, behind contracts and within communities. What makes her voice even more important today is that she has never stepped away. She remains actively involved in the Cultural and Creative Industries, present in artist engagements, policy conversations and grassroots spaces. She is unapologetically vocal in advocating for artists’ rights, dignity and sustainability. She speaks not for relevance, but for res...