The Jayden Adams Funeral, Ubuntu and the Social Media Generation By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  The Creative Passport extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates, supporters and everyone affected by the passing of Jayden Adams . We also take this moment to acknowledge the growing number of athletes, artists and cultural practitioners whose lives have been cut short in recent years. Each loss reminds us not only of the fragility of life, but also of the profound impact these individuals have on our communities and our national identity. May their memories continue to inspire generations to come. We recognise that reflecting on moments surrounding a person's passing is deeply sensitive, and we approach this conversation with humility, empathy and respect for the bereaved. Our intention is not to judge individuals or assign blame, but to ask questions that may help us, as South Africans and as Africans, to reflect on our values in an era shaped by social medi...

  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...

Speaking Truth to Power in South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  South Africa's Cultural and Creative Industries were built on a proud tradition of speaking truth to power. During apartheid, artists, musicians, actors, poets, writers and cultural activists risked censorship, imprisonment, exile and even death to expose injustice. The arts were never simply entertainment, they became instruments of resistance, education and social change. Three decades into democracy, an uncomfortable question confronts us. Has speaking truth to power become selective? Is our willingness to challenge those in authority now determined by who occupies political office, who appoints us, who funds us, or who sits around our boardroom tables? These questions are not directed at one Minister alone. They are questions for the entire democratic era from the Government of National Unity of 1994 to the current Government of National Unity. Since 1994, South Africa has...

The Final Report Will Be the True Test of Transparency By Thami akaMbongo Manzana On 15 July 2026 , we published an article raising a number of clarity-seeking questions regarding the reported R30 945 370.15 expenditure associated with South Africa's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup . Those questions were never intended to undermine the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), nor to personalise the matter around Minister Gayton McKenzie. They were based on a simple principle: public expenditure deserves public accountability . Since then, the Minister has released a detailed public statement providing further context and a more comprehensive explanation of how the funds were utilised. More Detail Than Before The Minister has now outlined the five major areas that made up the reported expenditure: Official travel and programme delivery; The South Africa 2010 Legends Exhibition Match; Hospitality suites; FIFA match tickets; and Fan engagement, cultural activations and ...

  Theatre Doesn't Belong Only in Buildings An Exclusive Interview with Mhlanguli George Founder of Backyard Dance Theatre and Creator of Theatre in the Backyard For more than a decade, Mhlanguli George has challenged conventional ideas of where theatre belongs. Through Backyard Dance Theatre and the innovative Theatre in the Backyard model, he has built a movement that has attracted local and international recognition while remaining deeply rooted in community development. As Backyard Dance Theatre prepares to present another exciting season featuring MTHUTHUZELI (The Comforter) and THE PURPOSE ,  The Creative Passport sat down with George to discuss his journey, artistic philosophy, funding, collaboration and the future of South African theatre. Theat, re in the Backyard has become one of the most recognised community theatre concepts in South Africa. Where did this vision begin? Mhlanguli George: The vision for Theatre in the Backyard began in 2012 as a response to a qu...

Time to Review the National Arts Council Act: Is Bigger Really Better? By Thami akaMbongo Manzana Nearly three decades after the enactment of the National Arts Council Act, 1997 (Act 56 of 1997), perhaps the most important question facing South Africa's arts sector is not whether the National Arts Council (NAC) should continue to exist, but whether the legislation governing it remains fit for purpose in 2026. The creative economy has changed dramatically. The funding landscape has changed. The expectations placed on public institutions have changed. Yet the governance architecture of the National Arts Council has remained largely untouched. The time has come for Parliament, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the creative sector to ask difficult questions. Does the National Arts Council Need a Council of Up to 27 Members? Section 4 of the Act provides that the Council consists of nine provincial representatives and between nine and eighteen additional members , meaning t...

  The National Arts Council has built a reputation for strict compliance. Now it's time for artists to hold the institution to the same standard of transparency. By Thami akaMbongo Manzana  For years, artists have become accustomed to hearing the National Arts Council's favourite phrases. "Application not compliant." "Reference letter not signed." "Certified ID older than three months." "Document not dated." "Budget inconsistent." "Limited resources." South African artists know these words all too well. Many promising projects have fallen at the first hurdle because of what the National Arts Council considered compliance failures. Others have been told there simply were "limited resources," despite meeting every requirement. Now comes an opportunity that has captured the attention of the sector, a fully funded trip to China. Suddenly, there are resources. Suddenly, there is an opportunity to travel internati...