The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has released the names of the Cultural and Creative Industries Projects and touring ventures that have been approved for the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) funding for the 2026/2027 year.
MGE aims to make strategic investments to maximize the economic advantages of the arts in South Africa. The expected outcomes of enhanced investment in critical areas of the creative economy include boosting job creation, improving productivity, and increasing the sector’s global competitiveness.
Following Minister Gayton McKenzie’s announcement in September 2025, where he defunded major festivals in the country, telling them to stand on their own, he left many organizations in a fix.
McKenzie then directed creatives to apply to the MGE for funding, which has strict compliance guidelines.
An Open call was made for applications to support Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs) and Touring Ventures.
There are 90 approved projects in total.
Here’s the breakdown per province:
Eastern Cape: 7
Free State: 5
Gauteng: 21
KwaZulu-Natal: 12
Limpopo: 11
Mpumalanga: 6
North West: 10
Northern Cape: 7
Western Cape: 11
Notably, on the list under touring ventures, STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR appears twice under different company names, Sebilo Creations CC and ABEDNIGO MORUTI DHLAMINI CREATIONS.
Another name that grabs attention is Queendom Media, which has been approved for funding the DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour. Queendom Media is linked to DJ and “Born To Fame” cast member Owami Mafokate, who is the daughter of legendary kwaito musician and producer Arthur Mafokate.
The Touring Ventures is aimed at supporting broader, cost-effective opportunities for the nation’s cultural and creative outputs to be viewed, participated in, and enjoyed internationally and nationally through solo tours.
The guidelines state that touring Ventures must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027 and International Touring Ventures should be of existing products.
Actress Michelle Mosalakae, who is the founder of ARMOR FC and the Michelle Mosalakae Foundation, has received funding for the MM Foundation Theatre Tour.
The maximum available grant is R 1 million per grant per beneficiary. The grant amount will be awarded at the discretion of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
After having its funding cut, the Cape Town Carnival has been approved for funding under the Cultural and Creative Industries Projects.
Actress, model and author Refilwe Vanillablaq Modiselle’s company Vanillablaq (PTY) Ltd has been approved for funding under the Cultural and Creative Industries Projects for Zizi’s World: National Literacy and Awareness Book Tour. Modiselle is the author of “Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes”.
The CCIP workstream supports national large and medium-scale cultural and creative initiatives that create job opportunities for skilled practitioners /creatives/artists and contribute to local economic development.
The projects must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027 and they should improve employment and income opportunities for creative professionals/practitioners and promote vibrant cultural and creative industries.
The maximum available grant is R 2 million per grant per beneficiary. The grant amount will be awarded at the discretion of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
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