On Saturday, September 28, 2023, a glittering evening filled with excitement, glamour, and artistic energy brought together sponsors, judges, mentors, Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) alumni, artists, members of the public, loved ones, and friends at the Mardi Gras Theatre in Carnival City. After the announcement of the winners of the ACT NSP Performing Arts and Digital/Visual Arts categories, everyone gathered to see the showcase performance by the finalists of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP). The 15 finalists had the opportunity to win one of two fully funded scholarships, each worth R300,000, to pursue an arts degree at any preferred South African art school.
Excitement grew when Bonolo Nyatshane from North West, the recipient of the Nyoloha Digital/Visual Arts scholarship, was revealed by Arts & Culture Trust CEO Jessica Denyschen and Awards MC Gamelihle Bovana. As Kgabo Tauatsoala from Gauteng, the recipient of the Nyoloha Performing Arts scholarship, was announced, the tension in the theatre was intense. The outpouring of praise and congrats was overwhelming.
A year-long internship at Moving into Dance was awarded to Ntokozo Malope from Gauteng. Charaé Halley, Head of the Market Theatre Laboratory (MTL), invited Mpumelelo Dlamini, from Mpumalanga, Nosipho Thabede from Kwazulu Natal, Zime Silinda from Gauteng, and Nozipho Nhlapo from Gauteng – 4 of the finalists in Performing Arts category – to audition for a chance to win a scholarship for the 2025 performance programme at the MTL. The scholarship winners also received a Huawei, MatPad T and Samsung gear sponsored by MTN and all 15 finalists each received a goodie bag from MTN.
Both winners are grateful to ACT, the sponsors and their fellow finalists for the recognition their Awards bring. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, making their futures brighter.
‘I’m very appreciative of this opportunity that ACT has given and I am proud of all the finalists. Thank you for the opportunity, and for providing a platform to express ourselves,’ said Bonolo Nyatshane, the visual/digital arts scholarship winner.
The performing arts scholarship winner Kgabo Tauatsoala was overwhelmed with emotion, saying, ‘First and foremost, glory be to God. I am truly grateful for the strength God has given me throughout this journey. I would like to thank my mom, my fellow cast members, the artistic director and ACT for their incredible support. A big thank you to the judges as well—I deeply appreciate this recognition.’
The sponsors included :
- Arts & Culture Trust
- Nedbank
- Business and Arts and South Africa
- Sun International
- MTN South Africa
Through the programme, talented and ambitious young people from across the country are introduced to the world of professional arts through a 3 month intensive training and mentorship period resulting in an a week of rehearsals, excursions and master classes, culminating in a performance showcase and exhibition. Working with industry professionals and experts, participants gain valuable experience and the opportunity to work with other future artists from different backgrounds. To find out more about the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme, visit act.org.za/nyoloha
(Pictures: ACT)