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Latest News | 15 Oct 2025 | By Sun International

Sun International celebrates young South African creatives

From left ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen Sun International Heidi Edson MTN Niel Nortje scholarship winner Alutha Siyp_Nedbank Bulelani Ntuli | Photo by Sun International

Sun International celebrates young South African creatives at the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Gala Finals

The 2025 Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme Gala Finals brought together some of South Africa’s brightest young talents in an unforgettable celebration of creativity, resilience, and opportunity.

As a proud partner of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), Sun International continues to champion initiatives that empower young artists to pursue their dreams and contribute to the country’s growing creative economy. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering skills development and building sustainable careers within the arts and culture sector.

Held at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre in Johannesburg, the gala was a culmination of months of hard work and mentorship for 15 talented finalists selected from a national pool of 60 participants. The evening featured inspiring performances, moving storytelling, and heartfelt moments that showcased the incredible potential of South Africa’s next generation of creative talent.

Sun International joins ACT and fellow partners, Nedbank, the MTN Foundation, and Business and Arts South Africa, in congratulating the 2025 scholarship winners:

Visual Arts Scholarship Winner: Lerato Sithole from Lehae, Gauteng

Performing Arts Scholarship Winner: Alutha Siyo from Gugulethu, Western Cape

Each winner received a R300,000 scholarship to further their studies at a South African arts institution of their choice.

 

WINNER

Performing Arts Scholarship Winner: Alutha Siyo from Gugulethu, Western Cape.

View Gala Live Stream

 


WINNER

Visual Arts Scholarship Winner: Lerato Sithole from Lehae, Gauteng

View Gala Live Stream

Each winner received a R300,000 scholarship to further their studies at a South African arts institution of their choice.

“We believe in more than just opportunity; we believe in investing in potential. Each participant’s journey is not only a story of craft and perseverance, but also of voice and vision. It is inspiring to witness how these young creatives translate hope into practice, and we are proud to stand alongside them as they shape new narratives for our communities,” says Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development Specialist at Sun International.

The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme continues to be a powerful platform for growth, offering young artists exposure, professional training, and mentorship from leading practitioners in both visual and performing arts. Through programmes like this, Sun International reinforces its dedication to creating meaningful social impact and empowering South Africa’s youth to thrive through their talents.

 

 

 

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