The fusion of talent and opportunity often sparks brilliance, illuminating the path for aspiring individuals to carve their destinies. In the realm of arts and culture, this synergy ignites a fire that not only shapes careers but also enriches the fabric of society. Poovandran Pillay, Executive Head for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) at Nedbank, and Heidi Edson, Group Socioeconomic Development (SED) Specialist at Sun International, echo this sentiment as they celebrate the exceptional achievements of the 2023 winners and finalists of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme.

“Nyoloha means ‘to rise’ in Sesotho, and that is what all the talented young people participating in this programme have done to forge a bright career for themselves in the arts and culture sector,” shares Poovandran Pillay. The journey of these individuals embodies resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to their craft. Through the partnership spanning 29 years between ACT and Nedbank, the ACT and Nedbank scholarships have been instrumental in nurturing these talents since 2009. Pillay’s pride in the accomplishments of the winners, Naledi Lebelo and Azanda Nyangintsimbi, resonates deeply, heralding them as the rising stars and future legends set to elevate South Africa through their artistic prowess.

Heidi Edson, reflecting on the evolution of the programme, emphasizes, “Last year, I was blown away by the highly talented Nyoloha finalists. But this year’s group has lifted the benchmark to an unprecedented high level of superior performance and presentation of artworks.” The transformative power of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme stands as a beacon, illuminating the latent potential within the country’s youth. Edson’s acknowledgment of this untapped reservoir of talent underscores the critical role such initiatives play in recognizing, nurturing, and amplifying these artistic voices that might otherwise go unheard.

The collaborative efforts of Sun International in conjunction with the ACT demonstrate a shared commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for burgeoning talent. Edson expresses, “Sun International is extremely proud and grateful to be part of the ACT Nyoloha Scholarship journey.” Their dedication to supporting the arts and cultural development through this partnership resonates with Pillay’s sentiments, collectively fostering an ecosystem where dreams in the arts can flourish into tangible achievements. Both Pillay and Edson extend their congratulations not only to the winners but to all the finalists, recognizing the collective brilliance that enriches the arts and culture landscape. Their unwavering support and commitment reflect a broader vision, one that seeks to empower and uplift young talent, instilling belief and providing avenues for growth.

The ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme stands as a testament to the transformative impact that occurs when talent meets opportunity. Naledi Lebelo, Azanda Nyangintsimbi, and their fellow finalists epitomize the embodiment of dreams realized and potential unleashed, poised to shape the artistic narrative of South Africa. As the applause reverberates for the 2023 winners and finalists, Pillay, Edson, and the collaborating entities stand resolute in their commitment to nurturing artistic excellence, ensuring that these rising stars continue to shine brightly and illuminate the world with their creativity. Through this enduring partnership, the future of the arts in South Africa brims with promise, as the next generation of artists, empowered and supported, prepare to take their well-deserved place on the global stage.