In 2022, the creative economy accounted for 6% of all jobs in South Africa and contributed 2.97% of the country’s GDP. Despite this contribution to the nation’s economy, the creative industries are often sidelined in trade and industry: in many cases, lack of funding, limited access to resources and inadequate infrastructure cause workers in the creative arts to be excluded from the mainstream economy.
by: Nozuko Mzamo, Social Investment Specialist at Tshikululu Social Investments
This, in turn, means limited industry funding for upcoming talent, making studying the creative arts inaccessible for many South Africans. As part of responding to this, an international company in the film and television industry partnered with Tshikululu Social Investments to invest $650 million (just under R9.7 million) in the development of young creatives in the film and television industry in South Africa.
The programme had two main focus areas:
- Providing scholarships to support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives in the film and television disciplines, focusing on Black South African students and Southern African Development Community (SADC) students studying in South Africa); and
- A graduate assistance programme to allow students who had already met requirements for a relevant qualification to settle outstanding student debt preventing them from graduating.
Through this investment in education and training, the programme sought to strengthen the creative industry’s value chain across South and Southern Africa, giving young creatives the opportunity to access quality training and qualifications at sought-after higher education institutions. The programme focused on promoting economic inclusion for Black African students, and women in particular, as a contribution towards developing a diversity of talent in the industry. The programme ultimately benefited 111 students, 71 (64%) of whom were women, across 12 higher education institutions in South Africa.
Tshikululu, as the programme manager, led a rigorous assessment process to identify these beneficiaries. The Tshikululu team reviewed and responded to a total of 1 702 scholarship applications, a process which included preliminary screening, interviews, due diligence, and contracting with successful applicants. Tshikululu was also responsible for all bursary payments (covering tuition, accommodation, study materials and food for the scholars) and engagements with partnering tertiary institutions to identify students with outstanding debt.
Our experience managing programmes of this nature has taught us the following key lessons:
- It is always essential to follow – and be able to demonstrate – due process, but this is especially true in a highly competitive selection process. Maximum transparency around the selection criteria and process helps to mitigate the risk of misunderstandings among stakeholders and the broader public.
- Comprehensive financial and psycho-social support for scholars is critical in helping them to navigate tertiary education, and it also maximises the return on investment for the social investor. The more students’ basic needs are met, the more likely it is they will continue with and excel in their studies.
- Working with multiple higher education institutions requires an intentional, agile and responsive approach to stakeholder relationship management. In this programme, effective stakeholder management minimised programme delays and ensured an accurate, up-to-date understanding of the progress of each initiative, while also enhancing the quality of the support provided to students.
- Work readiness programmes should be integrated into scholarship funding wherever possible, to improve students’ chances of being able to enter the workforce after graduating.
The two-pronged approach of providing scholarships and settling student debt is an effective and efficient way to develop talent and foster economic inclusion. In the creative arts sector, where there is limited funding available for young people looking to enter the industry, this investment has enabled 111 students and graduates to access tertiary education or receive their qualifications and thus be able to participate in the economy. Tshikululu is continuing to partner with this client to maintain a strong community of alumni with the aim of connecting them to opportunities for on-the-job training and networking.
Tshikululu is South Africa’s leading social investment fund manager and advisor, working alongside investors and other development partners to achieve sustainable social impact. More information about our services can be found on our website, or you can contact us at info@tshikululu.org.za. Our trust and programme management services focus on maximising social impact, aligning with the unique dynamics of the South African socio-economic landscape. We offer efficient management of programmes and grants, including scholarships, to ensure that resources are effectively directed toward achieving desired social outcomes.
