Authored by: Lekgutsa Mbele | SA Rainbow News | 27 April 2026
27 April 2026
The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) Free State has welcomed the 2026 Budget Vote presented by the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Hon. Zanele Sifuba, on 21 April 2026 at the Harry Gwala Sports Complex in Zamdela, Sasolburg.
As a representative body for the creative and cultural sector, SAACYF Free State acknowledged key commitments made by the Department while also outlining critical expectations aimed at promoting transparency, inclusivity, and fair access to opportunities across the province.
#FreedomDay2026 #ArtsAndCulture #FreeState
A major highlight raised by the forum is the upcoming Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE). SAACYF has called for at least 80% of performing artists to be sourced from within the Free State, with deliberate inclusion of talent from rural and township communities. The forum emphasized that MACUFE must authentically reflect the province’s diverse creative landscape.
#MACUFE #LocalTalent #SupportArtists
On employment opportunities, SAACYF addressed the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for artists, urging the Department to standardize contracts to a fixed 12-month period, not exceeding 24 months within a five-year cycle. This, they argue, will prevent long-term monopolization of opportunities and ensure equitable distribution among artists across all regions.
#EPWP #FairOpportunities #CreativeEconomy
The forum also welcomed plans for District Arts and Culture Festivals and the Free State Homebrew Arts & Culture Programme. However, it stressed the importance of transparent selection processes and meaningful collaboration with community stakeholders to ensure these initiatives benefit the broader public rather than a select few.
#CommunityDevelopment #ArtsFestivals #Transparency
In recognizing overlooked sectors, SAACYF expressed appreciation for renewed focus on the Clap & Tap and Choral community. The forum encouraged inclusive program rollout across one metropolitan municipality and four district municipalities, covering all 18 local municipalities in the province.
#ChoralMusic #ClapAndTap #CulturalHeritage
Further praise was given for efforts to assess and upgrade Arts & Culture Centres, beginning with the Mangaung facility. SAACYF additionally called for the establishment of satellite centres in smaller towns to improve accessibility for young creatives.
#ArtsInfrastructure #YouthDevelopment #AccessToOpportunities
The announcement of a provincial Film Hub was also noted, with SAACYF urging the fast-tracking of a fully established Free State Film Commission. The forum believes this initiative could significantly contribute to economic growth and support local filmmakers.
#FilmIndustry #CreativeEconomy #FreeStateFilm
SAACYF also welcomed the introduction of Provincial Arts & Culture Awards, emphasizing the need for fair, transparent, and inclusive nomination and adjudication processes across all disciplines.
#ArtsAwards #Recognition #CreativeExcellence
However, the forum raised concerns regarding accountability, calling on the MEC to release a comprehensive report on the Free State Arts Centre, including clarity on previously allocated public funds where expenditure remains unaccounted for.
#Accountability #PublicFunds #GoodGovernance
SAACYF Congratulates Khadeair, Raises Concerns Over Artist Exploitation
In a separate statement, SAACYF Free State congratulated Nyakallo Tlale, popularly known as Khadeair, on his multiple nominations at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards.
The Botshabelo-born artist, recognized for his Amapiano hit “Magumba,” received nominations for Best Dance, Best New Artist, and Song of the Year. Although he did not secure a win, SAACYF described the achievement as a significant milestone for the Free State’s creative industry.
#Khadeair #MetroFMAwards #Amapiano
Despite the celebration, the forum expressed serious concern over ongoing reports of artist exploitation. It specifically called out allegations involving unauthorized funding applications submitted on behalf of artists without their consent.
SAACYF emphasized that any funding proposals made to institutions such as the Free State Provincial Arts & Culture Council must involve full knowledge, consent, and participation of the artist concerned.
#ArtistRights #StopExploitation #CreativeJustice
The forum also urged media platforms to uphold ethical standards, warning against the misuse of public broadcasting spaces to advance personal disputes. This follows concerns raised about conduct on Lesedi FM involving radio presenter Mzwakhe Kachela.
#MediaEthics #ResponsibleBroadcasting #PublicTrust
SAACYF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting artists and promoting fair, transparent systems within the creative sector. The organization encouraged affected artists to utilize formal complaint channels, including relevant funding bodies and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.
#ProtectCreatives #FairProcesses #Ubuntu
SAACYF Free State reiterated its commitment to the principles of Ubuntu, emphasizing collective growth, splxjm. 2 2empowerment, and dignity for all artists and communities. The forum pledged continued engagement with the Department to ensure that arts and culture initiatives create jobs, empower youth, and drive meaningful development across the province.
#Ubuntu #YouthEmpowerment #BuildTheFuture
