OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTUREOPEN LETTER

ACTIVATE! Change Drivers, a youth development organisation, calls for reinforced support and investment in the arts sector to empower young people across all provinces. The art plays a key role in fostering creativity, promoting social cohesion, and driving inclusive economic growth. By providing youth with the necessary resources and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the creative economy, we can amplify their voices and contribute to sustainable social and cultural development in South Africa.

ACTIVATE! Change Drivers
Johannesburg Office, Parktown 2193
Mobile: 087 820 4873 / 087 820 4883

Date: 03 December 2025

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Dear Honourable Minister and Officials of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,

ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is a multisectoral youth development program with a national network that, over the past 12 years, has delivered a leadership development program to over 4,500 young people from across the country, providing tools and platforms for youth leaders to connect, share ideas, and be empowered to become active change drivers in their communities.
Our work is based on the belief that if young people are provided with a provocative platform to meet, connect, and be inspired to actively contribute to the common good, strengthen and develop their abilities and skill sets, then they can become innovative and active citizens who drive positive social, economic, and political change for South Africa and the global good.
Our Vision: ACTIVATE! is a network of young leaders with the capacity to drive change, for the public good, across South Africa.

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains a national crisis, and young creatives are among the most affected. Although the cultural and creative industries draw large numbers of young people, their participation is marked by deep insecurity. The South African Cultural Observatory reports that while 35% of cultural workers are youth, nearly half of them (47.2%) work informally, without stable income or protections (SACO, 2019). National data from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture further show that over 50% of cultural workers operate informally, making creative work one of the least secure employment pathways in the country (DSAC, 2020–2025).

This reality means that many young people in the arts are not simply unemployed; they are underemployed, unsupported, and structurally excluded from sustainable livelihoods. Without urgent investment, policy attention, and sector-specific support, the true scale of youth unemployment in the arts will continue to be hidden behind rising informality and precarious work.

We, the young activators of ACTIVATE! Change Drivers, write to acknowledge the Department’s efforts in supporting South Africa’s creative sector while highlighting ongoing challenges faced by emerging artists. This letter is part of the youth-driven initiative, “30 Years of Democracy Through the Arts of Young Artists,” which celebrates our country’s democratic journey by using art as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and transformation. Through webinars and focus groups, young creatives showcased their talents, shared their stories, and explored entrepreneurial opportunities. These engagements have revealed persistent barriers, including:
• Administrative and Compliance Challenges: Many emerging organizations struggle to access funding due to complex administrative requirements. Simplified funding processes, mentorship, and clear guidelines are urgently needed.
• Resource and Funding Constraints: Limited budgets, high operational costs, and inconsistent income make it difficult for artists to sustain their work. Structured support and sponsorship models would help stabilize livelihoods.
• Limited Institutional Support: Community-based organizations (CBOs) that nurture local talent often operate with minimal recognition or resources. Stronger collaboration with the Department would enhance reach and impact.
• Exclusivity of Arts Platforms: One-off events often favor urban or well-resourced artists, leaving rural and underrepresented creatives without opportunities. Continuous, inclusive platforms are needed.

We further attended the NYDA Creative Economy Workshop in partnership with Lawyers for South Africa (LASA) and Brandscapers Africa on 20th November with two activators in the creative arts space. During this workshop, Master P won a brand-new MacBook from Brandscapers Africa. These gatherings are critical to encouraging young creatives, helping them sell their work, and connecting them with resources and networks that can support their growth and sustainability.

Despite these challenges, young artists are demonstrating resilience and creativity. For example, DJ and Activator Voro Ngobozana invested in his own equipment, built local partnerships, and leveraged social media to create sustainable opportunities. Similarly, Master P demonstrates how young creatives are creating employment for themselves through their craft. He has repainted old shoes, designed and painted T-shirts, and recently secured a subcontract for painting at Soshanguve Mall. His story illustrates the potential of youth in the arts to innovate, generate income, and contribute to local economies when provided with opportunities and support.

Collectively, youth-led advocacy through webinars, focus groups, and open letters is shaping practical solutions and demonstrating the potential of young people as contributors to South Africa’s creative economy.

We propose the following initiatives to strengthen the arts sector:
1. Tiered Funding Structures: Simplified grant categories based on organizational capacity to ensure emerging artists and small organizations can access support.
2. Administrative Training Institution: Short courses, mentorship, and workshops to equip artists and CBOs with essential skills in proposal writing, compliance, and financial management.
3. Standardized Industry Rates & Sponsorship Models: Fair compensation and reliable sponsorship to promote economic stability and professional growth.
4. Collaboration Between CBOs and Government: Co-host programs, include CBOs in policy consultations, and provide funding/logistical support for local arts initiatives.
5. Roadshow Talent Show Initiative: A mobile, inclusive platform traveling across provinces to give artists equal exposure, promote cultural exchange, and create economic opportunities.

As young South Africans, we believe that 30 years of democracy should also mean 30 years of opportunity. We call on the Department of Arts and Culture to work with us in simplifying funding, building capacity, supporting collaboration, and creating inclusive platforms like the Roadshow Talent Show. Together, we can ensure the arts continue to inspire unity, generate employment, and strengthen social cohesion across South Africa.

Sincerest Regards

Contributing Team:
Revelation Dikgetsi – Northern Cape, Kimberley
Comfort Zisongo – Mpumalanga, Kroonstad
Xolane Voro Ngobozana – Johannesburg
Jacob Huma – Pretoria, Soshanguve
Kelebogile Khuzwayo – Gauteng, Johannesburg

Young Activators & Narrative Change Drivers
Email: kelebogile@activateleadership.co.za
Mobile: 071 360 0926