During a month meant to celebrate South Africa’s cultural heritage, many township and rural creatives have found themselves sidelined and silenced. To unpack the frustrations behind the delayed outcomes of the Heritage Project Proposals, Imbizo Magazine spoke to William Grey Mafumbu of Stepahead Production, whose recent public statement has sparked conversations across the creative sector.
Breaking the Silence
Mafumbu explained that the decision to release a public statement was not made lightly.
“We were prompted by the silence and lack of transparency from Johannesburg City Theatres, Joburg Culture, and Johannesburg Arts Alive. Township and rural creatives have been waiting patiently, with no communication, in the very month that celebrates heritage. It became clear that if we did not speak out, the struggles of grassroots creatives would remain invisible.”
For Stepahead, the issue is not just about one organization—it is about the collective struggle of creatives who lack visibility and resources.
“The delays do not affect Stepahead Productions alone—they affect hundreds of creatives. Many township and rural organizations do not have the platforms to raise their voices, so we took the responsibility to speak on behalf of the community.”
Disrupted Plans and Lost Opportunities
Heritage projects require months of preparation, but the uncertainty has paralyzed planning and delivery.
“The delay has disrupted our planning cycle. Without knowing whether funding or approval is secured, we cannot responsibly commit resources. For many, this has meant lost opportunities, strained finances, and projects that will never see the light of day.”
The toll is not only financial.
“The emotional toll is heavy—creatives feel sidelined, disregarded, and disrespected. Professionally, it undermines confidence in institutions meant to support the sector. Instead of empowering township and rural spaces during Heritage Month, the silence turned it into a month of waiting.”
Demanding Transparency and Fairness
One of the strongest points raised in Stepahead’s statement is the need for constructive feedback.
“Feedback is not a privilege; it is a right. Small organizations need it to grow and compete fairly. Generic rejection letters keep us excluded and stagnant, while larger organizations with more resources thrive. Transparency is the only way forward.”
When asked about the fairness of the current proposal process, Mafumbu was clear:
“At present, it is not fair or fully accessible. The process favors organizations with resources, networks, and technical capacity. Improvements must include strict timelines, transparent adjudication with published panels, workshops for township and rural creatives, and proper feedback systems.”
A Collective Voice
Stepahead’s statement has resonated widely across the sector.
“Many have echoed our concerns and expressed relief that someone spoke up. The silence has been suffocating, but our statement opened a door for solidarity. This is a collective frustration across the sector.”
The message to institutions is firm:
“Respect creatives, communicate openly, and act with fairness. Institutions must recognize that delays and silence harm the very communities they claim to serve.”
Looking Ahead
For Mafumbu, the way forward is rooted in accountability and unity.
“We expect clear timelines, transparent adjudication processes, and communication that respects the sector. If delays continue, we must escalate collectively through petitions, public campaigns, or even parliamentary oversight. Unity is our greatest strength—if we stand together, our voices cannot be ignored.”