Johannesburg’s creative community gathered on 6 March 2026 at Y Studios for an inspiring day that celebrated the journeys of artists who have successfully transformed their creativity into thriving businesses. The #MyDebutStory Alumni Event, hosted by the Debut Fund Programme, brought together emerging creatives, industry leaders, and cultural stakeholders to reflect on how South Africa’s creative sector continues to evolve through entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation.
The Debut Fund Programme is an initiative of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). Since its launch in 2017, the programme has become a vital platform for nurturing creative entrepreneurs across the country. What began with 197 participants in its first iteration has expanded to more than 450 creatives in later cohorts, highlighting both the demand for structured support and the programme’s growing influence in shaping the next generation of creative business leaders.
The event was hosted by energetic XtremmeDJ from YFM, whose lively presence set the tone for a day filled with storytelling, reflection, and inspiration. One of the most memorable moments came when BASA Programmes Manager Nomkhosi Houghton opened the event with a heartfelt rendition of Not Yet Uhuru, a song made famous by South African music legend Letta Mbulu. The audience joined in as backing vocals, creating a powerful moment that reminded attendees of the enduring role that arts and culture play in shaping the nation’s identity.
In her address, Houghton emphasised that the creative sector thrives when art and business work together. She explained that BASA exists to build bridges between creatives, industry partners, and institutions, creating an ecosystem where artists can grow sustainable careers. According to Houghton, programmes such as the Debut Fund are not simply about funding, but about connecting creatives with mentorship, networks, and opportunities that allow their ideas to flourish into viable enterprises.
As the day unfolded, the conversation turned to the broader impact of the creative economy in South Africa. BASA CEO Beth Arendse spoke passionately about the role of the creative sector in addressing youth unemployment and building a sustainable future for young entrepreneurs. She reminded the audience that while talent is essential, it cannot thrive without the right systems, structures, and access to markets.
CEO explained that BASA’s work focuses on connecting stakeholders across the creative ecosystem, from policymakers and funders to business leaders and industry experts. By creating these connections, the organization aims to ensure that creative entrepreneurs have the tools and opportunities needed to grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the South African economy.
Her message to young creatives in the room was both empowering and challenging: they must take their craft seriously and recognise their potential as future leaders in the creative sector. According to Arendse, when creatives begin to see themselves as entrepreneurs, they not only build careers but also create jobs and opportunities for others.
The event also showcased inspiring success stories from alumni who have used the programme as a launchpad for their creative ventures. Among them was acclaimed writer, poet, and performer Siphokazi Jonas, who participated in the programme’s first iteration. Based in Cape Town, Jonas has built an impressive career as a playwright and producer whose work has earned both national and international recognition, including a South African Film and Television Award and the University of Johannesburg Debut Prize for South African writing. Her projects not only highlight the power of storytelling but also create employment opportunities for other creatives, demonstrating how artistic work can grow into a collaborative economic force.
Another compelling journey came from Bularah Chopo, founder of Bapala Creative Arts and Services in QwaQwa in the Free State. Through theatre productions, storytelling programmes, and community workshops, Chopo has created platforms for local artists while nurturing young talent in the performing arts. His work stands as a testament to how creative entrepreneurship can uplift communities while preserving local stories and cultural expression.
Fashion entrepreneur Shikombiso Bila also captivated the audience as she shared how she built a crochet fashion brand inspired by Xitsonga heritage. Her work celebrates cultural identity while pushing boundaries in contemporary fashion. From local beginnings to showcasing designs at international platforms such as Seychelles Fashion Week, Bila’s journey reflects how heritage-inspired creativity can open doors to global markets while empowering artisans and craft practitioners.
The day was further enriched by artistic energy, including a powerful performance by the DJ Pedabotic, which served as a reminder that creativity remains at the heart of the industry’s growth and evolution. More than just a celebration of past achievements, the #MyDebutStory event demonstrated the power of investing in creative talent and nurturing it into entrepreneurship. Through mentorship, partnerships, and access to networks, the Debut Fund Programme continues to build a strong pipeline of creatives who are not only shaping the future of the arts but also contributing to the growth of South Africa’s creative economy.
For many who attended the event, the stories shared were more than success stories, they were reminders that creativity, when supported by the right structures and opportunities, can transform lives, build communities, and inspire the next generation of artists to turn their dreams into sustainable businesses.