By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng
Durban — Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni led a Creative Sector Consultative Engagement at the Durban International Convention Centre on Thursday, 5 March 2026, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and policymakers to discuss the future of South Africa’s creative economy.
Held under the banner CreativeBiz Nexus and themed “Fueled through Creativity. Powered by Hustle.”, the engagement formed part of a national consultation process aimed at strengthening support for creative micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme follows earlier engagements launched in Limpopo in September 2025 by the Department of Small Business Development and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency.
While discussions focused on unlocking funding opportunities, reducing barriers and improving non-financial support for creatives, some stakeholders questioned whether consultations would translate into real financial backing for struggling artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Among the delegates was Michael Ngema, who participated actively during the breakaway sessions with film industry leaders. Ngema posed several questions on funding accessibility and made recommendations on strengthening support structures for emerging filmmakers from township communities.
Participants from the music, film, television, fashion, design, crafts and digital content sectors raised concerns about limited funding, complex grant systems and inadequate infrastructure to grow creative businesses.
Although the day-long engagement encouraged dialogue between government and industry players, some attendees said the real test will be whether these consultations lead to concrete policy reforms and accessible funding opportunities.
The engagement concluded with fashion show and networking cocktail session among delegates and officials.
