Mzansi Golden Economy Funding 2026: 90 Projects Approved – DJ Owami UK Tour, Michelle Mosalakae & More
Mzansi Golden Economy Funding 2026
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has released the names of the Cultural and Creative Industries Projects and touring ventures that have been approved for the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) funding for the 2026/2027 year.
MGE aims to make strategic investments to maximize the economic advantages of the arts in South Africa. The expected outcomes of enhanced investment in critical areas of the creative economy include boosting job creation, improving productivity, and increasing the sector’s global competitiveness.
Background: McKenzie’s Shift in Funding Strategy
Following Minister Gayton McKenzie‘s announcement in September 2025, where he defunded major festivals in the country, telling them to stand on their own, he left many organizations in a fix.
McKenzie then directed creatives to apply to the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) for funding, which has strict compliance guidelines.
An open call was made for applications to support Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs) and Touring Ventures.
90 Approved Projects – Breakdown by Province
There are 90 approved projects in total.
Here’s the breakdown per province:
| Province | Number of Approved Projects |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | 7 |
| Free State | 5 |
| Gauteng | 21 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 12 |
| Limpopo | 11 |
| Mpumalanga | 6 |
| North West | 10 |
| Northern Cape | 7 |
| Western Cape | 11 |
Gauteng received the highest number of approvals with 21 projects, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (12) and Limpopo (11).
Notable Beneficiaries
STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR
Notably, on the list under touring ventures, STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR appears twice under different company names: Sebilo Creations CC and ABEDNIGO MORUTI DHLAMINI CREATIONS.
DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour
Another name that grabs attention is Queendom Media, which has been approved for funding the DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour. Queendom Media is linked to DJ and “Born To Fame” cast member Owami Mafokate, who is the daughter of legendary kwaito musician and producer Arthur Mafokate.
Michelle Mosalakae Foundation Theatre Tour
Actress Michelle Mosalakae, who is the founder of ARMOR FC and the Michelle Mosalakae Foundation, has received funding for the MM Foundation Theatre Tour.
Touring Ventures Guidelines
The Touring Ventures is aimed at supporting broader, cost-effective opportunities for the nation’s cultural and creative outputs to be viewed, participated in, and enjoyed internationally and nationally through solo tours.
The guidelines state that:
- Touring Ventures must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027
- International Touring Ventures should be of existing products
Funding Amounts
The maximum available grant is R1 million per grant per beneficiary. The grant amount will be awarded at the discretion of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
SEE FULL LIST HERE: https://www.dsac.gov.za/sites/default/files/2026-04/2026-27pdf
FAQ – Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Funding 2026/2027
1. What is the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE)?
The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) is a government initiative designed to make strategic investments to maximize the economic advantages of the arts in South Africa. Its goals include:
- Boosting job creation in the creative sector
- Improving productivity across arts and culture industries
- Increasing global competitiveness of South African creative exports
2. How many projects were approved for 2026/2027 funding?
90 approved projects in total across all nine provinces.
3. Which province received the most approvals?
Gauteng received the highest number of approvals with 21 projects.
4. What is the provincial breakdown of approved projects?
| Province | Number of Approved Projects |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | 7 |
| Free State | 5 |
| Gauteng | 21 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 12 |
| Limpopo | 11 |
| Mpumalanga | 6 |
| North West | 10 |
| Northern Cape | 7 |
| Western Cape | 11 |
5. What types of projects were funded?
Two main categories of projects were funded:
- Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs) – Local cultural and creative initiatives
- Touring Ventures – National and international tours showcasing South African creative outputs
6. What are the guidelines for Touring Ventures?
The guidelines state that:
- Touring Ventures must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027
- International Touring Ventures should be of existing products
7. How much funding can each beneficiary receive?
The maximum available grant is R1 million per grant per beneficiary. The grant amount is awarded at the discretion of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
8. Who are some of the notable beneficiaries?
| Beneficiary | Project | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Queendom Media | DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour | Linked to Owami Mafokate, daughter of legendary kwaito musician Arthur Mafokate; Owami is also a “Born To Fame” cast member |
| Michelle Mosalakae | MM Foundation Theatre Tour | Actress, founder of ARMOR FC and the Michelle Mosalakae Foundation |
| Sebilo Creations CC | STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR | Puppeteer tour – appears twice on the list |
| ABEDNIGO MORUTI DHLAMINI CREATIONS | STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR | Second listing for the same puppeteer tour |
9. Why did Gayton McKenzie defund major festivals?
In September 2025, Minister Gayton McKenzie announced that major festivals would be defunded and told to “stand on their own.” He then directed creatives to apply to the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) for funding instead, which has strict compliance guidelines.
10. What is the application process for MGE funding?
An open call was made for applications to support:
- Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs)
- Touring Ventures
For future funding cycles, creatives should monitor the DSAC website and official announcements for open call dates and guidelines.
11. Who oversees the MGE funding?
The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) oversees the Mzansi Golden Economy funding. The department awards grant amounts at its discretion.
12. What is the timeline for the 2026/2027 funded projects?
Touring Ventures must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027.
13. Why does STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR appear twice?
On the list of approved touring ventures, STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR appears twice under two different company names:
- Sebilo Creations CC
- ABEDNIGO MORUTI DHLAMINI CREATIONS
This may represent either two separate applications or two entities involved in the same tour.
14. Who is Owami Mafokate?
Owami Mafokate is a DJ and cast member of the reality show “Born To Fame.” She is the daughter of legendary kwaito musician and producer Arthur Mafokate. Her company, Queendom Media, received funding for the DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour.
15. Who is Michelle Mosalakae?
Michelle Mosalakae is a South African actress, founder of ARMOR FC, and the Michelle Mosalakae Foundation. She received funding for the MM Foundation Theatre Tour.
16. How does MGE benefit the South African economy?
The expected outcomes of enhanced investment in critical areas of the creative economy include:
- Boosting job creation in the arts sector
- Improving productivity across creative industries
- Increasing global competitiveness of South African creative exports
17. Where can I find the full list of approved projects?
The full list of approved projects was released by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. For the complete list, visit the DSAC official website or monitor their press releases.
18. Can I still apply for MGE funding?
The open call for the 2026/2027 cycle has closed. Creatives interested in future funding cycles should monitor DSAC official channels for announcements regarding new open calls.
19. Is there a limit on how many projects one entity can apply for?
Each application is assessed on its own merits. The guidelines do not explicitly limit the number of applications per entity, but each project must meet strict compliance requirements.
20. What were the total projects per province?
| Province | Projects |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | 7 |
| Free State | 5 |
| Gauteng | 21 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 12 |
| Limpopo | 11 |
| Mpumalanga | 6 |
| North West | 10 |
| Northern Cape | 7 |
| Western Cape | 11 |
| TOTAL | 90 |
90 Mzansi Golden Economy projects approved for 2026/2027 funding. DJ Owami Amapiano UK Tour, Michelle Mosalakae Theatre Tour, STEVOVO THE PUPPETEER TOUR, and 87 others receive up to R1 million each. Gauteng leads with 21 approvals.
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