By Ndalo Mbombo & Thubelihle Mathonsi
The National Arts Festival and Standard Bank have finally released the long-awaited list of artists who have been awarded a 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award.
Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank’s group head of sponsorship, said, “We are proud to support this new generation of visionaries as they continue to shape the future of our cultural landscape and ensure that our creative heritage thrives for decades to come.” The recipients of the SBYA award are:
- Siyasanga “Siya” Charles for Jazz
- Asanda Ruda for Dance
- Muneyi for Music
- Nyakallo Maleke for Visual Arts
- Calvin Ratladi for Theatre
- Modise Sekgothe for Poetry
In addition to an opportunity to stage their creative compositions, the winners receive financial support and a mentor as they prepare to put on a show for a national audience at the 2025 National Arts Festival taking place in Makhanda from 26 June to 6 July.
Standard Bank celebrates a 40-year milestone of partnership with the National Arts Festival. The Awards represent the organisation’s commitment to recognising South African talent and creating an opportunity for them to share their innovative, trailblazing creations.
Interviews with the winners will be published soon in Grocott’s Mail in our pre-Festival coverage.
