MBIZANA– The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) has welcomed and applauded the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Sibulele Ngongo for restoring dignity and credibility to the province’s creative industry awards.
In a media statement, the federation commended the calibre and integrity of the recent award recipients, describing the ceremony as a turning point for the sector.
CCIFSA noted that in previous years, the awards had been misused to honour individuals with little or no meaningful contribution to the cultural and creative industries, thereby undermining the purpose and prestige of the platform.
“The current MEC has restored the dignity of the industry by honouring true legends whose contribution to the sector cannot be questioned,” the statement read.
Honouring Cultural IconsAmong those recognised were respected icons such as Dr Lusanda Mcinga, Nkunz’emdaka, Vusi Thanda and Sizwe Zako.
CCIFSA stated that honouring these figures demonstrates that the MEC is in touch with the industry and has engaged relevant stakeholders in identifying deserving recipients.
The federation emphasised that recognising such legends affirms the Eastern Cape’s rich cultural heritage and long-standing contribution to South Africa’s creative landscape.
The awards also celebrated contemporary creatives, including Dumza Maswana, Zikhona Sodlaka and Nozibele Mayaba. According to CCIFSA, the integration of industry veterans with current generation stars reflects the MEC’s understanding of the evolving creative landscape.
By bridging heritage with modern relevance, the department is fostering unity across generations and reinforcing continuity within the sector.
The federation further stated that Ngongo has ‘resuscitated hope’ for building a stronger and more sustainable creative industry in the province, following two years of leadership it described as disconnected from sector realities. CCIFSA highlighted that frequent changes in MEC leadership have historically disrupted policy implementation, sector programmes and long-term development planning.
The organisation expressed hope that the Premier will retain the current MEC to ensure stability, continuity and institutional growth within the department.
The federation also welcomed the inclusive nature of the awards, noting that vulnerable and marginalised groups within the creative sector were acknowledged.
CCIFSA reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to build a professional, credible, inclusive, and sustainable creative industry in the Eastern Cape and across South Africa.
photographs: supplied
