Meet the Team

Stallone Santino, a multifaceted creative force from KwaZulu-Natal, seamlessly melds his passion for the arts and education. With a BA Hons. in Drama and Performance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, his directorial prowess has graced various KZN theatres, even marking presence at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. An actor with noteworthy TV commercial roles, he also dabbled in radio at 5FM. Venturing abroad, Stallone enriched minds in South Korea as an English educator and trainer. Yet, his heart remained tethered to the arts, leading him to birth "Creative Careers South Africa" — an initiative geared towards enhancing the skills of budding South African creatives. His eBook, "Creators on Creating: An Antidote to Uncertainty," poignantly captures the pandemic's impact on the South African arts scene. Having secured backing from several national institutions, Stallone’s commitment to elevating the arts is undeniably profound. Through arts management, he envisages a vibrant landscape where creativity thrives.

Meet Arthur Bongani Zitha, a dynamic force in the arts world. A proud Wits University BADA graduate with specializations in Playwriting and Acting, he also boasts a master’s in Arts and Culture Management. Arthur's artistic journey began in 2007 with the iconic Market Theatre, and a stellar scholarship soon found him honing his skills at New York's renowned Stella Adler Studio. But Arthur isn't just a captivating actor. He's an award-winning screenwriter, with a SAFTA under his belt for the hit series, Umlilo. His writing prowess extends to acclaimed shows like Ngempela and Majakathatha. On stage, he's graced audiences in productions such as "The Merry Wives of Zuma" and "Sophiatown". Television viewers might recognize him from commercials like Nando's and Vodacom or series like Zibondiwe and Ambitions. Film aficionados will know him from roles in "Vaya" and "Pad Na Jou Hart". Behind the scenes, Arthur's influence is far-reaching. Serving on the National Arts Council panel and imparting wisdom as a lecturer at institutions like the University of Pretoria, his commitment to uplifting the arts is unwavering. Join us in celebrating a true luminary in the South African arts landscape!

Meet the dynamic Busi Tshabalala, a whirlwind of creativity and passion. With a Bachelor of Social Science from Rhodes University, her career journey has been an exhilarating rollercoaster of diverse experiences. From the corporate world to education, research, and community engagement, she has worn many hats. But it was in 2019 that she unleashed her inner artistic tornado. Her love for the creative and cultural industries took centre stage, leading her to an inevitable transformation. In 2021, she completed the prestigious Market Theatre Laboratory's Performance and Theatre Skills Programme, solidifying her formal arts education. Today, Busi is a triple threat, seamlessly navigating the worlds of corporate, creative arts, and NGOs. She's not just a professional; she's a force of nature, poised to become a renowned figure in the country's creative and cultural industries

Antoinette Strydom (b.1997) is a multidisciplinary artist who received her BA Fine Arts degree at the University of the Free State in 2020 specializing in ceramics and sculpture. Antoinette is currently pursuing her post grad in BSocSci (Hons) Heritage, Museum and preservation studies at the University of Pretoria. She is a practicing fine artist with keen interest in curatorship, heritage preservation and public funding. With experience in the art industry for almost 8 years, Antoinette has been actively involved with art galleries, government funding programs in the arts sector, curated numerous exhibitions and assisted with special projects and collaborations. Antoinette has extensive work-experience in procurement and project management and takes pride in her work. Furthermore, Antoinette has a passion working with the youth in various art disciplines allowing her to empower and motivate young South Africans in the arts sector.