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The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened the 2026 funding window for the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme. The grants aim to support South Africa’s arts, culture, and heritage sector by boosting job creation and the creative economy.
Applications are open from 5 December 2025 at 12h00 until 30 January 2026 at 17h00 via www.eservices.gov.za. No hand-delivered or emailed applications will be accepted.
Who Can Apply
Funding is available for:
- Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs)
- Touring Ventures
These projects must take place between May 2026 and February 2027.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)
- Private Companies (Pty Ltd) in the arts, culture, or heritage space
What to Know Before Applying
DSAC’s MGE grant programme is competitive. Applications will be assessed based on:
- Project merit and relevance to current sector needs
- Eligibility and completeness of the application
- Demonstrated impact on job creation and economic growth
Important: No applicant is automatically entitled to funding.
Application Details at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) |
| Open Date | 5 December 2025 at 12h00 |
| Closing Date | 30 January 2026 at 17h00 |
| Application Portal | www.eservices.gov.za |
| Supported Timeframe | May 2026 – February 2027 |
| Contact Email | mge@dsac.gov.za |
| Enquiries (Toll-Free) | 0800 724 278 |
Official Sources & Links
- 🔗 dsac.gov.za/Guidelines – Guidelines & criteria
- 🔗 eservices.gov.za – Application portal
- 📧 Email: mge@dsac.gov.za
- ☎ Toll-Free Number: 0800 724 278
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