Partnership to drive youth innovation and creative economy in the Eastern Cape

From left, Vusumzi Makinana (ECDC), Khuthala Sonqishe and Sharon Masiza (Mandela University), Athenkosi Baliso (ECDC) and David Bester (Mandela University).

In July 2025, the institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on long-term economic initiatives, sector support programmes, entrepreneurship and youth-focused interventions that promote inclusive, sustainable growth across the province.

The partnership combines the expertise and resources of both organisations to improve the planning and packaging of catalytic projects, support entrepreneurship, and enhance business development services. It also focuses on generating sector intelligence to inform evidence-based decision-making, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and mobilise resources for high-impact initiatives.

Implementation talks

An ECDC delegation led by Acting Executive for Economic Development Coordination and Sector Support Vuyokazi Gwabeni, and Economic Development Specialist Vusumuzi Makinana, met with a University team headed by Senior Director for the Missionvale, Second Avenue and Bird Street campuses, Sharon Masiza at the Second Avenue Campus. Discussions centred on Film, Design and Media; Fashion Design and Textiles; and Fine Arts and Ceramics.

A central focus of the partnership is increasing youth participation in the economy by creating pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative industries, including film, fashion, arts, media and the oceans economy.

The meeting reviewed 2025 activities, including plans to expose Media and Communication students to industry platforms such as the National Arts Festival. Selected Faculty of Humanities’ students attended film screenings and networking sessions to connect with industry professionals. Other initiatives included a fashion show and competition, and short-learning programmes in film, media, design and fashion.

For 2026, the institutions outlined expanded programmes to equip students with industry-relevant skills, increase practical exposure and nurture creative talent in the province.

Masiza emphasised the collaboration supports the campuses’ strategic priority of enhancing the student experience.

“The entire idea behind this session is to come with action plans that we must implement. One of our visions is to ensure that we enhance student experiences within and outside the classroom,” she said.

Makinana described the agreement as the first structured collaboration between the ECDC and the University, formalising programme implementation and establishing a long-term strategic commitment.

Both institutions confirmed that MoU implementation engagements will continue throughout the year, with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes that support enterprise development, youth innovation and sustainable economic growth in the Eastern Cape.