FS Saacyf

27/08/2026

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE SAACYF FREE STATE ON HERITAGE PROJECTS FUNDING AWARDS

South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) Free State would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the applicants who have been awarded funding to implement their Heritage Projects in our Province.

Special recognition goes to the custodians of the following crucial heritage projects:

1. The Cultivation and Promotion of Traditional Medicine
2. "They Died Without Markers" - Witsieshoek 1950
3. The Khoisan Traditional Healing Practices

These projects are not just projects; they are the preservation of our identity, our history, and our healing.

When we promote traditional medicine and Khoisan healing practices, we are protecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems that colonialism tried to erase. When we remember those who died without markers in Witsieshoek 1950, we are restoring dignity to our martyrs and ensuring their blood was not shed in vain.

As SAACYF Free State, we are proud that the Free State continues to produce practitioners and researchers who are committed to telling our own stories, in our own languages, through our own lens.

We commit to support the beneficiaries during the implementation phase and we call upon the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and the Free State Department of Heritage to ensure that this funding reaches the ground and creates meaningful impact for our communities.

To the successful applicants - Your success is the success of the Free State cultural sector. Go and implement with excellence. Let our heritage live!

Amagugu ethu, Ubuntu bethu! Our Heritage, Our Pride!

27/08/2026

UPDATE: On 13 Aug, ICASA excluded FS from radio licensing. Our SAACYF Free State Provincial Chairperson, Lekgutsa Mbele did engaged them on 14 Aug, and on 19 Aug they responded with clarity. The Voice of Free State Must Be Heard!

Full Statement Below 👇🏾

Follow Lekgutsa Mbele Online

FOLLOW-UP ON ICASA COMMUNITY RADIO LICENSING & EXCLUSION OF FREE STATE

Fellow Artists, Media Practitioners and People of the Free State,

On the 13th of August 2026, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued an official statement announcing Radio Stations that qualified for Community Sound Broadcasting Service Licensing. It was with great disappointment that we noted Free State Province was excluded from this list.

As a province that is rich in talent and in need of more community media platforms to create jobs and amplify local voices, this exclusion was concerning and required immediate action.

Consequently, on the 14th of August 2026, I released a public statement and formally wrote to ICASA, seeking urgent clarity and demanding an explanation as to why Free State was not included, while other provinces benefited.

I wish to update the public that on the 19th of August 2026, ICASA has officially responded to me with clarity and a detailed explanation for the exclusion of the Free State Province in this licensing phase.

This response is a crucial step forward. It not only provides closure but also gives us a clear roadmap on what must be addressed to ensure that the Free State is not left behind in the future licensing processes.

Community Radio is not a luxury — it is a necessity for youth development, cultural preservation, local news, and economic opportunities for our creatives.

I will engage relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation and other affected parties, to chart the way forward and ensure that our province is fully prepared for the next window.

We will continue to fight for equitable access to the airwaves.

I thank everyone who supported this call and shared our statement.

The voice of the Free State must be heard.

Furthermore! Anyone can reach out to me directly on WhatsApp 󰟬 081 750 9746 or 📞

Kind Regards,
Lekgutsa Mbele
Youth ,Community & Cultural Activist

26/08/2026

MEDIA CLARIFICATION STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 August 2026

Clarity on the Media Statement Tabled to ICASA by the SAACYF Free State Provincial Chairperson, Mr Lekgutsa Mbele on the 13th of August 2026.

The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum(SAACYF) Free State wishes to provide clarity regarding the media statement that was tabled to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) by the SAACYF Free State Provincial Chairperson,Mr Lekgutsa Mbele, acting on behalf of the organization.

We can confirm that ICASA has officially responded to the submission made by the Provincial Chairperson.

The engagement forms part of SAACYF Free State's ongoing commitment to advocating for the development, sustainability, and fair regulation of community media and youth-owned media structures in the province.

Further details regarding the nature of ICASA's response and the way forward will be communicated through official organizational channels in due course.

We thank all stakeholders, community media practitioners, and members of the public for their continued support and interest.

Issued by:
The Office of the Provincial Chairperson
SAACYF Free State

Inquiries:
Lekgutsa Mbele
081 750 9746

26/08/2026

Tender: DSAC 03/26-27
Description: Appointment of Events Management service providers to be on panel/ omnibus of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for a period of thirty - six (36) month
Closing Date:18-Sep-2026

More: https://www.dsac.gov.za/DSAC%2003/26-27

26/08/2026

SAACYF Free State Arts & Culture Centre.

26/08/2026

🎨 ATTENTION MODELERS! 🎨

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Your canvas is waiting — this is your time and space to SHINE! ✨

Only a FEW DAYS LEFT before we close the doors. Do not wait for the last minute — masterpieces are not created in a rush. Late applications will NOT be considered.

This is your moment to step into the spotlight, to turn your dream into art.

HOW TO APPLY:

Simply send a message starting with the word "Ambassador" followed by:

👤 Full Name & Surname
🎂 Age
📍 Town
📸 Clear Full Picture (High Quality)

Send to WhatsApp 061 515 2207

CLOSING DATE: 30 AUGUST 2026

Your Future is Your Canvas — Paint It Bold!👸 👑 🤴

Share all over.....

26/08/2026

Fezile Dabi District Arts Festival Meetings :-
26/08/2026 Library (Frankfort) 10am & Qalabotjha Library (Villiers), 2pm

25/08/2026

Spirit Rsa a Sesotho Hip-Hop/Amapiano & Afro Pop Artist from Maluti-A-Phofung in Qwa Qwa (But currently in Bloemfontein).

23/08/2026

Dinaledi Cultural Group a Traditional group from Mangaung Metro in Thaba nchu, Seroalo

21/08/2026

MACUFE Dramatist Against GBV and Dance Fiesta.