The City of Johannesburg has reaffirmed its support for the creative industry, with a renewed focus on the film sector. Speaking on behalf of Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero at the Creative Cnergy Symposium in Sandton on Thursday, Mayoral Spokesperson Chris Vondo highlighted the sector’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation, and urban innovation.
“As the economic heart of South Africa and a leading urban centre on the continent, Johannesburg is proud to champion the creative sector agenda,” said Vondo. “We are committed to fostering an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure, and partnerships.”
The Creative Industry Investment Symposium is a platform for creators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities and unlock the economic potential of South Africa’s cultural industries.
Vondo also announced that the City will revive the long-delayed Joburg Film Office initiative. “We are reaffirming our commitment to elevate film as a strategic priority and fast-track implementation. Our goal is for Johannesburg to emerge as a premier global film city.”
In a recorded message, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi underlined the importance of collaboration. “Events like this matter because moving our country forward is not the government’s responsibility alone—it requires partnerships. The digital economy is no longer just a sector; it is the infrastructure of modern life. The internet has opened global markets to South African creators.”
Echoing these sentiments, Collen Dlamini, Executive Director of Creative Cnergy, said, “The creative sector is more than an artistic hub—it is an economic powerhouse that can drive GDP growth and position South Africa as a cultural leader.”
“This conference is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and creatives to work together to make the arts central to economic transformation,” he added.
The two-day symposium, running from 10–11 April 2025 at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton, is themed “Unlocking Investment in South Africa’s Creative Economy” and brings together key industry players to inspire innovation, dialogue, and action in the cultural sector.
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi