MIDDELBURG – Nkangala District Executive Mayor Cllr Thomas Ngwenya has committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the newly launched Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) by integrating the initiative into the district's District Development Model (DDM).
Ngwenya made the commitment during the official launch of NkAMA at the Nkangala District Municipality offices in Middelburg on Tuesday, 07 July 2026.
NkAMA is a partnership between the Highveld Chronicle and the Nkangala District Municipality aimed at recognising, promoting and supporting artists from all six local municipalities in the district.
"Today we have seen the partnership between the district and the Highveld Chronicle in action with the launch of NkAMA, a new initiative born today," said Ngwenya.
The Mayor said he is confident the partnership will benefit communities across the district through its focus on promoting culture, sport, arts and recreation.
"We are confident that through this partnership, many people will benefit, particularly given its objectives of promoting culture, sport, arts and recreation in our society."
Ngwenya said the integration of NkAMA into the District Development Model would enable the Highveld Chronicle to work alongside government and the private sector to drive development in Nkangala.
"The Nkangala District Municipality operates through the District Development Model. From today, Highveld Chronicle will be one of our key stakeholders actively participating in the District Development Model," said Ngwenya.
He said the District Development Model brings together all spheres of government and the private sector to drive development across the district.
"In the District Development Model, we have Deputy Ministers participating. We also have MECs seconded by the Office of the Premier. We have the private sector, the mining industry and major businesses actively participating in our District Development Model Council."
Ngwenya also called on the business community to support NkAMA and invest in local talent.
"To our business community, I call on you to walk with us. Support these young artists. Sponsor them, mentor them and create opportunities for them. When we support our artists, we are building jobs, strengthening the economy and enriching the soul of Nkangala."
Mfanuzile Dlakude, Co-founder and CEO of Highveld Chronicle, said NkAMA was established after the publication received numerous requests from artists seeking greater exposure and recognition.
"This initiative started after we received numerous requests from artists across the six local municipalities who wanted to be profiled and featured in the paper.
"There is massive talent in Nkangala. We want to make sure that we give a platform to those talented individuals in the district."
Mulawu Mathye, Business Strategist at Highveld Chronicle, highlighted the economic value of the arts.
"We launched for one purpose, and that is to demonstrate that talent puts food on the table."
NkAMA was launched as a district-wide platform to recognise, expose and support artists from all six local municipalities in Nkangala.
The main awards ceremony will be held on 11 and 12 September 2026 in Middelburg.
District activation events, which will serve as build-up events to the main awards ceremony, will begin in Thembisile Hani on 11 July 2026, followed by Dr JS Moroka on 25 July, eMalahleni on 02 August, Victor Khanye on 09 August, Steve Tshwete on 16 August and eMakhazeni on 23 August 2026.
Entries for the NkAMA remain open, with artists in music, visual arts and performing arts from all six local municipalities encouraged to register.
The awards are open to all citizens of the Nkangala District, with no age restrictions. The closing date for registrations is 15 July 2026.
For more information on award categories, entry criteria and registrations, contact 081 303 7023.
