14 August 2026 | Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) mandated to administer the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) for the audiovisual sector, is pleased to announce the funding approvals for PESP6 Project 1, Stream1: Group 2, Stream 2 and Stream 3.
The NFVF has approved funding for 268 projects, representing a total investment of R150,493,669.00 and the projected creation of 13,033 jobs across the audiovisual sector. The projected number of jobs to be created through Streams 1, 2 and 3 exceeds the PESP6 target of 11,360 jobs by 1,673 jobs, representing an achievement of approximately 114.7% of the target.
Stream Allocations
The approved funding and projected employment opportunities across the three streams are as follows:
Stream 1: Production (Group 2) - Project 1
110 projects
R64,977,833.97 in approved funding
5,154 projected jobs
Stream 2: Skills Development and Training
74 projects
R46,279,381.25 in approved funding
3,294 projected jobs
Stream 2 has a higher cost per job than production, as training programmes generally cannot accommodate large numbers of participants for the full duration of implementation. While the stream did not meet its individual job target, the additional jobs recommended through Streams 1 and 3 collectively cover this shortfall.
Stream 3: Marketing and Distribution - Project 1
84 projects
R39,236,453.94 in approved funding
4,585 projected jobs
Stream 3 is expected to create more than double its target of 2,000 jobs, demonstrating the significant employment potential of marketing and distribution activities within the audiovisual value chain.
Rigorous Assessment and Due Diligence Process
The announcement follows a rigorous application assessment and adjudication process, which included the introduction of an enhanced due diligence component. For Streams 1, 2 and 3, the due diligence process was conducted from 13 July to 31 July 2026 and included physical site visits to the respective sites of compliant applicants. The final advisory panel meetings were held on 4 and 5 August 2026.
The enhanced due diligence process was introduced as a key learning from PESP4 and forms part of the NFVF's risk mitigation measures. It is intended to strengthen the verification of applicants and minimise the risk of approving projects that may subsequently experience challenges in complying with monitoring and evaluation requirements.
Highest Number of Applications Since PESP Inception
PESP6 attracted 1,787 applications, of which 1,427 were compliant across the Blockbuster category and Streams 1, 2 and 3. This represents the highest number of applications received since the inception of the PESP and a 53.7% increase compared with the 1,163 applications received for PESP5. Applications were received from all nine provinces, reflecting the growing awareness of the programme and the continued demand for employment and funding opportunities across South Africa's audiovisual sector. The increase in applications can be attributed, among other factors, to the NFVF's intensified awareness and communication efforts across multiple platforms, including its digital and social media channels and broadcast media. The staggered approach adopted for PESP6, including the introduction of the Blockbuster category, also contributed to the increased reach and participation.
NFVF Welcomes Continued Growth of the Audiovisual Sector
The NFVF Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nondumiso Madlala, welcomes the announcement and expresses her gratitude to filmmakers and the broader film industry for their patience and understanding throughout the delays experienced during the PESP6 process. The NFVF remains committed to ensuring that public funding is administered responsibly and transparently, and in a manner that contributes meaningfully to the equitable growth and development of the audiovisual sector.
Furthermore, she acknowledges the contribution of the NFVF team, the adjudication panels chaired by members of the NFVF Council, and the Project Management Company to the PESP6 process.
This announcement represents the hard work and commitment of all parties involved, both the NFVF and the film industry, and it is a joyous moment for all of us. It is joyous because the approved projects will create jobs, contribute to the growth of our local film sector, and create opportunities for new entrants to tell their stories and contribute to strengthening the South African audiovisual industry.
At the same time, it is a difficult moment because the total PESP funding allocated to the NFVF remains limited when compared to the growth in demand, as evidenced by the increasing number of compliant applications received each year, and even more so during this PESP6 round. As has been the case with previous PESP cycles, the available PESP6 funding allocation could therefore not support all compliant applications.
Nevertheless, we remain encouraged and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly as additional funding will be made available through the PESP6 Blockbuster projects.
The NFVF remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of supporting the equitable growth and development of South Africa's audiovisual sector. The significant increase in applications across the NFVF's funding programmes demonstrates the continued and growing demand for financial support within the industry. It also underscores the importance of sustained investment in the country's creative economy by all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the sector can continue creating jobs, developing talent, supporting new entrants and contributing to South Africa's economic and cultural development.
PESP6 Blockbuster Process Underway
The adjudication process for the PESP6 Blockbus
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
30/09/2026
Schibsted Media, one of Norways largest and most influential digital media publishers and content producers, has invested in mixers and digital signal processor...
30/09/2026
Big Blue Marble announces the addition of live multiview channels to Cloud Video Kit, its broadcast-grade video processing platform. The feature is powered by A...
30/09/2026
Leading video software provider Synamedia today announced that Telekom Slovenije, Slovenia's largest provider of telecommunications and TV services, is open...
30/09/2026
PODCAST EXPO 2026 Recorded Using Blackmagic Design Workflow
Brie Clayton September 29, 2026
0 Comments
Conference featuring 24 sessions over two days ...
30/09/2026
IBC2026 Show Report
David Kirk September 29, 2026
0 Comments
The International Broadcasting Convention has long been Europe's equivalent of the US...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Mavis has launched Mavis Camera 8.2, the latest release of its professional camera app for the iPhone and iPad. This update brings support for iPhone 18 Pro and...
29/09/2026
Oak View Group (OVG) has announced Cisco as an Official Technology Partner, with plans to standardize infrastructure across its venue network on Cisco solutions...
29/09/2026
SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP) won three honors at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
Program awards went to Bucs BP in the Sports Program Live category (produced ...
29/09/2026
The Professional Women's Hockey League has announced home openers for all 12 teams for the 2026-27 season, along with a broadcast partnership with CBC under...
29/09/2026
Manifold technologies has been recognized as a contributor to the Media eXchange...
29/09/2026
FuboTV has announced My Local Sports, allowing subscribers in select markets to add their local regional sports network (RSN) as an add-on to a Fubo Sports subs...
29/09/2026
Asian News International (ANI), a wire agency and video news provider based in India, has deployed Grass Valley's AMPP Media Operating System and Framelight...
29/09/2026
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has deployed Ikegami UHK-X600 cameras as part of an upgrade to IP-based production infrastructure. The deployment ...
29/09/2026
REMI, REMCO models will drive the bulk of the broadcaster's NHL productions ...
29/09/2026
Three years in, the facility is supporting more centralized race production, com...
29/09/2026
NBC, Peacock, and NBSN are carrying all four Wild Card series with a production ...
29/09/2026
19 Nonfiction Projects Across All Stages of Production to Receive More Than $1 million in Support as Documentary Film Program Approaches 25th Anniversary
LOS ...
29/09/2026
Two new plug-ins launch alongside updated bundles
Zynaptiq have just announced the launch of two new plug-ins, alongside new and improved versions of two of...
29/09/2026
All-in-one bus processor revealed
Wes Audio's ng product range has come a long way since it was first introduced, and now includes a tasty selection of ...
29/09/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Ikegami announces that the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, has chosen Ikegami UHK-X600 camera systems as part of an advance to IP-based operation ...
29/09/2026
Blendkit Offers 20% Discount to Celebrate Crossing 150K Asset Milestone
Brie Clayton September 29, 2026
0 Comments
Blendkit, the largest 3D asset libr...
29/09/2026
Interactive streaming specialist Ease Live supported more than 76.5 million fan sessions across three major European media operators during this summers FIFA Wo...
29/09/2026
Ease Live has added support for VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) to its graphical overlay technology, opening up new ways for broadcasters, streamers and rights...
29/09/2026
Rise AV has announced the launch of the inaugural Rise AV Awards, a new global awards programme celebrating the women, advocates and organisations across the AV...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Clear-Com announced that First Baptist Nashville has upgraded its production communications with a Clear-Com intercom solution as part of a comprehensive sanct...
29/09/2026
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Captured Action Shots for Sketch
Brie Clayton September 28, 2026
0 Comments
Camera's portable design and dynamic range...
29/09/2026
Kean Production Services Deploys AJA ColorBox to Deliver Consistent, Accurate Co...
29/09/2026
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Nominated for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards A total of 28 Berklee alumni and faculty earned nominations across 20 categories this ye...
29/09/2026
Berklee's K-Pop & Beyond Explores Connections Between K-Pop and Hip-Hop Now in its fifth year, the series brings together artists, industry leaders, and s...
29/09/2026
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, OR AT ANY ADDRESS IN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITO...
29/09/2026
We tend to think we live in a digital world, with hopes and fears around artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, data centres and the next big technolo...
14 August 2026 | Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) mandated to administer the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) for the audiovisual sector, is pleased to announce the funding approvals for PESP6 Project 1, Stream1: Group 2, Stream 2 and Stream 3.
