The DLO African Women in Leadership Brunch 2025 was a major success in spotlighting funding for African creatives.
Hosted by DLO Energy Resources Group in partnership with iFactoryLive’s Making of a Mogul, the event provided a high-impact networking platform.
CREATIVITY AND FUNDING DISCUSSED AT WOMEN LEADERS BRUNCH
The brunch recently took place at Shoptone Gardens in Johannesburg, uniting women leaders from diverse creative industries to unlock capital.
Although creativity drives innovation, shapes culture, and opens doors, the African creative sector remains largely undervalued and underfunded today.
This event was the perfect opportunity for creatives to discuss key challenges and develop strategies to secure funding successfully.
PANEL INSIGHTS ON UNLOCKING CAPITAL
Media personality Penny Lebyane, SABC Head of Content Lala Tuku, director Thabang Moleya, and Ghanaian-British producer Michael Djaba shared strategies for funding creative ventures.
Thabang Moleya, co-owner of Seriti Productions, credited TV channels for providing budgets and licensing deals that nurture new talent.
“Although the channels own IP rights, we mentored young creatives who went on to lead departments within our organisation,” Moleya said.
“With streaming platforms, creators can license shows, then re-license to others after agreements end. This helps to retain intellectual property rights and earn ongoing revenue,” he said.
Moleya said Lobola Man, a film he co-owns, is licensed to Netflix temporarily but will return to its creators for continued earnings.
“Owning your own intellectual property is essential because it ensures long-term income from licensing deals,” he said.
LALA HIGHLIGHTS BUDGET FOR CREATIVES
Lala Tuku highlighted SABC’s funding opportunities, but stressed the importance of knowing your production budget when seeking support.
“From an access perspective, there are people with great stories who are ready, but because they can’t manage the budget, the industry is expected to cover it.”
Penny Lebyane urged reading contracts carefully to understand ownership and potential revenue streams.
“You must know what the brand owns. If they reuse the work, they earn money, and you get zero,” she warned.
STRATEGIES FOR FUNDING CREATIVE VENTURES AND BUILDING RESILIENCE
She also encouraged strategic collaboration, saying South Africans rely too heavily on grants rather than building their own equity.
“We are good at saying people are fighting for R350 grants but also chasing R3 million project funding,” Lebyane said.
The TV host believes that if this support stopped, people would become more resilient and focus on building their own equity.
Ghanaian-British producer Michael Djaba urged filmmakers to start creating content, even on YouTube, rather than waiting for funding.
“In Nigeria, more than 2,500 films are made yearly and audiences show up to watch them,” Djaba noted.
Djaba produces low-budget films that gradually earn profits, proving creativity can thrive without initial big budgets.
WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO SECURE FUNDING FOR YOUR CREATIVE PROJECTS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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