Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme to boost heritage initiatives

If you are involved in impactful community-based heritage initiatives that create work opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, you stand a chance to receive funding from the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC). 

The NHC, an entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), is calling on heritage practitioners, community organisations, researchers, and institutions to submit applications for the 2026/27 Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7) by 31 May. 

Applications must include projects that aim to promote and preserve South Africa’s heritage while creating sustainable employment opportunities. 

The funding programme forms part of government's ongoing commitment to economic recovery and social development in the cultural and heritage sectors. 

NHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Manetsi, said the programme represents more than financial support for heritage initiatives. 

“PESP7 presents an opportunity for communities to become active custodians of South Africa’s heritage while participating meaningfully in the country’s economic recovery efforts,” he said. 

He said priority will be given to projects that focus on research, documentation, heritage education, and the transfer of heritage knowledge and skills. 

Applications are invited under categories including living heritage, cultural and natural heritage, as well as education and training. 

Projects may include oral history documentation, indigenous knowledge preservation, archival and heritage research, cultural education initiatives, intergenerational storytelling, language preservation projects, heritage skills transfer, and other initiatives that contribute to safeguarding South Africa’s diverse heritage landscape.

“The funding programme is open to educational and academic institutions involved in heritage projects, non-profit organisations, non-profit companies; community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, associations, foundations, community trusts (excluding family trusts), traditional councils, and individuals involved in heritage research projects in partnership with qualifying organisations or entities,” said Manetsi. 

The Council is particularly interested in projects that amplify local voices, preserve indigenous knowledge systems, and create employment pathways for young people and marginalised groups within the heritage sector.

Manetsi said heritage has the power to strengthen social cohesion and contribute to inclusive development.

“Our heritage tells the story of who we are as a nation. Through this funding initiative, the NHC seeks to support projects that not only preserve that story but also ensure that heritage becomes a catalyst for skills development, social inclusion, and community empowerment,” he added. 

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the funding guidelines and eligibility requirements available on the NHC website before submitting their applications.

Applications must be submitted online using the NHC’s Praxis Grant Management System, which can be accessed from the NHC website – https://nhc.praxisgms.co.za/

The NHC will not accept emailed or hand-delivered applications. 

For enquiries, applicants may contact the PESP team via email at pespfunding@nhc.org.za or call 012 748 3910, www.webtickets.co.za.