By Zunaid Moti, private investor and founder of MotiMoves
In a bold move to support South Africa’s creative industry, private investor and founder of MotiMoves, Zunaid Moti, has proposed a groundbreaking approach to funding and nurturing aspiring artists and athletes.
Moti believes that by viewing raw talent as equity, entrepreneurs and investors can play a pivotal role in fostering the nation’s creative potential and contributing to economic growth, education, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.
Moti’s vision emerged from a recent discussion with Grammy award-winning musician and fellow entrepreneur, Zakes Bantwini.
Together, they explored the possibilities of creating new funding models for emerging talents, aiming to provide them with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers.
They recognized that the current available opportunities for South Africa’s talent to shine and exhibit their potential are insufficient, particularly for those who have not yet achieved career success.
While there are existing arts and sports funds that rely on corporate funding, Moti proposes a different approach that leverages the mindset of business investment.
Instead of merely offering grants, Moti suggests viewing individuals themselves as investment vehicles. This would enable entrepreneurs and investors to identify and support raw talent at an early stage, providing them with the necessary resources to grow and succeed.
To realize this vision, Moti and Bantwini plan to establish a think tank that will formalize a business or investment vehicle aimed at monetizing talent while giving back to South Africa’s creatives and sportspeople.
By creating a pipeline that channels talent toward receptive entrepreneurs and investors, this model could provide ongoing support to aspiring artists and athletes, helping them gain exposure and achieve their career goals.
It is important to note that this approach should not be seen as an act of charity, but rather as a strategic investment that could yield a return.
By recognizing and nurturing talent at its early stages, potential donors can align their contributions with the long-term success of the entertainment sector.
Moti and Bantwini’s proposed model holds immense potential for South Africa’s creative industry. By bridging the gap between entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging talent, a vibrant ecosystem of support and collaboration can be established.
This innovative approach not only promises to benefit individuals but also contributes to the nation’s reputation, international relations, and tourism.
As South Africans, it is crucial that we recognize the immense value of our musicians, singers, actors, artists, authors, and sporting figures.
They are the soul of our nation, representing our aspirations, dreams, and pain. By investing in promising intangibles, we can create a brighter future for our creative talents and cultivate an environment where they can thrive and make a lasting impact on our society.
