Promise Nyalungu

Promise Nyalungu, 32, was raised in Praktiseer and Tafelkop in Limpopo — areas rich in culture but lack- ing creative opportunities. His passion for performance began during a primary school play, igniting a dream of becoming a stage actor. Facing limited access to arts platforms in rural communities, his vision evolved into something larger: creating stages for others. He founded Struu Artzz Entertainment and the Struu Artzz Africa Network — media and arts organisations empowering township and rural creatives. Through training, storytelling and digital media, Promise is cultivating new narratives. In his job as marketing officer at the University of Venda’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation, he drives innovation and enterprise development for students and surrounding communities. His work includes managing partnerships, coordinating incubator pro- grammes and running UCfERI Connect and the UCfERI press club. He is also a storytelling and media production specialist for the global youth movement For Youth, By Youth. He spearheaded the Rural Performers Incubator to mentor young talent. Promise is the 2020 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Student Entrepreneur of the Year winner and a 2025 Mandela Washington fellow.

• Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, University of Venda
• Certificate in International Business Administration and Leadership, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), Germany
• Cultural Producers Programme graduate (2022) — completed the programme presented by Business and Arts South Africa, Common Purpose South Africa and the Manchester International Festival, with support from the British Council’s Creative Economy Programme

• Founded Struu Artzz Africa Network and Struu Artzz Entertainment, platforms empowering township- and rural-based creatives in South Africa through storytelling, digital media and performance
• Named Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the EDHE Intervarsity Competition in 2020, also winning in the social impact business category — affirming the value of socially driven business and youth-led innovation
• Co-developed the For Youth, By Youth (FYBY) initiative, transforming it from a Zoom cohort during the pandemic into a fully funded $10-million global movement — demonstrating the power of storytelling as a strategy for movement-building
• Represented South Africa at key international platforms, including – the 2023 FYBY Workshop in Boston – the EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop in German – The Talloires Network Leaders Conference, where named one of the Top 40 Global Next Generation Leader
• Selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow, a recognition that reaffirms the impact of community-driven platforms and amplifying youth voices through storytelling and innovation

• The late Dr Elelwani Ramaite-Mafadza served as an early mentor, providing guidance and encouragement at the University of Venda. Her support created space to grow, trust in ideas, and develop a mindset that treats creativity as a force for development and change, not merely as a form of expression.
• Lorlene Hoyt, executive director of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, has been a transformative influence in global civic engagement work. Her belief in youth leadership and storytelling laid the foundation for initiatives such as For Youth, By Youth (FYBY). Through her example, she continues to model collaborative leadership, inclusivity, and the empowerment of young changemakers by institutions.
• Deep inspiration is drawn from young African changemakers who are building community-led initiatives despite limited resources. Within Talloires Network spaces, these peers challenge traditional systems and pioneer people-centred solutions, demonstrating courage and commitment that motivates continued action.
• Most importantly, the enduring support of my mother has provided the foundation for growth. Her unwavering belief in my potential, even during early, uncertain stages, created space to pursue meaningful work.