Beyond Likes: Cape Town’s Next Creator Wave
9 November – 13 November
For many young South Africans, being a creator starts with a phone, an idea and a willingness to put yourself out there. But turning that creativity into a sustainable career requires far more than likes and followers.
That is where Dentsu School of Influence, in partnership with CSA, enters the picture, bringing its One Big Week creator accelerator to Cape Town from 9–13 November 2026.
Following its Johannesburg edition, the programme is looking to connect with a new generation of creators who are ready to move from simply making content to understanding the business behind their influence.
From Content to Creative Business
Cape Town has long been a meeting point for music, fashion, film, food, design and digital culture. Its creative communities have helped shape conversations that travel far beyond the city.
One Big Week is designed to tap into that energy while addressing a reality many emerging creators eventually face: creative talent does not automatically translate into commercial sustainability.
Over five days, selected participants will work with strategists, brand leaders and industry experts through masterclasses, mentorship and live briefs.
The programme will explore practical areas including commercial negotiations, audience growth and retention, brand collaborations and the business management required to build a career around creativity.
In other words, the conversation moves beyond “How do I grow my following?” to “What can I build from the community I have created?”
What Johannesburg Taught the Programme
The Cape Town edition builds on lessons from the Johannesburg programme, where emerging creators reportedly progressed into agency internships and brand partnerships.
Vicki Steenkamp, Client Services Director at Dentsu Influence Powered by CSA, says the Johannesburg experience demonstrated the level of ambition among young creators looking to turn their passions into sustainable careers.
For Davin Phillips, Executive Director at CSA, the creator economy is also changing the definition of influence.
Creators increasingly need to understand their audiences, communicate their value to potential partners and recognise the commercial structures behind their platforms.
That shift is particularly relevant in South Africa, where creators are increasingly operating across entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, sport, business and culture.
Cape Town’s Creators Get Their Shot
Applications are open to emerging creators across South Africa using platforms including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Applicants must submit the required supporting documents, including a certified ID copy and Matric certificate or relevant academic transcripts. Applications close on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The selected participants will then head into One Big Week in Cape Town from 9–13 November 2026, with an opportunity to learn directly from people working inside the creative and brand ecosystem.
For a generation that has grown up understanding the power of digital storytelling, the next challenge is not simply getting noticed.
It is learning how to turn that attention into something that can last.
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