February 2026

Building creative legacy

An open call from the Sanlam Private Wealth Ventures Foundation invites creative entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through expert guidance and mentorship
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At Sanlam Private Wealth, wealth is about more than numbers. It is a belief shared with clients who value meaningful impact and purposeful partnerships. This thinking led to the creation of the Ventures Foundation, dedicated to discovering and developing South Africa’s next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

The Foundation offers a platform for lasting impact, rooted in the principles that define Sanlam Private Wealth: personalisation, craftsmanship and long-term value. Building on established relationships with designers, artists and makers, it fosters creative entrepreneurship to support sustainable economic growth and help transform creative excellence into resilient, future-focused enterprises.

Selected designers will enter a structured programme focused on accelerating creative and commercial growth. Twelve participants will attend targeted masterclasses, with five finalists progressing to intensive, tailored mentorship covering pricing, production, branding and market access. One overall winner will travel with a mentor to Maison&Objet in Paris, gaining direct exposure to the global design market and valuable international connections.

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Meet the mentors

The Ventures Foundation is supported by a panel of experts drawn from across design, business and creative leadership. Together, they share a commitment to craft, collaboration and the nurturing of creative entrepreneurship, offering guidance shaped by experience and a belief in South Africa’s creative future.

Mpho Vackier, founder and creative director of TheUrbanative
Driven by a belief in Africa as an endless source of inspiration, Mpho tells African stories through functional and collectible design, guided by authenticity and the power of design to improve everyday life.
Claude Morris, business coach and consultant
Focused on empowering entrepreneurs, Claude places value on time, clarity and the effective use of technology as essential tools for building resilient, future-ready businesses.
Laurie Wiid van Heerden, founder and owner of Wiid Design
Rooted in a deep respect for place and process, Laurie champions collaboration and the upliftment of local craft, promoting African design with confidence on both local and international stages.
Zizipho Poswa, ceramic sculptor and co-founder of Imiso Ceramics
For Zizipho, creative practice carries responsibility – to mentor, guide and nurture the next generation of artists and designers while celebrating South African design.
Tracy Lynch, creative director of Clout/SA
Through capturing the stories of contemporary South African design, Tracy celebrates its energy, colour and optimism – qualities that signal an exciting and confident creative future.
Lentsoale Lekalakala, head of Sanlam Private Wealth in Gauteng
Partnering with entrepreneurs at every stage, Lentsoale supports the growth, preservation and creation of wealth, helping build legacies that endure across generations.
Charl Edwards, Editor-in-Chief of House and Leisure and co-founder and creative director of LOOKBOOK Studio
With a keen eye for exceptional local talent, Charl is committed to spotlighting South African designers and products, crafting compelling stories and visual worlds that elevate their work.

For creative entrepreneurs

If you have a studio, a distinct point of view and some recognition, but you’re still building global reach, this is an opportunity to shift from creating stand-out pieces to shaping a resilient brand.
For contributors
If you believe that wealth includes cultural legacy, not just capital, the Ventures Foundation offers a chance to support the next wave of African talent – through mentorship, funding or access.
How to enter

Visit sanlamprivatewealth.com for details. Entries close 15 March 2026.