Ep1 - How the Jobs Fund is Supporting SA's Gaming Ecosystem
Summary: In our very first episode, we speak to Zaid Motala, Legal Advisor at the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, about why the Fund is investing in South Africa’s gaming industry — and what that means for the future of work, youth employment, and creative innovation.Zaid shares insights into how public policy is shifting to include non-traditional sectors, what legal and governance challenges exist in creative partnerships, and why games might be one of the most exciting opportunities for inclusive growth in the country.Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma with co-host Khumo Moerane, this conversation goes beyond funding to explore the real-world potential of play.What we cover in this episode:Why the Jobs Fund is backing gamingThe stigma around games and how that’s changingLegal challenges in creative sector partnershipsWhat early wins look like on the groundZaid’s take on the future of African gamesGuest: Zaid Motala is a Legal Advisor at the Jobs Fund, a public programme aimed at supporting high-impact, innovative job creation projects in South Africa. With a background in law and a deep passion for gaming and the arts, Zaid brings a rare perspective on how public institutions can support creative ecosystems.
Press Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, policy, business, and play meet to explore the future of gaming in South Africa and across the continent.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with game developers, investors, government leaders, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Africa’s digital creative economy.
We unpack how gaming is driving youth employment, digital transformation, local storytelling, and inclusive growth and why it matters now more than ever.
Let’s press start on the future of African games.
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South Africa