[PRESS OFFICE] Dentsu School of Influence, in partnership with CSA.global, opens applications for One Big Week in Johannesburg, a Youth Month programme designed to help emerging creators turn content into sustainable careers.
Dentsu South Africa, in partnership with CSA, a culture-led business, has opened applications for the third year of the Dentsu School of Influence. Originally established by dentsu and now entering its next chapter, the 2026 Youth Month programme moves away from its previous structure to debut a high-impact, accelerated format designed to help emerging creators turn creativity into sustainable careers.
At the heart of the programme is One Big Week, an intensive accelerator in Johannesburg where selected creators will take part in live briefs, mentorship and commercial training in a real creative environment.
Bridging the gap
As South Africa’s creator economy continues to evolve, the programme is designed to help bridge the gap between creative talent, commercial readiness and long-term opportunity. Rather than treating influence as a short-term moment, the Dentsu School of Influence is built to help creators think more intentionally about the business behind their work.
“South Africa’s creator economy is one of the most exciting and under-structured growth sectors in the country,” says Roxana Ravjee, CEO of dentsu South Africa.
“With the Dentsu School of Influence, we are building a pathway for young creators to move beyond short-term visibility and into sustainable careers with real commercial value.”
Developed with CSA, the initiative reflects a growing need for creators to understand not just how to make content, but how to build businesses around their creativity.
From brand strategy and audience development to commercial readiness, the programme is designed to help creators level up with greater clarity, confidence and long-term ambition.
No shortage of talent
“We’re not here to create influencers, but to build digital entrepreneurs,” says Davin Phillips, executive director at CSA. “South Africa has no shortage of talent, but talent without structure doesn’t scale. This programme is about turning cultural relevance into commercial opportunity – and ultimately, into jobs.”
For past participants, the impact has been immediate. “Before Dentsu School of Influence, I was creating content. After it, I understood how to build a business,” says programme alumna Lisa Nyamane. “It changed how I see my value and, so importantly, how I show up in the industry.”
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake. Aspiring creators are invited to submit a 60-second video introducing themselves, sharing their creative vision and explaining why they are ready to take the next step in their journey.
One Big Week will take place in Johannesburg from 8 to 12 June 2026, during Youth Month. The next instalment of the programme is set to take place in Cape Town later in the year.
How to apply
- Post a 60-second video on your platform (Instagram, TikTok or YouTube) sharing your story and creative vision.
- Tag @dentsu_sa and @csa.global. And on YouTube tag: @DENTSUCREATIVESA-t3g
- Entry deadline: 8 May 2026
- Full entry details: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SEkwJDXCJm5iA8Z6MP2z8knVQVks6MLbHpk2Awomogs/edit
- Check out our website for more information: https://www.dentsu.com/za/en/events/dentsu-school-of-influence
Follow the journey
- Instagram: @dentsu_sa | @csa.global
- TikTok: @dentsu_sa
- YouTube: @DENTSUCREATIVESA-t3g and @dentsussa792
Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.
CSA is a culture-led business working at the intersection of storytelling, talent, influence and brand relevance, helping brands connect with audiences in more authentic and meaningful ways.
