Youth put their talent to good use

PHOLA PARK – Lack of job opportunities is the greatest challenge faced by youth.

Youngsters near Tekathakho at KaBokweni, didn’t wait for government to do something in order to survive. They established the “Siphumelele Project” which specialised in shooting so-called “Kasi movies”.

Scripts were based on challenges young people experienced daily such as The good and the bad and Pain of my life, to name but a few.

“It was in 2010 we decided to start this project after we realised we have acting talent. “We decided to do movies with the few resources that we have because one day our talent will take us to the point where we will be able to put food on a table for our families,” said director and cameraman Muzi Mabuyawa.

The youngsters tried to market themselves in their communities as residents got the opportunity to watch their movies free of charge.

“We got a very positive response from our community. “At this stage we want to take our talent to another level as we are more than confident to show the people of South Africa that Mpumalanga has talent.
“The problem is that we have limited resources, for example, we are in need of a big camera. Although we are struggling to get sponsors or funding, in terms of script writing and acting we are doing good.”

Their aim is to take their work to another level and be part of the “Kasi Movies” on etv and SABC.

“We want our movies to be screened on TV. We don’t want our talent to be recognised locally only. South Africa needs our stories and it will also play a crucial role in promoting siSwati, since it is not that well recognised compared to other languages.”

He added that he understood that it was not going to be an easy journey to get where they wanted to be.
When you love what you are doing you don’t give up quickly or are discouraged by people who are not taking you seriously.”