Local woman making moves behind the scenes
She is one of the successful local exports seeking to make her mark in the film industry.
Popular conflict-resolution talk show, Rea Tsotella, aired on DStv’s Moja Love Channel 157, visited the area to tackle some of the community’s issues.
Production manager, Nolwazi Hlatshwayo, born and bred in eSwatini, moved to her grandmother’s place in Barberton in her secondary school years. She is one of the successful local exports seeking to make her mark in the film industry. “My role is to take care of the logistics. I am the middle person between the producer, director and the presenters. Everybody is on my shoulders. I started this career eight years ago as an intern for two years at a certain production company.
That is when my love for the industry developed. People always want to be in front of the camera, but do not know what it takes to be behind the scenes. A lot goes on behind the scenes to broadcast the final product,” she said. Hlatshwayo has worked in various productions, such as SABC 1’s Friends Like These and Real Goboza, among others. Her passion led her to Moja Love and she has never looked back.
“The experience has been amazing, and what I love the most about this show is that it addresses our problems in the community and our society. It is a platform for members of the community to solve problems. In some instances, the police and Department of Home Affairs would thank us for mediating. There is a lot of wrongdoing that happens in our communities, and this is the right show on which to address them. It has also opened opportunities for young producers and directors. We get to come up with fresh ideas and bring back those days where you would be glued to the screen the whole day.”
Hlatshwayo mentioned that soon she wants to have her own production company. She also wants to plough back in Barberton by creating opportunities for the youth in production. “I want to discover talent and bring opportunities in auditions and production. There is not much there, and I believe I can make a difference,” she ended. The show recorded a season the whole week long. Stay tuned to the channel to watch the latest Rea Tsotella episodes.
