WeeklySA_AdminLENS: Young people with skills to thrive in SA’s dynamic film, television sector
By Priscilla Malinga
TWOPMN Academy announced its partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission to empower more young people in film production.
In a bold step towards transforming the lives in disadvantaged communities, the Soweto-based skills development academy, TWOPMN Academy, has recently partnered with the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC).
This collaboration aims to expand the academy’s National Certificate in Film and Television Production learnership programme, providing more young people with essential skills to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic film and television sector.
TWOPMN founder and director Ntombi Makhobad has commended GFC for being a constant supporter and believer in her passion for empowering young and talented creatives whose dreams and aspirations often get lost simply because of their underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds.
“We are truly grateful for the support we’ve received from the GFC,” says Makhoba.
She also mentioned that her team is trying to source out funding for the production development. The production plans to tell powerful stories through documentaries that will reach global audiences on platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon.
Two years ago, the production received R50 000 worth of camera equipment from the GFC and appreciate the opportunity they were offered to train more aspiring filmmakers.
With the high rate of unemployment, the initiative plans to use the platform to help curb the high rate, therefore creating an environment where film makers can get the training they need to be able to get opportunities elsewhere.
One such success story is that of Kamohelo Ramatlo, a 21-year-old Soweto resident, who is currently honing her craft as a crew member on the beloved soap opera, Generations: The Legacy.
Another student, Novuyo Mtshikwe, originally from the Eastern Cape, has also benefited from the academy. Her journey to becoming a film producer began when she heard about TWOPMN Academy from a former colleague.
This partnership between TWOPMN Academy and the GFC signifies a commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in the film and television industry is prepared to take on the challenges of the modern workforce.
Ntombi, whose career spans over a decade as a seasoned storyteller and journalist, reveals that the film and television programme is not the only leading industry- recognised programme offered by TWOPNM.
Other skills programmes offered include a range of 4IR and ICT-related programmes, such as Cyber Security, Information Technology: Systems Programme, Information Technology: End User programme, and the Information Technology: Technical Support Programmes.
All these skills programmes have been made possible through partnerships and collaborations with institutions such as the SA Youth Partner Network, Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), and the South West Gauteng TVET College.
TWOPNM Academy was established in 2017 with a clear mission: to fight the scourge of unemployment in South Africa through skills development.
Through strategic partnerships with MICT Seta, Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority. It is a South African Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) (Fasset), and South West Gauteng College (SWGCC), the academy has successfully placed unemployed graduates and TVET learners into real-world industry settings—ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience that complements our rigorous training curriculum.
