Animated characters come to life at Kgothalang Primary School

The production team said they targeted the school because it was close to the public main road.

Entertaining learners of Kgothalang Primary School in Wattville during the launch of BASOP’s township wall mural is Sibusiso Ntuli, Gifter Ngobeni (BASOP) Lunga Sam.

An increased buzz of excitement was in the air at Kgothalang Primary School in Wattville on September 1 during the unveiling of BASOP’s township wall mural.

Produced by 1Bridge Production, the multifaceted project aims to address societal issues such as gender-based violence, bullying and human trafficking through art.

Members of the production unveiled two sections of the school wall which had messages such as “Stop bullying and human trafficking’ and ‘Hi my name is BASOP and I say to you BASOP.’

Viewing the wall at Kgothalang Primary School are learners of the school during the launch of BASOP’s township wall mural.

The founder of BASOP and 1Bridge Production, Thabiso Mhlamvu said he was thrilled to see his vision come to life.

He said they chose the school because it was close to the public main road where residents could see BASOP’s messages everyday.

The Thembisa resident said he created BASOP just 10 days after the inception of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Proudly standing next to one of the painted walls at Kgothalang Primary School is the founder of BASOP and 1Bridge Production, Thabiso Mhlamvu.

“I had to think about what will sustain me through lockdown as an artist. I then came up with the character of BASOP (watch out) which aimed to speak to the public through social media since we couldn’t meet face-to-face.”

The filmmaker by profession said through the assistance of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Gauteng Film Commission they were able to create six animation episodes which tackled societal issues.

“We thought of ways of how we could introduce the character to the broader community and that’s how township wall mural industrial theatre came about. We are working on creating comic books for children which will be distributed to government institutions,” said Mhlamvu.

Jabu Tabudi of Wattville was the master of ceremonies during the launch of BASOP’s project.

The launch was attended by well-known actress Pascaline Phale, few members of the community, learners and teachers. Attendees were treated to an enlightening role play performance featuring the main character, BASOP and his friends.

The production team will in the next few weeks embark on a national tour to all provinces starting with Mpumalanga.

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