POLOKWANE – Quality education in the film and television industry will now be afforded to the youth of Limpopo thanks to the opening of the Wyza Media Academy.
Founded by Generations: The Legacy actor, Kope Makgae also known as Mrekza, the academy is the first of its kind in the province and will be based in Seshego’s industrial area.
Born in Lebowakgomo, Makgae graduated from the University of Limpopo with a degree in media studies and says he opened the academy to bridge the gap between Limpopo and Gauteng as well as localise quality education in the industry.
“We have got our own premises which will handle the practical and theoretical aspects of film and television. This will localise job opportunities and create employment. Look at Muvhango, Giyani: Land of Blood and Skeem Saam, those productions all use the backdrop of Limpopo but they are shot in Gauteng. That does not help us economically, neither does it provide opportunities for locals.”
Makgae says he wants to bring back old storytelling such as Nkusheng which was written and produced in Limpopo’s own villages.
“We want to put life back into the film and television industry in the province by shooting and producing our own documentaries, movies and soaps to tell our own stories.
“Authenticity is lost when production is taken to Gauteng and that is part of the reason why we started Wyza Media Academy. We want to offer the youth equal opportunities so that they do not have to go out of Limpopo to get the same education,” he told BONUS.
The academy targets those interested in film, television and media and will run for 12 months.
“The course will be divided into theory and practicals with a focus on practicality. We want to be stationed in every rural area so that we will take over Limpopo. We aim to be like Urban Brew Studio where will have pre and post-production as well as editing,” he concluded.