Latest news with #Hlophe
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Empowering Young Filmmakers and Tourism Entrepreneurs
Sibusiso Gumbi, the acting Chief Executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied MUCH is being done to empower the next generation of filmmakers and tourism entrepreneurs by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA), as well as by the industries themselves. Later this month, and again in August 2025, TV audiences will be able to see the work of emerging young local filmmakers who got their latest break thanks to KZNTFA's support. We funded two KZN-born filmmakers, Sthobile Hlophe and Nqanawe Shangase, to take part in the 2023-2024 National Film and Video Foundation's (NFVF) Youth Filmmaker Project. This is an annual, year-long discovery, training, and mentorship incubator by Sisanda Henna Films, a boutique film company, for the brightest film writing and directing talent in the country. As the film company explains, this is a transformative programme dedicated to previously disadvantaged youth with a mission to build, strengthen and nurture writer-directors, hone their skills at a practical level, produce quality films and go through an incubated career and skills-propelling programme. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Sthobile Hlophe production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied Fresh young KZN talent Now, this fresh young local talent will be showcased when two new films by Hlophe and Shangase will premiere on SABC2 today and on August 3. 'The Moment In Between' written by Hlophe and Raihaanah Sayed who also directed it, will air first, while 'Quantum', written and directed by Shangase, will be screened in August. Both films are part of 'Little Africa', a groundbreaking drama series developed by executive producer Sisanda Henna. The stories of resilience and redemption told in the series are expected to eventually be screened to audiences worldwide. Film Fund KZNTFA also has a dedicated Film Fund, 30% of which is allocated to youth development initiatives. The Film Fund has a two-year youth-focused, KZN-only development and production project for up to 10 filmmakers a year. These young filmmakers are paired with industry experts to develop and produce a 60-minute film to be broadcast on a local platform. In addition to that, we also have a film bursary programme, which is strongly youth-focused (94%) and is spread over three years, with women making up 62% of the recipients. And there is an active district development project where brand-new filmmakers from outside the metros are provided with funding for the development of their projects. These have been carried out in iLembe, Mpophomeni and there is a project currently underway in uMzinyathi. KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Nqanawe Shangase's production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied Inspiring It is encouraging to note that the film industry experts say that young people in KZN are inspiring audiences and reshaping the future of the film and television industry. These individuals are agents of change, pushing beyond conventional methods and forcing traditional media to adapt. They are driving innovation and their fluency in digital trends and audience engagement strategies positions them as the industry's future leaders. Indeed, much of the talent that has been cultivated by Stained Glass itself has already risen to leadership positions across South Africa's film and television landscape. With some now working as directors, producers and writers, this is indeed proof that investment in youth development yields tangible, industry-shaping results. Enthusiastic The youth, of course, are passionate about creative storytelling and highly enthusiastic and eager to break into the industry, as Bonnie Sithebe of Durban Motion Pictures explains. 'They bring fresh energy, a willingness to learn and innovative perspectives,' she explains, while Nilesh Singh, spokesman for the internationally renowned Videovision Entertainment agrees, says young people introduce fresh ideas and innovation. This influence is evident in the content, direction and aesthetics of local productions. The biggest hurdle in the retention of young talent 'is the slow adaptation of traditional media structures to new creative waves''. Many young professional streamers, influencers and digital designers operate outside conventional frameworks and the industry needs to evolve and integrate these roles, says David Mukhwebo, the series creative director at Stained Glass TV. While AI and digital tools offer incredible efficiencies, they cannot replace the essence of human storytelling – and traditional craftsmanship like scriptwriting, cinematography, performance, remains the heart of storytelling. A dream Videovision Entertainment has hosted several apprentices over the years. The company works with NFVF to host learnerships and work experience opportunities through the Get On Set Mentorship Programme. The next step is tertiary studies with opportunities starting at intern level, then progressing to engagement on contract on a per project basis. Apprenticeship programmes The tourism industry itself has long played a vital role in providing opportunities for youth. Southern Sun hotels in Durban have an apprenticeship programme for students leaving school who are technically-minded and interested in a career in facilities management (maintenance). Samantha Croft, Operations Director for Southern Sun's KZN region explains: 'We have partnered with the George Campbell School of Technology and take on 7-10 students every year and rotate them among our hotels. 'During their 12-month internship, they are able to apply for any vacant position within the company.' One of the first students had grown within the organisation and now holds a management position. Two others hold supervisory positions and others are permanently employed. The five-star Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga, has three main initiatives for youth development: The Professional Cookery Learnership: The YES – Youth Employment Services – Programme: and CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport). The hotel took on 20 unemployed youth in 2024 for the 12-month Professional Cookery Learnership programme. On completion, 15 students walked away with a National Certificate (NQF Level 4) and five were permanently employed by the hotel: four as Commis Chefs with the other graduate being put on the Red Carnation Hotels management programme. The government-funded YES programme gives graduates a one-year internship within the company and the hotel currently has an HR and IT intern. It is currently recruiting for more chefs. Since 2023, the hotel has hosted 46 students to do their internship/work experience. Sixteen have been permanently employed by the Oyster Box and the rest have moved on to other positions both locally and internationally. These are interesting and innovative times and while there may be challenges, there are also some fascinating opportunities as the youth continue to remain top of our minds. Gumbi is the interim Chief Executive of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media SUNDAY TRIBUNE
Daily Maverick
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
The fatal failure of SA's political opposition
While the creation of our first national coalition government was supposed to be a major change in government, it has also led to major changes in the opposition benches. Despite the fact that the coalition has failed to improve the lives of most South Africans, parties that oppose it have failed to make much headway. South Africa's 2024 elections led to the biggest changes in the opposition benches. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which had become very effective in opposition, was suddenly in government (and taking many of its oppositional habits into the Union Buildings). advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads A party (MK) which had never been represented in Parliament before was suddenly the Official Opposition. And was led by someone who himself had never been an MP. The previous time John Hlophe had been mentioned in the National Assembly was the day he became the first judge to be impeached in the democratic era. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), used to being able to make noise as the third-biggest party, found itself in a reduced role, even though its greater parliamentary experience has made it more effective than the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party. And there are several smaller parties who have both tried to be oppositional to the coalition, and flirted with joining it. It is perhaps the greatest indictment of our opposition parties that despite the fact the coalition has delivered GDP growth of just 0.1%, they cannot craft an effective message. A major part of this has been the divided nature of the MK party. Considering President Jacob Zuma's history of a lust for personal power and for wrecking institutions, this was always going to be the case. The revolving door of people in the position of secretary-general has surely created massive instability. It was also entirely predictable that the trio of Zuma, Hlophe and Floyd Shivambu was going to be about as stable as the Trump-Musk relationship. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Zuma also had very few people to choose from. The fact he had to appoint someone like Mzwanele Manyi to the position of Chief Whip and then demote him is proof of that. Probably only one other individual has said more and contributed less to our politics than he. Meanwhile, Hlophe has appeared to battle with the transition from being a judge, where your instructions are simply obeyed, to leading a parliamentary caucus, where people must be persuaded. He has also not been able to deliver a single speech in Parliament that has captured the public imagination. For the Leader of the Opposition, a constitutionally mandated position, this is a massive failure. Parliamentary speeches are a massive platform for the opposition and the leader of that party should be able to use it effectively. However, as has been said many times, MK's real problem is that there is no internal democracy and thus no durable legitimate structures. It is unlikely that this will change and thus unlikely that it will become a more effective opposition. The EFF has shown itself to be more effective than MK, partly because its members have more parliamentary experience and partly because its leader, Julius Malema, is prepared to be in Parliament and thus use its platform (unlike Zuma). advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads That said, it still appears as if the EFF has not yet got over the shock of being relegated to the position of fourth-largest political party. Certainly, Malema appears to be unable to grab the political agenda in a way he did, say, five years ago. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Even though videos featuring him were shown during President Cyril Ramaphosa's Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, he was unable to really insert himself into that story. It may be that Malema's previous focus, on attacking first Zuma and then Ramaphosa so personally, has turned into a strategic weakness. Ramaphosa is not as powerful as he was and, while he may symbolise the coalition government, Malema has been unable to turn him into a hate figure. Crucially, Malema announced at the start of this Parliament that he would no longer disrupt proceedings as he had in the past. So far, he has not been able to come up with a new tactic, or a new line of attack that has really given him traction. One of the more intriguing dynamics of this period has been the role of some of the smaller parties that are not formally in the government coalition. ActionSA has found itself in a position where it can at times support the coalition or the ANC, and then oppose it. In the hours after ActionSA took the decision to vote with the ANC to support the fiscal framework of Budget 2.0, the party's Athol Trollip was incredibly honest when asked if ActionSA would now join the coalition. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads He summed up the situation for the party when he said: 'If the DA leaves the GNU [Government of National Unity], whether they get kicked out or they decide to leave, the opposition space is going to get crowded and we will have to take a strategic decision. Will we still make an impact in opposition, or must we look at perhaps going into government? But that depends on the GNU, whether they want us there or not. We will wait and see, but we will make a strategic decision where we can make the greatest impact.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads This revealed the options the party was dealing with in essence. But it also meant that when the ANC and the DA found each for Budget 3.0, ActionSA had to be content in the opposition benches, despite the fact voters would have known it considered joining the ANC. Build One South Africa, meanwhile, has appeared to struggle to gain traction with a consistent message. Its leader, Mmusi Maimane, has made regular media appearances and often provided principled opposition to government proposals. But it is hard to know if they have been able to really change government policy or win more votes. So far, it seems the coalition government has completely failed to make a difference to the lives of most people. Parties in opposition have failed too; they have not yet provided a credible alternative for voters. DM advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads
Daily Maverick
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Parliament to abide by high court order preventing Hlophe from sitting on JSC
The court found that Parliament had violated the Constitution by designating Hlophe — an impeached judge who had fallen foul of his oath of office — to serve on the JSC. Parliament will abide by a high court order setting aside its decision to designate impeached former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the Western Cape Division of the High Court had ruled on Monday that the decision by Parliament had been 'unconstitutional, invalid and was therefore reviewed and set aside'. The party to which Hlophe belongs, former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK), was also in the spotlight this week when it announced that its secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, had been demoted and would be sent back to Parliament as an ordinary MP. Musical chairs There he will sit in the opposition benches alongside Hlophe, who is the party's deputy president. In the same opposition catchment in the National Assembly will be EFF leader Julius Malema, Shivambu's former comrade whom he betrayed to join MK. Hlophe has announced that he will appeal against the order. MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the party was 'determined to expose the fundamental injustices embedded in the current Constitution and will therefore appeal this shocking judgment in an effort to educate the public about the urgent need for parliamentary sovereignty blended with indigenous African law based on ubuntu, collective ownership of economic resources and the will of the people where the law can no longer be manipulated to justify hatred for certain targeted individuals.' Interpretive guidance Court applications were brought by the Democratic Alliance, Freedom Under Law and Corruption Watch after the National Assembly on 9 July 2024 designated Hlophe to serve as one of its representatives on the JSC in terms of section 178 of the Constitution. This week, Parliament noted 'the interpretative guidance offered by the court' which offered its concern about 'the rationality of designating a member who was previously found guilty of gross misconduct and removed from judicial office, and who has continued to demonstrate conduct incompatible with Parliament's obligation to protect and ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary'. Mothapo said as the judgment bore implications for Parliament's internal arrangements, procedures and processes relating to the designation of representatives to the JSC and other constitutional bodies, it would 'take all necessary steps to ensure alignment with the court's findings'. This included instituting 'the appropriate processes to ensure that future designations comply with the constitutional principles outlined in the judgment'. The court ordered Hlophe and MK to pay the costs of the application. Parliament violated Constitution It found that Parliament had violated the Constitution by designating Hlophe — an impeached judge who had fallen foul of his oath of office — to a seat on the JSC. This would have compromised and undermined the integrity and legitimacy of the JSC and any process in which Hlophe might be involved in the appointment of future judges, the full bench set out in a concurring judgment. 'The National Assembly did not consider the relevant fact that Dr Hlophe had been impeached for gross misconduct. Instead, it relied on irrelevant considerations, such as established parliamentary practices and conventions, which cannot override constitutional requirements,' read the order. DM
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
'We won't be played by judges here': MK Party's Dr John Hlophe vows to challenge unconstitutional JSC appointment ruling
Dr John Hlophe, Deputy President of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has vowed to challenge the Western Cape High Court's ruling that declared his appointment to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) unconstitutional. Speaking at the MKP press briefing held at the Coastlands Skye Hotel in Durban on Tuesday, Hlophe issued a defiant warning: 'Asizodlala amajaji la – we won't be played by judges here.' The Western Cape High Court found that the National Assembly (NA) failed to properly exercise its discretion in approving Hlophe's appointment, effectively undermining the credibility of the JSC. As previously reported by IOL, the court said Parliament had 'rubber-stamped' the nomination, ignoring the serious implications for the judiciary's constitutional mandate. It ruled that 'the National Assembly may not designate Dr Mandlakayise John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Services Commission in terms of section 178(1)(h) of the Constitution.' The judgment also ordered Hlophe and the MK Party to pay the applicants' legal costs on a punitive scale.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Hlophe set to challenge court ruling on JSC participation
MK Party Deputy President Dr John Hlophe says he will appeal against the Western Cape High Court ruling that barred him from serving in the Judicial Service Commission. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Impeached former Western Cape judge president and MK Party caucus leader in Parliament, Dr John Hlophe, has vowed to appeal the Western Cape High Court ruling which barred him from representing his party in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Reacting to the decision during the party's media briefing on Tuesday, Hlophe, in isiZulu, said 'Ngeke sidlale amajaji la sizodlulisa isinqumo (We are going to appeal the decision).' On Monday, the court set aside a decision by the National Assembly (NA) made in July last year to endorse the recommendation of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to have him serve as one of its six parliamentarians. The party had nominated Hlophe to serve on the JSC, which empowered him to participate in the appointment of judges. The JSC was due to conduct interviews for the vacant positions of judges, however, the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch filed an urgent interdict to prevent Hlophe from sitting in the interviews. The court granted an interdict. The matter was heard in February by a full bench of judges from outside the division, after the court previously granted an interdict in favour of the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch, preventing Hlophe from participating in the work of the commission pending this matter. The court said the NA had fundamentally misunderstood the nature of its powers to designate members to serve on the body that interviews candidates to become judges. It added that this seriously threatens the independence of the judiciary and Hlophe's presence on the JSC would prejudice the commission's ability to do its work. 'Through the impeachment of Dr Hlophe, the National Assembly has effectively already determined that his continued involvement in judicial affairs would diminish public trust,' said the court. It said that by Hlophe trying to appeal this judgment in the first part of this case, he has shown disregard for the authority and integrity of the courts. For this reason, it made an order that a judge removed for gross misconduct may never serve on the JSC. In 2021, the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) found that Hlophe's conduct breached the provisions of Section 165 of the Constitution and his conduct threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality of the Constitutional Court. Acting on the recommendations of the JCT, the JSC found Hlophe guilty of attempting to influence two justices of the Constitutional Court to violate their oaths of office to rule in favour of former Jacob Zuma in his arms deal case in 2008. The matter was then referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, which then recommended to the National Assembly to impeach Hlophe. This was eventually approved by Parliament through a vote last year. This meant that Hlophe was stripped of his lifetime title as a judge as well as other perks including lifetime salary. Cape Times
