Since the first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has been building itself as a new, equal and united country.
Following the end of Apartheid, many successes were achieved, including racial integration and cohesion, the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
However, many Africans are still affected socio-economically and politically by the Apartheid system.
While the TRC acknowledged the heinous crimes that took place during Apartheid, there were no socio-political and economic reparations for those who suffered under Apartheid. As a result, over 50% of South Africans live in abject poverty.
So, where do we go from here? Since our first elections, South Africa has been a free country. But how much are we doing to uplift our people?
The Gentrification issue…
For example, gentrification and the influx of digital nomads in Cape Town are dangerous for many South Africans struggling to survive.
Rent, food and utilities prices have increased to capitalise on the foreign currency influx. This displaces native Cape Townians and drives out local businesses to make space for new business that caters to the upper echelon.
Why is South Africa accepting these digital nomad visas and putting our people at risk?
The obvious answer is: profit.
Capitalism has made it so that people take a backseat to profit. While tourism is an important industry to keep alive, South Africa needs to prioritise its local economy.
How do we move forward?
Those in power need to concentrate on educating and presenting work opportunities to those who cannot afford to do it themselves.
Unemployed youth deserve support structures that will help them succeed. Investing in local has never been so important to keep our economy and culture alive
Supporting local means buying from corner stores, shops, and SA-built brands. Buying art pieces that speak to us in feeling rather than price and popularity. As well as investing time in watching locally made media.
Investing in our local economy is the only way to secure an equitable future for all South Africans.
Digital acceleration and the Youth left behind.
Because of Apartheid, digital access is not freely granted to people in rural areas. By bringing digital access to rural folk, we hope to broaden their opportunities.
iKasi trains youth in Adobe editing software, and familiarises them with film equipment and working in a crew. We also teach them how to create content with their phones and start a passive income.
Through our training courses in Cape Town and along the West Coast, we bridge this gap and give youth a fighting chance for their future in media.
The Film and Media industry has space for people to join crews and tell stories together. However, we find it is gatekept by industry giants.
iKasi’s role in bridging the gap.
iKasi Creative wants to do our part by closing the gap between education and employment for rural youth.
We are a not-for-profit company that upskills rural youth with NFQ level 4 digital media accreditation and provides them with a stipend.
Our company aims to equip youth with the tools to tell their own stories. We want our young creatives to leap forward and land themselves in the creative industry. And, we empower them to do so by teaching them how to create content that they can monetise.
Degrees and accreditations have become a stepping stone toward employment that many rural youth cannot afford. iKasi aims to bridge this gap by equipping them with industry skills, taught by industry-level experts in film and media.
Story-telling is a part of African history and way of life. We aim to allow African youngsters to do what comes naturally to many of them and hone these skills to their advantage. Digital acceleration could either bridge the economic gap or make it larger.
Who can make the change?
iKasi Creative calls on all Film and Media industry giants, corporations and producers to open their doors.
Give that applicant with more experience than education a call back – a university degree does not give someone talent, drive or the ability to tell stories. Let them on your sets and let them learn.
Open up the Industry for new talent.
Let’s revive our country and invest in our youth and our future.
Article by Ruth Dube.