Latest news with #MultiChoiceTalentFactory
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mzansi Magic celebrates 15 years of storytelling excellence
For 15 years Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films Image: Supplied On July 12, 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television - one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised - and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017), and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain - they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres - a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel - a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 - created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues... With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on September 7, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way - this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic
Honouring the stories that raised Mzansi On 12 July 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television – one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised – and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017) and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain – they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres – a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel – a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 – created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues… With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on 7 September, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way – this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Set on Enriching Lives and Driving Change: Inside MultiChoice's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy
As Africa's leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice ( is setting a bold benchmark for corporate citizenship, not only on screens, but in communities across the continent. With the release of its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, the Group reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable Africa. 'This report doesn't just sum up what we've done - it's a call to keep building a future that's more inclusive, more sustainable and more connected,' says Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice. 'Whether we're backing entrepreneurs, nurturing talent, or promoting climate solutions, our purpose stays the same: to enrich lives and deliver real, lasting value across Africa.' Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MultiChoice's ESG strategy targets areas where it can make the greatest impact from clean energy and climate action to education, equity, and economic growth. Impact through film and sports development From film sets to football fields, MultiChoice continues to unlock opportunity through education, training, and community development. The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has trained 486 emerging filmmakers across 14 countries. In FY2025, 86 graduates completed the programme, which includes mentorship, masterclasses, and production placements with partners like Zee World, Sony, and the Mastercard Foundation. Sport remains a cornerstone of MultiChoice's social impact. The DStv Schools Netball Challenge reached over 28,000 schoolgirls from 2,800 schools - with standout teams like Khombindlela High earning provincial recognition. The DStv Diski Challenge, celebrating its 10th year, has helped over 350 players enter professional football. In the last season alone, 23 players were selected for national U17 and U20 squads, while 19 earned Premiership promotion. Through the Let's Play programme, more than 140,000 learners now benefit from school-based sports infrastructure. And in 2025, 250 teachers completed training through Premier Skills, a coaching development partnership with the English Premier League. Shaping environmental impact through innovation and collaboration Africa is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions and MultiChoice is acting with urgency and intention. In the last year, MultiChoice recorded a carbon footprint of 72,399 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (Scopes 1&2), showing steady progress in emissions reduction. More than 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy were generated through solar and green infrastructure, while 7,048 trees were planted across local communities to boost biodiversity. MultiChoice also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, the world's leading environmental award, to bring the 2024 ceremony to Cape Town - the first time it was hosted in Africa. The event, broadcast across the continent, spotlighted local innovators including Kenya's Keep It Cool and Ghana's GAYO, both recognised for breakthrough climate solutions. Since 2021, Africa has produced 10 Earthshot finalists, 3 winners, and nearly 400 nominations in 2024 alone, with over £6 million raised to fund African-led sustainability efforts. Bold anti-piracy action to safeguard content Governance is the backbone of MultiChoice's ESG approach. Its sustainability disclosures align with GRI and JSE guidelines, underpinned by Board-level oversight and clear ethical principles. One of the Group's most active areas is anti-piracy enforcement. In FY2025, MultiChoice supported over 155 raids, resulting in the shutdown of 4,351 illegal networks and the arrest of 107 individuals involved in digital piracy. The Partners Against Piracy (PAP) coalition also grew its regional footprint. In 2024, Ethiopia became the latest country to formalise cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the fight against intellectual property theft across the continent. Inclusive growth Beyond its internal operations, MultiChoice plays a catalytic role in advancing economic inclusion by supporting black-owned, women-led, and youth-driven enterprises. MultiChoice's economic footprint extends beyond direct employment, with significant investments in black-owned businesses and women-led enterprises. The MultiChoice Innovation Fund (MIF) supported 79 black-owned SMMEs, with 50% women-owned businesses benefiting from over R410 million in funding. This has created 1,000+ jobs and provided key support for sustainable local growth. In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) created 1,980 new jobs in FY2025, providing opportunities for young South Africans to gain experience and access career pathways in the media and digital industries. 'Through all of this, it's the people around us - our customers, employees, partners, and communities - who give us strength,' adds Mawela. 'ESG isn't a side project. It's part of who we are and how we show up for Africa every day.' To learn more about MultiChoice's ESG pillars and performance, download the full 2025 ESG Report at: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Set on enriching lives and driving change: Inside MultiChoice's ESG Strategy
MultiChoice 2025 ESG Report reaffirms a commitment to a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable Africa. Image: Supplied As Africa's leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice is setting a bold benchmark for corporate citizenship, not only on screens, but in communities across the continent. With the release of its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, the Group reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable Africa. 'This report doesn't just sum up what we've done - it's a call to keep building a future that's more inclusive, more sustainable and more connected,' says Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice. 'Whether we're backing entrepreneurs, nurturing talent, or promoting climate solutions, our purpose stays the same: to enrich lives and deliver real, lasting value across Africa.' Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MultiChoice's ESG strategy targets areas where it can make the greatest impact from clean energy and climate action to education, equity, and economic growth. Impact through film and sports development From film sets to football fields, MultiChoice continues to unlock opportunity through education, training, and community development. The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has trained 486 emerging filmmakers across 14 countries. In FY2025, 86 graduates completed the programme, which includes mentorship, masterclasses, and production placements with partners like Zee World, Sony, and the Mastercard Foundation. Sport remains a cornerstone of MultiChoice's social impact. The DStv Schools Netball Challenge reached over 28,000 schoolgirls from 2,800 schools - with standout teams like Khombindlela High earning provincial recognition. The DStv Diski Challenge, celebrating its 10th year, has helped over 350 players enter professional football. In the last season alone, 23 players were selected for national U17 and U20 squads, while 19 earned Premiership promotion. Through the Let's Play programme, more than 140,000 learners now benefit from school-based sports infrastructure. And in 2025, 250 teachers completed training through Premier Skills, a coaching development partnership with the English Premier League. 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 MultiChoice also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, the world's leading environmental award, to bring the 2024 ceremony to Cape Town - the first time it was hosted in Africa. Image: Supplied Shaping environmental impact through innovation and collaboration Africa is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions and MultiChoice is acting with urgency and intention. In the last year, MultiChoice recorded a carbon footprint of 72,399 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (Scopes 1 & 2), showing steady progress in emissions reduction. More than 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy were generated through solar and green infrastructure, while 7,048 trees were planted across local communities to boost biodiversity. MultiChoice also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, the world's leading environmental award, to bring the 2024 ceremony to Cape Town - the first time it was hosted in Africa. The event, broadcast across the continent, spotlighted local innovators including Kenya's Keep It Cool and Ghana's GAYO, both recognised for breakthrough climate solutions. Since 2021, Africa has produced 10 Earthshot finalists, 3 winners, and nearly 400 nominations in 2024 alone, with over £6 million raised to fund African-led sustainability efforts. Bold anti-piracy action to safeguard content Governance is the backbone of MultiChoice's ESG approach. Its sustainability disclosures align with GRI and JSE guidelines, underpinned by Board-level oversight and clear ethical principles. One of the Group's most active areas is anti-piracy enforcement. In FY2025, MultiChoice supported over 155 raids, resulting in the shutdown of 4,351 illegal networks and the arrest of 107 individuals involved in digital piracy. The Partners Against Piracy (PAP) coalition also grew its regional footprint. In 2024, Ethiopia became the latest country to formalise cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the fight against intellectual property theft across the continent. 2025 ESG Report Image: Supplied Inclusive growth Beyond its internal operations, MultiChoice plays a catalytic role in advancing economic inclusion by supporting black-owned, women-led, and youth-driven enterprises. MultiChoice's economic footprint extends beyond direct employment, with significant investments in black-owned businesses and women-led enterprises. The MultiChoice Innovation Fund (MIF) supported 79 black-owned SMMEs, with 50% women-owned businesses benefiting from over R410 million in funding. This has created 1,000+ jobs and provided key support for sustainable local growth. In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) created 1,980 new jobs in FY2025, providing opportunities for young South Africans to gain experience and access career pathways in the media and digital industries. 'Through all of this, it's the people around us - our customers, employees, partners, and communities - who give us strength,' adds Mawela. 'ESG isn't a side project. It's part of who we are and how we show up for Africa every day.' To learn more about MultiChoice's ESG pillars and performance, download the full 2025 ESG Report here.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The MultiChoice Talent Factory continues to be a pillar in youth development
Celebrating the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory on youth development in the South African film industry. Image: Supplied MultiChoice continues to be a pillar in youth development. With an initiative like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), Africa's film industry continues to flourish and grow as the academy trains youngsters to produce films that leave an impact on the South African film industry. MTF is an industry readiness programme that runs for 12 months, providing youth interested in filmmaking with an opportunity to get practical experience while also providing theoretical lessons on the industry. The MTF class of 2024/2025 is set to take centre stage as they graduate from the academy and take their new skills to the professional world of filmmaking. With the experience from producing their own films, Izixholoxholo (airing 13 July 2025), Ingozi (airing 20 July 2025), Ditaba (airing 16 November 2025), and Gogo's Heist (airing 23 November 2025), they are well equipped to become the next big name in the industry. Expect to see the MTF movies on Mzansi Magic DStv Channel 161. With the guidance of Bobby Heaney, the Director of MTF South Africa, the interns that go through the programme are, without a doubt, set to succeed. With an expert mentor such as Heaney, who has produced and/or directed over 100 television programmes including Egoli, Soul City, Soul Buddyz, Jerry Springer's Saturday Night, Gareth Cliff Show, Laugh Out Loud, and African Adventures for Discovery International, the industry veteran has won numerous awards including 8 Best Director and Best Production Awards. Students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory showcase their filmmaking skills, preparing to make their mark in the South African film industry. Image: Supplied MTF has produced remarkable individuals, one of them being Mapule 'Maps' Mokete. Maps is a young and vibrant creative and entrepreneur with a passion for the film industry and storytelling, which led her to launching her own print magazine called LEWATLE. She describes the birth of LEWATLE magazine as something that combines her background in journalism and her training in filmmaking. Mokete, who was a part of the 2022 cohort, came into the programme determined to learn everything there is to know about filmmaking and the film industry. MTF granted her the opportunity to learn from the best, as well as produce excellent work she possibly could. Being in the same space as her fellow interns, the people who shared the same passion and drive as her, pushed her towards the best version of herself. They made the experience a lot more fun and worth it for her. Heaney's teachings also played a pivotal role in moulding Mokete into a multifaceted storyteller. During her time, she got to write scripts, as well as direct and produce movies, skills which she believes make her a strong storyteller. Inspiring stories of creativity and ambition emerge from the MultiChoice Talent Factory, shaping the future of filmmaking in Africa. Image: Supplied
