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Johannesburg, South Africa- 27 August 2025- In a bold step towards transforming lives in disadvantaged communities, the Soweto-based skills development academy, TWOPMN Academy, recently partnered with the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC). This collaboration aims to expand the academy’s National Certificate in Film and Television Production skills programme, providing more unemployed youth with essential skills to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic film and television sector. Ntombizodwa Makhoba, founder and director of TWOPMN, has commended South Africa’s GFC, for being a constant supporter and believer in her passion for |
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empowering young and talented creatives whose dreams and aspirations often get lost simply because of their underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds. “As TWOPNM Academy, we are truly grateful for the support we’ve received from the GFC—working with them has been such a privilege. Our dream now is to see young aspiring filmmakers securing funding for production development, this will enable them to tell powerful stories through documentaries that will reach global audiences on platforms such as: Netflix, Amazon and Showmax. |
“What makes this partnership with GFC exciting is that we have been given a new mandate to train more aspiring filmmakers. What makes this partnership even more powerful is the fact that GFC has been a consistent supporter of our academy. For example, two years ago, we successfully applied for camera equipment valued at R50,000, which continues to play a vital role in our Film & TV production training programmes,” says Ntombizodwa who has worked behind the scenes on Netflix’s documentaries Beauty And The Bester and Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star.
As a result, over the years, TWOPMN Academy has been a catalyst for change, helping young aspirants navigate the competitive landscape of the film industry. Many students have walked through the doors of this thriving institution, leaving
them equipped with practical and marketable skills.
One such success story is that of Kamohelo Ramatlo, a 21-year-old Soweto native, who is currently honing her craft as a crew member on the beloved soap opera, Generations: The Legacy.
Kamohelo reflects on her journey, stating, “I am grateful to TWOPMN Academy for having allowed me to gain practical skills in the film and television industry. Training with the Generation: The Legacy art department team has been an eye-opener and a great experience. I am learning a lot so far and am getting used to the workplace, which is the one thing that the academy promised and delivered on through this programme.”
She emphasises the rich array of experiences, including shooting documentaries and talk shows, which have all contributed significantly to her development as a young female filmmaker.
Another previous beneficiary, Novuyo Mtshikwe, from Soweto, has also benefited profoundly from the academy. Her journey to becoming a film producer began when she heard about TWOPMN Academy from a former colleague. “I have always dreamt of a career in film and television, and when I found out about the academy, I did not hesitate to apply. Being part of the programme is the best thing that has happened in my life. We have been able, through the programme, to learn and meet
people who are professionals in the industry,” she shares.
Novuyo’s enthusiasm resonates with many, as she details her hands-on experience at Scandal: “I got to learn, theoretically and practically, what the role of a producer on set is. I also had a chance of working as a casting director and a prop master. I have been fortunate to work in a myriad of roles on set, which has benefited me greatly.”
This partnership between TWOPMN Academy and the GFC signifies a commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in the film and television industry is prepared to take on the challenges of the modern workforce.
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“My passion for imparting and transferring my writing skills to young, aspiring writers as a storyteller inspired me to establish TWOPNM. However, a few years ago, I developed a strong interest in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and subsequently integrated this into the academy’s programmes. Today, our academy is diverse—whether you aspire to be a filmmaker, are interested in 4IR, or are an unemployed graduate seeking workplace experience, you will find the right fit with us. We have qualified facilitators who train this programme,” Ntombizodwa quips- whose career spans over a decade as a seasoned journalist. About TWOPNM |
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TWOPNM Academy was established in 2017 with a clear mission: to fight the scourge of unemployment in South Africa through skills development. Through strategic partnerships with MICT Seta, Fasset, South West Gauteng College (SWGC), the academy has successfully placed unemployed graduates and TVET learners into real-world industry settings—ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience that complements our rigorous training curriculum. TWOPNM Academy- an accredited institution also offers customised qualifications for individuals and companies, and with more than 100 young people having benefited from the academy’s diverse skills-driven programmes, TWOPNM is ready to contribute to the province’s skills development drive. |
Other skills programmes offered include a range of 4IR and ICT-related programmes, such as Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things and Cloud Administrator.
All these skills programmes have been made possible through partnerships and collaborations with institutions such, GFC, MICT SETA, FASSET SA Youth Partner Network, SWGC and CompTIA.