Film and Theatre Academy Opens In Oodi Today

Correspondent | Monday August 17, 2015 12:04

 

The Executive Director and the man behind AFDA brand in Botswana, Tsholofelo Ntshingane reflects on his journey when he initially approached Bata Passchier CEO and core founder of AFDA on possibilities of opening a campus in Botswana. 

“I am an AFDA alumni. I strongly believe in their approach. AFDA provides outcome-based training which is highly in demand nowadays. AFDA has made a significant contribution to the growth of the entertainment industry in South Africa and I have no doubt that they could transform our industry. It was through AFDA that I got top class work experience during the FIFA 2010 World Cup, constituting among the few Batswana that worked in the production team,” Ntshingane said. 

AFDA Botswana is a BQA registered private institution, offering registered programmes such as Bachelor of Arts (Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) which are all four year Degree programmes, as well as one year top up Honors degree equivalent to the above mentioned B.A programmes. “Late this year, we will offer a Higher Certificate programme in film, television and entertainment production,” Ntshingane explains.

In 2016, we aim to offer more globally demanded courses in Technology to create powerful networking for our graduates in areas of demands. A triumvirate of integrated degrees designed to meet the challenges and opportunities, Ntshingane states. 

The big question, whether it be cynics, detractors or those genuinely concerned about the capacity of the Botswana entertainment industry to employ graduates remains. Where will the graduates work? 

“The truth of the matter is that people create industries, industries do not create people,” says AFDA chairman and co-founder, Garth Holmes. “We need to develop graduates with capacity to originate relevant entertainment content for local audience and by extension reach continental and global audience.” 

Newly appointed Dean/Registrar and executive director, Dr Mothusi Phuthego is excited to get the campus ready. 

“Crucial to the opening of AFDA Botswana, amongst other preparations, was the initial recruitment of competent personnel with professional acumen. The recruitment exercise for key positions has been done. Other roles and positions will be filled as the school grows,” says Mothusi.