Mzansi Reel Stories Mentorship Programme launches to empower online content creators with Mobile‑Television Podcast skills

Durban, South Africa: The eThekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA), in partnership with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, and the Durban Film Office, is proud to announce the launch of the Mzansi Reel Stories Mentorship Programme. This two‑month intensive initiative is designed to equip South African online creators with the technical and creative skills needed to produce high‑quality, engaging Mobile‑Television podcasts that celebrate the diverse stories of Mzansi.

Running for a period of eight weeks, the programme will feature weekly training sessions led by industry experts, hands‑on production experience, and ample networking opportunities. Participants will work on real‑world projects from script development through to final showcase, gaining a comprehensive understanding of mobile‑television podcast production.

“Our goal is to empower the next generation of storytellers to bring Mzansi’s rich narratives to the mobile‑television space, in the process providing them with entrepreneurial skills,” said Andile Buwa, Founder of the eThekwini Filmmakers Association. “With the support of our partners, we are providing creators with the tools, mentorship and platform they need to succeed.

During the recent Mzansi Reel Festival that took place from the  14th  to the 16th  December 2025 in Durban, the youth were exposed to workshops on scriptwriting, visual storytelling, audio production and digital distribution.  The festival’s core mission was to promote mobile‑TV podcasting and digital‑content creation among rural youth and women, giving emerging creators industry insight and networking opportunities, and screen locally produced works that reflect Mzansi’s stories.

The festival resulted in the mentorship initiative which will begin with four outreach masterclasses targeting rural and township youth. The inaugural session will take place on 17 January 2026 at the Mbumbu Sizakala Centre in Durban.

“The Mzansi Reel Stories Mentorship Programme aligns perfectly with our mandate to grow the creative economy in KwaZulu‑Natal,” noted Phindile Makwakwa, Acting COO, the KZN Tourism and Film Authority. “We look forward to seeing these young creators showcase their talents on a national stage.”

Programme highlights include weekly expert‑led workshops that cover every aspect of mobile‑television podcast creation, giving participants a solid theoretical foundation. These sessions are complemented by hands‑on production experience, where creators work with real equipment and software to bring their ideas to life. Networking sessions further enrich the programme by connecting participants with peers and industry mentors, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities. Finally, a public showcase will allow participants to present their finished podcasts to a wider audience, providing valuable exposure and feedback.

Eligibility & Application: The mentorship is open to South African citizens or residents who already have an online presence, whether through a YouTube channel, a podcast platform, or a social‑media page, and who can commit to the full two‑month schedule. Interested creators should email a short profile together with a link to their content platform to efa031@gmail.com by Friday the 30th of January 2026. 

Programme Outline: Over the eight‑week period participants will progress from script development and creative writing, where they learn to craft compelling stories for mobile‑television podcasts, master scriptwriting techniques and create storyboards, to visual storytelling in weeks three and four, which covers basic camera techniques for mobile devices, lighting for indoor and outdoor shoots, and framing and composition. Weeks five and six focus on audio production, teaching basic sound‑recording methods, sound design and editing. Weeks seven and eight shift to hosting and online distribution, including techniques for presenting mobile‑television podcasts, managing digital distribution platforms and optimising content for online audiences. Week nine is dedicated to production and post‑production, with training in mobile editing, colour grading and visual effects, while the final week culminates in a public showcase where participants present their finished projects and receive feedback and evaluation.

The Mzansi Reel Stories Mentorship Programme is a stepping stone for creators who want to turn their digital passion into professional, broadcast‑ready content that showcases the heart of South Africa.

Interested applicants should send a brief personal profile and a link to their online content platform to efa031@gmail.com by the 30th of  January 2026. For more information contact : 065 991 2119 / 072 994 3343. 

 *Images Supplied