After four promising television scriptwriters completed the prestigious Longhope TV writing residency last year, they were recently offered internships at various production houses of M-Net Channels.
Manhlwa Rabenyane, Siyabonga B. Dlamini, Mpho Nkoana, and Clarissa Theron (Saaiman) were selected for the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and M-Net Channels’ scriptwriting project in 2024 – out of hundreds of other proposals. They were trained at the foundation’s Paulet House in KwaNojoli (Somerset East) in the Eastern Cape by experienced television writers and producers, namely Tina Kruger, Carla-Marie Myburg, and Muneera Sallies.
At the front from left to right: Siyabonga B. Dlamini, Tina Kruger and Manhlwa Rabenyane.
After two weeks of intensive work sessions at Paulet House, these four promising young writers were recently offered three-month internships at leading production companies, including Tshedza Pictures, The Bomb Shelter, and Homebrew. Here they will be involved in the inner workings of television writing, thus getting a foot in the door of a very competitive industry.
Now that I have the opportunity to work at Tshedza Pictures and learn from incredible creative people, I feel complete. It is all thanks to the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and M-Net.
Manhlwa Rabenyane
“This opportunity not only allows me to hone my writing skills but also to learn from talented, professional people in the industry. I look forward to applying my creativity and passion while gaining invaluable experience,” says Mpho Nkoana, who will work with the team on Shaka Ilembe – a very popular TV series about King Shaka’s life.
The closing date for the 2025 Longhope Mentorship Programme is July 11; and the residency will take place from November 10 to 23 at Paulet House in KwaNojoli. Submissions must be made online at www.jgf.org.za.
