The dti, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and Long Walk to Freedom (Pty) Ltd have collectively refuted the claim by Africa Check that the production of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom did not generate 12 000 jobs during its production a year ago.
In its assessment, Africa Check has made bold to declare the assertion as “false”. Below are the facts in respect of the overall social impact arising from the production of the biopic:
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The direct jobs supported during production of the movie amount to 11 721. When the production company, Long Walk to Freedom (Pty) Ltd, applied for funding in 2012, the projected jobs to be created exceeded 12 000, while these were found to be 11 721 following reconciliation of the employment figures after post-production.
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None of the three entities have claimed that the jobs were permanent. The world over, the production of a film is a once-off project that does not provide permanent jobs. While it lives forever on screen and in public memory, the work that goes into producing a movie is by nature transient and time-bound.
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the dti and the NEF’s funding of the production is in line with Government’s designation of film production as a key growth sector of the economy. South Africa has a growing reputation as a producer of award-winning local content. The two entities will continue to support South African filmmakers to take advantage of the country's diverse and unique locations, as well as low production costs and remarkable local talent, as yet another contribution to economic growth and transformation.
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Of significance, the production allowed for filming industry skills transfer in various roles such as directing, casting, visual effects and specialist film treatments. There were learnerships and internships offered to ensure on-the-job training for South Africans. The production created economic benefits and skills for the local communities in the areas where the filming took place.
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The production presented an extensive opportunity for creating meaningful jobs in other related industries including carpentry and location set-construction, transport services, catering, costumes wardrobes, as well as hospitality.
- The heritage and historical content of the film is certain to profile South Africa globally and to contribute to growth in both the cultural industries and tourism as a sector.
The film has garnered the following accolades to date:
- Audience Favourite Feature Award at the Aspen Filmfest in the United States,
- Three Golden Globe Nominations:Best Actor, Best Original Score and Best Original Song, and
- Two London Critics Circle Film Award Nominations: Supporting Actress of the Year and British Actress of the Year.
Sidwell Moloantoa Medupe
Chief Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: msmedupe@thedti.gov.za
Moemise Motsepe
(Manager: Marketing & Communications
Cell: 083 533 4114
Tel: 011 305 8127
E-mail: motsepem@nefcorp.co.za
Nilesh Singh
Long Walk To Freedom (Pty) Ltd
Tel: 031 204 6000
