iKasi Creative Media says that by working at a grassroots level with unemployed youth, it assists businesses in media to create a meaningful impact on the lives of NEETS (youth that is not in employment, education or training).

According to the group, in Africa, it's not only technological exclusion that jeopardises our competitiveness in creative products and services but the lack of accessible training. At the same time, the digital media space is booming and the world wants to hear African stories.

With 66% of the youth unemployed in South Africa, iKasi says that it plays an important role in connecting youth to the tools and technology they need to be empowered creators. According to iKasi, they say "build the bridge and leave no one behind!"

"FAME Week Africa provides a platform for African creatives to fast-track their careers through conversations, networking and learning," says Martin Hiller, marketing, content and creative director of FAME Week Africa, which is built by RX Africa.

Hiller adds, "Our partnership with iKasi will highlight the incredible work that it is doing with the youth in the film, television and multimedia space. [This is] by not only showcasing their student's work but also providing their creative content creators with the opportunity to connect, be inspired and be part of important conversations. We look forward to growing this partnership."

FAME Week Africa says that it is home to African creatives and is set to transform three days of peer engagement and networking into lasting business. Meetings, screenings and content sessions will aim to bring a plethora of opportunities to an industry ready for new prospects.

Through various partnerships, as well as the iKasi employment stimulus Incubator, businesses can reach — and have a positive impact on — young creatives in rural areas in South Africa while meeting BBEEE scorecard obligations.

According to the group, 25 students from the West Coast, Cape Town and Worcester are currently in the digital media content creator incubator. Other cohorts are in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route.

For students, iKasi offers:
  • training
  • online support
  • mentorship, and
  • an incubator programme that delivers content to broadcasters.
By also sponsoring devices for graduates who complete their training successfully, individuals will be empowering students to continue in the iKasi Voices content creation pipeline currently broadcasting on Cape Town TV and DSTV Channel 263.

During FAME Week Africa, attendees will be able to meet with the iKasi Creative Media team, current students and alumni and learn more about the work iKasi does and how individuals can get involved.

"iKasi is proud to represent creative youth from rural communities at FAME Week Africa. This global platform gives us the opportunity to motivate for more support and long-term commitment from industry to reduce unemployment and to bring much-needed access to our youth to participate in a growing creative economy,” adds Lika Berning, founding director at iKasi Creative Media.

During FAME Week Africa, iKasi will be presenting a masterclass on Using Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) to get the most out of a creative team.

The event says that NLP is about advanced communication — with ourselves and others — and offers an immense variety of applications from sales, marketing and leadership to communicating with others, both professionally and socially.

Individuals who want to know more can attend the masterclass, hosted by Natalie Delport, NLP master practitioner, coach and deputy chairperson of Sister working in Film and Television.

iKasi alumni Chad Louw will be presenting a talk on the value of creative media skills to small-town and rural youth. Louw will share his story about how the creative economy changed his life and how individuals can be part of growing the sector and in the process be a change-maker.

"Louw felt compelled to tell this story as it was the unfortunate reality for many unemployed youths in his community. When Louw couldn't afford to complete his diploma in media, he signed up for the iKasi Creative skills programme where he graduated in the top five of his class," says Hiller. 

"Since then he followed his passion of playing an active role in community building and he was appointed mayor of Oudsthoorn last year," Hiller adds.

The importance of the creative industries' contribution to sustainable economic growth has been growing steadily, says the group. Today digital platforms are used by businesses, artists, musicians and filmmakers to connect to global audiences.

The group adds that the creative economy can be the leading contributor to economic growth, employment and trade in Africa.

The iKasi team concludes that it is looking forward to exploring the possibilities with FAME Week Africa attendees to reach more young creatives. The organisation is in line with the modern occupational qualification based on a dual system of learning registered with the MICT Seta.

Events happening during FAME Week Africa include:
Individuals can register for 2022 FAME Week Africa here

For more information, visit www.ikasimedia.com. You can also follow iKasi Creative Media on Facebook or on Twitter.