By Sbongile Sokela
South African Film Empowerment (SAFE), a non-profit company, has rapidly gained recognition for its transformative approach to creating jobs and providing film industry opportunities for South Africa’s underrepresented communities. Founded by Mr. Klaas Thomas Mahlangu (Tiger Sgandaf), SAFE has made a significant impact in a short span of time by giving aspiring filmmakers, actors, and crew members access to professional training, production experiences, and industry networks.
Empowering Communities, One Film at a Time
Established in 2019, SAFE was founded with the vision to address the lack of access to the film industry for marginalized individuals across South Africa. The initiative offers a comprehensive platform to empower people from townships, rural areas, and underserved communities, helping them pursue careers in film and television. By providing training, mentorship, and practical experience on film sets, SAFE bridges the gap for emerging talent, enabling them to thrive in the local film industry.
“SAFE was created to open doors for those who have the passion and talent but have not had the opportunity to enter the film industry. We aim to empower individuals, provide them with industry skills, and give them the platform to succeed,” said Mr. Klaas Thomas Mahlangu, Chairman of SAFE.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Since its inception, SAFE has empowered over 300 individuals through film workshops, acting classes, and on-set experience. It has hosted five-day acting and filmmaking workshops and Film Job Creation Seminars in multiple provinces. The organization has produced short films such as The Unforeseen and As We Free Them, both of which provided direct training and employment to local talent. SAFE has also launched Saturday Acting Classes, which offer continuous learning opportunities for aspiring actors across the country.
SAFE’s impact is felt in communities across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and beyond, with the goal of expanding to all nine provinces of South Africa. Each province will employ over 50 individuals monthly, creating sustainable careers in film.
Collaborations and Funders
The success of SAFE has been made possible with support from key partners. Moon’K Films Devoted (USA) has provided financial and post-production support for short films, while the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) funded the production of The Unforeseen.
Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
SAFE’s current and future projects are focused on producing local content, empowering talent, and expanding its reach. Short films in progress include The Unforeseen (GFC-funded), Who’s Fooling Who (SAFE funded), and As We Free Them (supported by Moon’K Films Devoted), with more films planned for 2025. Feature films include Expelled, which begins shooting in October 2025, and Over My Dead Body, scheduled for production in August 2025.
Acting and filmmaking classes will continue through workshops and masterclasses, aimed at fostering a new generation of talent. SAFE’s long-term vision is to establish permanent offices in all nine provinces of South Africa, with each office producing one to two films monthly and creating at least 50 jobs per province.
With an annual provincial budget of R1 million, SAFE is committed to its long-term growth and its mission to revolutionize the South African film industry by ensuring broad representation and accessibility for all.
Join the Movement
SAFE is calling for continued support and partnerships as it strives to create even more opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and actors across South Africa. With the backing of public and private sector collaborators, SAFE is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
For more information about SAFE’s programs, partnerships, and opportunities, please visit their wwebsite [www.safenpc.org.za](http://www.safenpc.org.za) or contact [films@safenpc.org.za](mailto:films@safenpc.org.za).
Contact
Mr. Klaas Thomas Mahlangu
Chairman: South African Film Empowerment (SAFE)
Phone: 083 726 3490
Email: [films@safenpc.org.za](mailto:films@safenpc.org.za)
Website: [www.safenpc.org.za](http://www.safenpc.org.za)
