The premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela, has called on established production companies to make use of the studio that is being built in Welkom. The project is a collaboration between the provincial government and the private owner of the entity.

Members of the Free State Executive Council (Exco) visited the construction site of the film studio on the outskirts of Welkom on Wednesday. Ntombela said the film studio will provide the youth with an opportunity to showcase their talents, as she believes the province has some energetic and innovative young people. She said that once the studio's construction is completed, television drama series and movies will be shot at the studio in order to boost the Free State economy.

“I am calling on major production companies to make use of the studios once completed. This will also go some way in boosting the profile of our province and in the process, boost tourism. The Exco resolved that it will be in the best interest of our province and particularly our youth, to ensure that the construction of the studio is completed quickly. I also want to encourage the youth to make full use of the facility because it is theirs,” said Ntombela.

The Free State has been reported as the province in South Africa with the second highest unemployment rate in the country. Ntombela stated that this is one of many projects that the government is trying to promote in order to curb the high unemployment rate in the province.  

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi