President Ramaphosa visits high-tech Cape Town Film Studios

On Thursday 17 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the set of Project Panda, Netflix’s biggest project in Africa. According to a statement by the Presidency, the President visited the set of the live-action anime series at the Cape Town Film Studios, to gain a deeper understanding of Netflix’s investment in the creative, tourism, small business and supply chain industries.

ABOUT ‘PROJECT PANDA’

Project Panda, which was previously titled One Piece, is based on one of the best-selling Japanese comic book series of all time. As per What’s On Netflix, the story takes place on an “alternate version of Earth”.

The anime series follows cut-throat pirates who rule the seas. Throughout the series, they aim to claim mythical treasure left behind by legendary pirate, Gol D Roger.

American television producer Steven Maeda is the writer, showrunner and executive producer for the series.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S VISITS ‘PROJECT PANDA’  SET 

As per the Presidency, Project Panda is being shot at the Cape Town Film Studios, which represents an investment of more than R1 billion to create a state-of-the-art film studio complex.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was given a tour of the Project Panda set and had the opportunity to meet with four trainees who are form part of the project.

According to SA People, Ramaphosa shined the spotlight on job creation for young people.

“Hearing about investments like this in South Africa is something we cherish. The creavie industry is the perfect sector to create jobs,” added Ramaphosa.

CREATING JOBS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS 

Project Panda has cast 50 South Africans and hired more than 1 000 more for crew member jobs. The Presidency highlights that 67% of those hired are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds while 46% are youth employees.

The project has also created an Academy of Creative Excellence (ACE) mentorship programme for 30 creative in collaboration with the SA Film Academy.