Canon empowers young creatives through the Kasi Youth in Film Project
Johannesburg, 4 March 2025 – A new generation of South African creatives is being empowered through a transformative partnership between Canon South Africa and Wyza Media Solutions. Through the Kasi Youth in Film Project, young people from disadvantaged communities are gaining hands-on training in photography, film, and television production, giving them the skills, confidence, and industry exposure needed to break into the competitive creative sector.
Since 2023, Canon South Africa has collaborated with Wyza Media Solutions and the Gauteng Film Commission to help dismantle barriers for aspiring visual storytellers. By providing expert-led workshops, access to professional equipment, and mentorship from industry leaders, the initiative is shaping the future of South Africa’s creative industry.
“This ongoing partnership with Wyza Media Solutions has been a vital part of our efforts to not only equip young people with the technical skills to thrive in the creative industry but also to inspire confidence and open doors to career opportunities,” said Gerald Langton, Business Development Manager at Canon South Africa. “Through this initiative, we are reaffirming our commitment to giving young South Africans the tools to build their futures, one story at a time.”
Building on the success of previous collaborations, the next round of participants will attend a two-day mentorship workshop at Canon’s Centurion offices at the end of February 2025. They will take part in an intensive, hands-on workshop designed to teach the technical and creative aspects of photography, filmmaking, and television production. Here, they will gain exposure to cutting-edge technology and have the opportunity to use Canon’s professional cameras and video equipment during practical training sessions. The training will be led by Canon experts such as Gerald Langton and Roger Machin, Product Marketing Manager and South Africa’s first trainer accredited through Canon’s Miraisha Programme, Mancoba Msibi.
Machin’s expertise, developed through this globally recognised initiative, will provide participants with valuable insights into professional photography and videography. Alongside Canon’s industry-leading technology, his mentorship will help young creatives refine their technical skills and storytelling abilities.
Machin emphasised, “This partnership is a testament to Canon’s belief in the power of imaging to transform lives. By continuing to support this initiative, we aim to provide access to world-class training and equipment, helping young creators build the skills they need to succeed in an evolving industry.”
Canon’s commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of “living and working together for the common good” continues to drive its support for youth empowerment in the creative industries. By providing this high-quality training to disadvantaged youth, Canon and Wyza Media Solutions are contributing to the development of a new generation of highly skilled professionals who are capable of excelling in a competitive creative industry.
“Partnering with Canon has been a game-changer for the Kasi Youth in Film Project,” remarked Kope “Tswyza’ Makgae, Director at Wyza Media solutions. “Through this initiative, participants are gaining hands-on experience with world-class equipment and mentorship that can shape their future careers. Seeing young creatives grow in skill and confidence is exactly why we do this.”