"We've very, very glad to be able to play a part in contributing to the success of the local television industry," said Nolo Letele, the chairperson of MultiChoice South Africa at M-Net and MultiChoice's Galaxy of Stars celebration event.
M-Net and MultiChoice's Galaxy of Stars was held on Saturday evening at Gallagher Estate, where the Randburg-based South African pay-TV broadcaster and the satellite pay-TV platform running the DStv service, celebrated the billion rands investment they're making into local TV content and growing the local television industry in the country and across the African continent.
Galaxy of Stars as a made-for-TV event will be broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on 9 August.
"The drive to develop South African content is also supported by the department of trade and industry, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)," said Nolo Letele.
Nolo Letele was addressing the 400 strong audience consisting out of South Africa's top TV talent both on-screen, as well the TV executives and producers working behind the scenes across various of the M-Net supplied TV channels to DStv. Seated in the audience were also government officials, TV guilds and union representatives, as well as TV critics and press.
"We have proved that we can produce some great local stories and some of these have received international recognition," said Nolo Letele, referencing South African films such as Tsotsi and District 9.
"The important thing is that Africa's voice at last is beginning to be heard. Taking our stories to international platforms are good for South Africa and it's good for the rest of the continent as well because we are able to display our diverse environment to the whole world," said Nolo Lete.
"As a result South Africa has now become a very sought-after location for international productions. Growing the local television and film industry means making a significant and ongoing investment in local content."
"Although M-Net always has a number of world class local productions on its channels, the other channels on DStv also make a contribution, for example Food Network there is Siba's Table which was sold internationally, and there's many illuminating documentaries showcasing our content on channels like History channel," said Nolo Letele.
"We've got some incredible talent in this country. Tonight we celebrate the 25 year legacy of the phenomenon that is MultiChoice and M-Net. We can't wait to share the next 25 years with you," said Nolo Letele.
