The 18th BASA Awards were held at the Constitutional Court on Monday, 21 September and the awards were handed out by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mhtethwa, and the chairperson of the BASA board of directors, Kwanele Gumbi. The Minister congratulated SAfm for a job well done, while the chairperson of BASA said that he was pleased to note that SAfm wasn’t just “all talk” and that they were playing their part in furthering the arts in South Africa.
Drama is part of the SAfm mandate and ICASA license conditions and is something SAfm is obliged to do. However, it is something that Julia Ann Malone, SAfm’s executive producer for drama, does with passion and dedication because they believe that it is a form of radio that can make a difference to people’s lives and perceptions. South Africa is a nation of storytellers and the SAfm playwriting competition is just another way that SAfm are providing a platform for the telling of the stories that make up the rich tapestry of the country. The competition’s objectives include the unearthing of new writing talent and the encouragement of the use of radio as a means of expression.
The competition exceeded all expectations in receiving over 300 entries and, apart from the three prize-winning plays, it yielded more than 30 other new plays ready for broadcast.
SAfm is currently putting the finishing touches to the second edition of the competition that will be launched soon.
For more information, visit www.safm.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.