Mail & Guardian reporter
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are the things television people make when they have a bit of spare time on their hands and a good feeling in their hearts. The annual Vuka Awards are promoted by MultiChoice Africa and this year they celebrated the achievements of newcomers in the field of video production.
The best overall charity commercial was awarded to Elizabeth Tandy’s The Drop (image at left) that promoted the conservation of water. In 30 brilliant seconds, Tandy and crew succinctly lamented the moment that the tears of a child fall to the soil, instead of rain.
The Drop also won the award for best director, as well as runner-up for best grassroots communication.
On a par was Stuart Forrest’s animated PSA Abalimi Bezekhaya, with township characters made out of coloured plaster. This work promoted the idea that the poor can benefit from growing vegetables in their own yards.
Forrest’s work was also honoured for best original soundtrack and best animation, and runner-up in the best overall charity commercial and best director categories.
Other entrants focused on the plight of suicide victims, abused animals and the terminally ill. The panel of judges was headed by Welcome Msomi, CEO of Welcome Msomi Communications, chair of Blue Moon Corporate Communications and co-founder of Sasani Limited.