Frans Cronje’s epic vision: Transforming Senekal into a thriving town and global filming hub

--:--
Senekal, a small town in South Africa’s Free State, became the centre of racial tensions in 2020 following the murder of farm manager Brendin Horner. In response, local leaders formed the Senekal/Mtwabeng Community Forum to encourage dialogue and reconciliation. Among those drawn to the town’s transformation was filmmaker Frans Cronje, brother of former cricketer Hansie Cronje. Leaving Cape Town, Cronje joined efforts to help a team of volunteers to rejuvenate Senekal and he decided to establish a film in the Eastern Free State. In an interview with BizNews, Cronje detailed how the teams started repairing the dilapidated infrastructure in Senekal including the local swimming pool and 5,000 potholes. While the initiative has received widespread support, he said there were ongoing challenges in bridging political divides. Cronje has big plans to establish Senekal as a filming destination. His latest project—a gladiator film set in fifth-century Rome—marks the first step in his broader vision to turn the town into a production hub for Christian-themed films.
9 May 6AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

How D-Lab is equipping SA youth with ‘shining eyes’ to thrive in the job market

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis leaves many young people struggling to secure jobs due to limited experience. D-Lab is tackling this challenge by immersing unemployed youth in a virtual business simulator, equipping them with essential digital and workplace skills. In an interview with Biznews, D-Lab co-founders Alison Jacobson and Ayanda…
13 Jun 6AM 22 min

Jabulani Khumalo: Court battle to oust the “crazy thugs” from MKP

Jabulani Khumalo, the real founder of MKP, headed by former President Jacob Zuma, is forging ahead with his legal battle to reclaim the party for its original leaders who had made huge sacrifices to get MKP off the ground and voted for by millions. In his latest interview with BizNews,…
13 Jun 5AM 19 min