The Team:

The Healing Power of Nature series came out of a successful collaboration. Mafisa Media working with Kwamashu Community Advancement Projects (KCAP) and The World Conservation Union, teamed up with the National Film and Video Foundation and the SABC to facilitate the production of this 13 part series. The central aim of the production company was to include as many different production companies as possible, in this way building capacity and creating opportunities. Each brought unique skills and innovative ideas. A team of editors, and assistants were also intricately involved in producing the films. The series has been designed to allow for different styles of film. The use of different directors and production companies ensures that no two films are the same so the audience will constantly be creatively and intellectually stimulated.

Mafisa Media:

A media company that specialises in communication strategies for integrated conservation and tourism projects. It provides creative print, radio, electronic and television coverage of nature tourism and development programmes. Mafisa Media uses its films extensively to promote discussion, debate and capacity building for residents of communities who are currently engaged in conservation, tourism, rural development and local economic growth programmes. Such workshops have been held with the Makuleke community, the Kosi Bay community, the Richtersveld communal property association, the Kalahari San community, the Bangazi Development Trust and others.

Sadly a week before the first film in the series was screened on SABC 3, the team lost the creative guidance of its Executive Producer Eddie Koch when he was hospitalised after a cardiac arrest. Eddie played a key role in conceptualising the series, the fact that the team finalised the series is a tribute to the creativity of all, and the success of the collaboration.

World Conservation Union:

Created in 1948, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) brings together 81 States, 120 government agencies, 800 plus NGOs, and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. The Union’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Michael Raimondo runs the film unit of the World Conservation Union.
After agreeing to fill the role of Series Producer, Michael Raimondo directed 3 of the films, including the highly acclaimed, The Last Strandloper. This was his debut as a director. The production of the Healing Power of Nature series enabled people who had never made films before to learn about filmmaking and produce highly engaging documentaries.

Kwamashu Community Advancement Projects:
K-CAP was launched with the purpose of empowering disadvantaged youth in various integrated arts and media advancement skills that would increase career opportunities, job creation and practical knowledge. They are based in Kwa Mashu, outside Durban. In September 2003 K-CAP launched the unique Ekhaya Mulit- Arts Centre (EMAC). The purpose of this centre is to discover, develop and expose artists to sustainable employment opportunities and to provide creative quality arts and entertainment to the community. The partnership with KCAP resulted in Eddie Mhlongu fulfilling the role of Line Series Producer.

Mafisa Media Employees for Healing Power of Nature Season 1:
 
Kgalalelo Mokoma: This lovely young lady was employed as a production assistant. She comes from Pretoria but moved to Cape Town to gain more experience. She was trained in most aspects of production, including transcriptions, translations, scheduling and dealing with the media. This has given her an opportunity to gain insight into the film making process.

Lynda Ntsonyana: Lynda was employed by as an Administrative Assistant. When she started work, she had no knowledge of film or budget management. The skills she has acquired have equipped her as the capable and efficient Budget Manager for the series.

Unathi Ntengo: Unathi was initially employed as a translator as he is fluent in five languages. During the production he has gained skills in sound recording and camera.

Production companies involved in producing the series:

Silver Bullet Productions, Upstairs Post Production, Flying Fish Productions, Shadow Pictures, Trinity Productions, Durga Shakti Productions, Nick Chevalier Productions and Ziemele Multimedia.

Each of these companies was approached because they have a core philosophy of empowerment, teaching and creating. Individual directors from these production companies were involved in mentorship programs.