Twenty-eight Limpopo youths have joined hands in the war against crime and drug abuse. This came into being after the birth of Hanzams Movies in 2000. The non-profit organization aims to equip the youth from different backgrounds in Limpopo with acting skills that will keep them off the streets.

Most of the youths in the project started off by selling Nigerian movies in the streets of Thohoyandou. "After working for quite some time, we then decided that we could also make our own movies, rather than to sell for other people for the rest of our lives. We then organized some meetings. The meetings resulted in the birth of Hanzama Movies in 2000," said one of the members, Tshilidzi Moila.

The group has so far produced three movies, which are selling like hot cakes in Limpopo. They are Makhaulambilu, Ndi mishumo ya nnyi hei and Zwiito. They are currently working on another untitled movie, which will be released in due course.

Moila says they have done much in grooming the youths who were masters of crime before they joined Hanzams Movies. "The majority of them have given testimony before the public that they have been assisted by this project. We request other youths from Limpopo, especially the Vhembe area, to come and join us in the war against crime."

Moila says that because most of the members are school learners, they practice on weekends. "It is impossible to practice during the week because we stay far away from each other. We practice from 10H00 to 17H00 on Saturdays."

Besides making a name for themselves, Molila says the project is still faced with a massive financial burden. "We only survive by the small amount of money we earn from selling our DVDs. We urge good Samaritans out there to assist us because we are building the community."

Community members who would like to assist or know more about the Hanzams Movies project can call 072 145 9185 or 072 870 8203.