Titled “The pipeline to building Africa’s next generation of industry leaders,” the discussion brings together professionals in talent development, commissioning, scripted content and programming, alongside MTF alumni who now hold industry roles.
The panel features:
Nicola Van Niekerk, senior vice president: content and channels (South Africa), MultiChoice Group, Canal +. Nicola van Niekerk is an accomplished broadcast and television executive with more than 20 years of industry experience spanning a wide range of genres and international markets. Following extensive work on productions for both local and global broadcasters, she joined M-Net in 2012 as a commissioning editor. She currently serves as senior vice president of content and channels for South Africa. Driven by a deep passion for storytelling, Nicola leads partnerships and productions that reflect her dedication to bringing compelling African stories to audiences worldwide.
Tebogo Matlawa, MultiChoice Group, Canal + head of scripted content for the middle and mass segments in South Africa. Tebogo’s portfolio includes hits such as Youngins, My Brother’s Keeper, Umkhokha and Kwa Baba.
Gcinashe Baruza, commissioning editor for scripted Content at MultiChoice Group, Canal +, and an MTF alumna from the class of 2019. Baruza is the commissioning editor on Mzansi Magic’s Homecoming, and her path runs from commissioning intern on The River to junior commissioning editor on Youngins.
Sibonelo Dlamini, junior commissioning editor at MultiChoice Group, Canal+ and an MTF alumnus from the class of 2018. Dlamini has commissioned more than 30 local productions and oversees content strategy, creative direction and production management across local productions.
Nwabisa Binase, MultiChoice Talent Factory Group programme manager, who oversees MTF and its slate of original movies, including Nolwazi and Siyaya, which premiered on Mzansi Bioskop in June.
The conversation will cover the move from training into the industry, the skills needed to progress, and the role commissioning, programming and production play in opening doors for new talent. It will also look at how the industry can build stronger pathways for African creatives to work on productions for local and international audiences.
MTF’s track record gives the discussion a practical footing. The programme has more than 140 South African alumni and 127 films have already been produced for Mzansi Magic. Through initiatives such as Extended Cut, the group has also backed alumni-led production companies.
"It is important for Multichoice and Canal+ to find and invest in the brightest new talent in the industry. MTF alumni are now commissioning, programming and shaping content across the African film industry. FAME Week Africa gives us the stage to show that pathway and that progress, and to talk about what it takes to build it,” said Nicola van Niekerk, senior vice president: content and channels (South Africa), MultiChoice Group, Canal +.
The panel will be moderated by MultiChoice’s corporate comms manager, and MTF alumnus, Lehlonoholo Tsotetsi. His involvement adds a broader alumni perspective to the discussion, bringing the conversation about career progression and the development of Africa’s next generation of industry leaders into focus.
The session takes place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, from 12:00 to 12:45 at MIP Theatre 1 at Fame Week Africa in Cape Town.
