29 June 2026
WHAT'S COMING UP
WHAT'S COMING UP
The Reality of Reality TV: Building a Hit Show from Screen to Social
The Reality of Reality TV: Building a Hit Show from Screen to Social
Reality television has evolved from guilty pleasure viewing into one of the most influential and commercially successful genres in entertainment. From shaping popular culture and launching careers to driving social media conversations and creating multi-platform brands, reality TV has become a powerful force in how audiences consume content.
But what separates a hit reality show from one that disappears after a single season? What is the art behind creating compelling reality television, and why are audiences more obsessed with it than ever before?
Using Life with Londie London as a case study, this candid conversation brings together the key players behind the show — the commissioner who backed it, the production team that crafted it, and the star who lives it.
Ultimately, the session asks: What makes great reality television — and who really creates it: the commissioner, the producer, the editor, the audience, or the person living it?
Ayanda G. Thabethe
Ayanda G. Thabethe is a South African television presenter, media personality, and sought-after MC. A former First Runner-Up at Miss South Africa 2022 and Miss Supranational South Africa 2023, she has built a successful broadcasting career with Expresso and Afternoon Express. Known for her polished hosting style, she expertly moderates engaging conversations across diverse audiences.
Mbali Ntuli
Mbali Ntuli is Head of Unscripted Content at Canal+ South Africa with over a decade of experience in television production, commissioning, and content strategy. An AFDA Film & Television School graduate, she has pioneered local adaptations of global formats including The Real Housewives, Idols, and Married at First Sight, and created the innovative "Realnovela" genre.
Grant Flynn
Grant Flynn is Chief Creative Officer at Rapid Blue, one of Africa's leading television production companies. With over 15 years in entertainment, he specialises in unscripted content development, international format localisation, and original IP creation. His credits include Life with Londie London, Die Kantoor, and Come Dine with Me South Africa, helping bring African stories to global audiences.
Kabelo Moremi
Kabelo Moremi is a Senior Commissioning Editor specialising in unscripted television, creative strategy, and cultural storytelling. He develops original factual and reality formats for South African audiences while consulting on music, branding, and audience engagement. As founder and editor of Fratpacker World, he champions authentic, culture-driven narratives that resonate across television, digital media, and contemporary African youth culture.