Nthabi Tau
Writer, Director & Showrunner

Sector: Film & Television
South Africa

Nthabi Tau has helped define modern South African television. Over more than two decades, she has written, directed and shaped some of the country's most successful productions, including The River, Outlaws, Youngins, Giyani, Uzalo, Mpondoland, Inimba, Champions and The Polygamist. Working behind the camera, she has built a reputation for creating emotionally authentic, commercially successful stories that resonate deeply with audiences while elevating the standard of African television drama. Her work on The Polygamist, which reached global audiences through Netflix, demonstrated the international potential of locally rooted South African storytelling and reinforced the growing demand for authentic African narratives. Beyond her own productions, Nthabi is committed to mentoring emerging filmmakers, particularly young Black women directors, helping cultivate the next generation of creative leaders. Through exceptional storytelling, creative leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to shape the industry from behind the scenes while influencing what audiences watch, how stories are told and what South African television can achieve on the global stage.

Tumi Mogapi
Head of Publishing, Africori Music Group

Sector: Music
South Africa

Tumi’s expertise in music publishing, copyright and rights management is helping build a stronger and more sustainable African music industry. With more than 15 years of experience across organisations including SAMRO, NORM, Gallo Music Publishers, Sheer Publishing and now Africori Music Group, she has become one of South Africa's leading specialists in protecting the rights and long-term interests of songwriters and composers. As Head of Publishing at Africori Music Group, she oversees publishing strategy, rights administration and royalty management, ensuring creators are equipped to maximise the value of their intellectual property in an increasingly global music economy. Beyond her executive role, Tumi serves as Vice-Chair of Development & Partnerships at Women in Music South Africa and sits on the board of the Music Publishers Association of South Africa, helping shape industry standards while championing greater representation for women. Although audiences may never see her name in the spotlight, her work ensures the creators behind Africa's music are recognised, protected and fairly rewarded, making her an indispensable force behind the industry's continued growth.

Annemarie du Plessis
Producer and Founder, Meria Productions

Sector: Film & Television
South Africa

Annemarie’s fearless producing is helping redefine independent South African cinema. A SAFTA-winning producer and founder of Meria Productions, she has built a reputation for championing bold, original stories that might otherwise never reach the screen. Her work spans acclaimed television productions including Koek, Die Nuusmakers and Broer Toer, alongside internationally celebrated independent films such as Carissa, which premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice International Film Festival, and Variations on a Theme, winner of the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Working closely with filmmakers including Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar through Kraal, she has helped elevate deeply local, culturally specific stories onto the global stage. Equally respected for her collaborative leadership and ethical approach to filmmaking, Annemarie creates environments where artists, communities and crews can thrive. Although audiences rarely see her name on screen, her creative instincts, commitment to independent voices and belief in authentic storytelling continue to shape the future of South African cinema from behind the scenes.

Nthabeleng Phora
Industry Support & Development Manager, Gauteng Film Commission,

Sector: Film, Television, Animation & Gaming
South Africa

Nthabeleng has strengthened South Africa's screen industry through talent development, industry support and strategic ecosystem building. With nearly two decades of experience in the audiovisual sector, she has played a pivotal role in connecting government, industry and emerging creatives to create sustainable opportunities across film, television, animation and gaming. Through her work at the Gauteng Film Commission, she has championed skills development, audience growth and local content promotion while helping position Gauteng as a leading destination for film production and investment. Passionate about transformation and inclusion, Nthabeleng has supported the professional development of more than 1,700 aspiring and emerging creatives, while creating pathways into the industry for township learners through film festivals, gaming initiatives and cinema exposure programmes. Her growing focus on content distribution, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies demonstrates a commitment to preparing Africa's creative industries for the future. Although audiences may never know her name, countless filmmakers, creators and productions have benefited from the opportunities, partnerships and industry infrastructure she continues to build behind the scenes.

Monalisa Chisango
Series Producer

Sector: Television
Zimbabwe

Monalisa’s creative leadership has helped shape some of Africa's most successful and internationally recognised unscripted television productions. As a series producer, she has played a pivotal role in delivering premium reality formats including The Real Housewives of Durban Season 1, which expanded the global reach of African reality television through Bravo and Peacock, alongside productions such as Young, Famous & African Season 3, The Ultimatum South Africa and The Cook Along. Her ability to translate compelling stories into globally competitive television has established her as one of the continent's leading producers in the unscripted space. Through her own company, Monzyice Creations, she is equally committed to developing the industry's future, mentoring emerging filmmakers and equipping producers, directors and content creators with practical skills through specialised masterclasses in reality television and microdrama production. While audiences rarely see her name on screen, Monalisa's creative vision, production expertise and commitment to developing new talent continue to strengthen Africa's television industry from behind the scenes.

Tshego Seritshane
Producer & Line Producer

Sector: Film & Television
South Africa

Tshego Seritshane has earned the respect of productions across South Africa's film and television industry. An accomplished producer and line producer, she is recognised for delivering complex productions with exceptional efficiency while fostering environments built on trust, collaboration and professionalism. In an industry where long hours and high-pressure deadlines can often come at the expense of crew wellbeing, Tshego has become a respected advocate for fair, safe and inclusive working conditions. She is known for leading with integrity, resolving conflict with empathy and ensuring that every member of the production—from senior heads of department to emerging crew—feels heard and valued. Her ability to balance operational excellence with genuine care for people has made her an indispensable leader behind the scenes. While audiences may never see her name on screen, countless productions have benefited from her calm leadership, unwavering professionalism and commitment to building healthier, more sustainable production cultures across the South African screen industry.

Elelwani Netshifhire
Writer & Producer

Sector: Film & Television
South Africa

Elelwani’s influence extends far beyond the stories she writes and produces. An accomplished writer, producer and script coordinator, she has become one of South Africa's most respected champions of emerging screenwriters, creating opportunities for new voices while helping shape the country's television and film landscape. Through productions including Diep City and The Black Door, she has mentored and nurtured the next generation of writers, many of whom have gone on to build award-winning careers. Beyond production, Elelwani plays an active leadership role within the Writers Guild of South Africa and has contributed to the growth of African cinema through her work with festivals including Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. Her own filmmaking continues to push important cultural conversations, with projects such as Humdrum exploring the mental health experiences of young Black women with honesty and compassion. Whether developing scripts, mentoring writers, producing films or strengthening industry institutions, Elelwani's work is helping build a more inclusive, representative and sustainable future for African storytelling from behind the scenes.

Pearl Munonde
Producer, Industry Leader & Chairperson of SWIFT

Sector: Film & Television
South Africa

Pearl Munonde has helped strengthen South Africa's screen industry both on set and at an institutional level. A highly respected producer and line producer with more than two decades of experience, she has delivered flagship television productions, documentaries, reality formats and major awards ceremonies while consistently championing ethical leadership and industry excellence. As Chairperson of Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), she has become a leading advocate for gender equity, safer working environments and the professional development of women across the screen sector. Her influence extends through governance roles with the Documentary Filmmakers' Association (DFA), the SOS Coalition and SASFED. Through her production company, NwaChasiya Media, she continues to produce socially impactful content while mentoring emerging filmmakers. Although audiences rarely see her name on screen, Pearl's leadership, advocacy and commitment to building stronger institutions continue to shape a more inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive African film and television industry.

Pumla Wilbon
Catalogue Label Manager

Sector: Music
South Africa

Pumla Wilbon has helped shape South Africa's music industry from the stage to the boardroom. As Catalogue Label Manager at Sony Music Entertainment Africa, she develops innovative campaigns that preserve and grow the legacy of iconic artists, ensuring their music continues to find new audiences through strategic marketing, partnerships and digital storytelling. Her career spans artist management, radio, live events and brand activations, including leadership roles at Back To The City Festival, Podcast and Chill live events, and Kaya FM. Passionate about developing the next generation, Pumla has created initiatives such as Artist Bootcamp and mentorship programmes for women, while consistently advocating for greater female representation across the music industry. Her ability to combine commercial strategy with community building has made her an indispensable force behind the scenes. Although audiences rarely know her name, countless artists, campaigns and cultural moments have benefited from her creativity, leadership and unwavering commitment to growing African music and empowering the people behind it.

Tanisha Colon-Bibb
Founder & CEO, Rebelle Management

Sector: Music, Film, Television & Creator Economy
United States / South Africa

Tanisha is helping African creatives build sustainable global careers. A Harlem native and Spelman College graduate, she is the founder of Rebelle Agency and Rebelle Management, operating across New York and Johannesburg to represent talent in music, film, television and digital media. Her client roster includes some of Africa's most influential creatives, including Kim Jayde, Simmy, Hope Mbhele, Filah Lah Lah, Lunathi Mampofu and Prince Grootboom. Drawing on a background in public relations, talent management and brand strategy, Tanisha has become known for building long-term careers rather than short-term visibility, connecting African talent with international brands, media and commercial opportunities. Her work bridges Africa and its diaspora, creating pathways for collaboration while ensuring African voices remain authentic and commercially competitive on the global stage. Although audiences rarely see her name, her strategic leadership continues to shape the careers of a new generation of creatives and strengthen the international presence of African entertainment.