Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
Global streaming giant Netflix has reinforced its commitment to developing African storytelling and creative talent after unveiling a new cohort of aspiring screenwriters for the ScreenCraft Pathways training programme in South Africa.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, has shortlisted 14 emerging screenwriting talents who will undergo an intensive industry development programme designed to nurture the next generation of African storytellers.
The programme is among Netflix’s latest investments in Africa’s rapidly growing film and television sector, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to strengthen local creative ecosystems while ensuring that more African stories reach global audiences.
Positioned as one of the first initiatives of its kind, ScreenCraft Pathways serves as a strategic collaboration between Netflix and South Africa’s film industry. The programme aims to equip promising writers and filmmakers with the practical skills, industry exposure and professional networks required to create globally competitive productions rooted in African experiences.
The newly announced cohort comprises Thobeka Nkosi, Lebogang Tsotetsi, Paballo Segalagala, Noluthando Tshazibane, Reotshepile Mohutsiwa, Tiny Mapondile, Ikageng Madia, Nontobeko Mbhele, Keletso Lesetla, Tyler-Vorne Arendse, Sipho Nuse, Bryoni Baxter, Didintle Ledwaba and Chloe Beukes.
The announcement comes at a time when African storytelling is enjoying unprecedented international visibility. Netflix recently celebrated the success of The Polygamist, the adaptation of Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s acclaimed novel, which climbed to second place on the platform’s global streaming charts and introduced African narratives to millions of viewers worldwide.
Through the ScreenCraft Pathways programme, participants will spend 12 months gaining hands-on industry experience within roles of their choosing across the film production value chain.
Training opportunities will span pre-production, production and post-production disciplines, with participants placed within some of South Africa’s leading production and post-production companies, including Burnt Onion, Quizzical Pictures, The Refinery, Midnight VFX, Rechord Post, Mushroom Media and Gambit Films.
Speaking during the programme launch, Netflix director of Global Affairs for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Pellin Mavili, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s confidence in South Africa’s growing creative industry and its long-term potential.
“South Africa’s creative economy is one of the most compelling growth opportunities on the continent, and the talent to power it already exists here. ScreenCraft Pathways is our commitment to ensuring that talent has a structured, professional pathway into the industry, not just for the benefit of these 14 individuals, but for the long-term competitiveness of South Africa’s production sector.
“When young South Africans are working on world-class productions, everyone wins – from the industry to the economy and the audiences who get to see their stories told,” said Mavili.
Echoing those sentiments, Gauteng Film Commission chief executive officer Keitumetse Lebaka described the programme as more than a conventional training initiative, saying it represents a long-term investment in the future of South Africa’s film and television sector. In a further indication of its confidence in the programme, Netflix confirmed that ScreenCraft Pathways has already been renewed for a second cohort, which is expected to begin training in 2027. Applications for the next intake are set to be announced in due course.
