Netflix Focuses on South Africa's Next Generation Of Storytellers: 14 Young Creatives Named as First ScreenCraft Pathways Cohort as Programme Secures Second Year

Johannesburg, 4 June 2026 - Netflix, in collaboration with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority , today named 14 young South Africans who will spend the next year working inside the country's most prolific film and television production and post-production companies as part of the ScreenCraft Pathways training programme . The streaming entertainment service also announced the programme has been renewed for a second cohort who will kick off their training in 2027.

The announcement was made at a Youth Month event hosted by Netflix, the GFC and the KZN Tourism & Film Authority in Johannesburg that brought together filmmakers, industry organisations, policymakers and government representatives to align audiovisual investment with national socio-economic goals directly in support of the government's 2026 Youth Month theme , " Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work ."

The first cohort of the Netflix ScreenCraft Pathways Programme, administered by Tshikululu Social Investments and delivered in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, are: Thobeka Nkosi, Lebohang Tsotetsi, Paballo Segalagala, Noluthando Tshazibane, Reotshepile Mohutsiwa, Tiny Mapodile, Ikageng Madia, Nontobeko Mbhele, Keletso Lesetla, Tyler-Vorne Arendse, Sipho Nuse, Bryoni Baxter, Didintle Ledwaba and Chloe Beukes .

Each trainee will receive a competitively remunerated 12-month placement in a below-the-line role of their choosing (spanning pre-production, production and post-production) embedded within Netflix's network of local production partners including Burnt Onion , Quizzical Pictures , The Refinery , Midnight VFX , Rechord Post , Mushroom Media and Gambit Films . They will be mentored by working professionals on active productions, giving them on-set, in-suite experience along with entry to specialized workshops led by Netflix, focusing on skills development and technical production and career advancement and networking platforms designed to foster sustainable professional growth and industry connections.

The programme's renewal signals the three film industry collaborators' joint commitment to building and strengthening South Africa's production pipeline, not just by telling local stories, but by investing in the people who will tell them for decades to come.

Pelin Mavili, Netflix Director of Global Affairs for Middle East, Turkey and Africa : " 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. "

Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission: " ScreenCraft Pathways is more than a training programme; it is an investment in the future of South Africa's film and television industry. By giving young creatives access to real productions, experienced mentors and practical workplace experience, we are helping to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. The Gauteng Film Commission is proud to partner on an initiative that not only equips young people with critical industry skills, but also strengthens the talent pipeline needed to grow a competitive and sustainable screen sector ."

Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority: " South Africa's film industry cannot grow sustainably unless we deliberately invest in the people who will power its future. ScreenCraft Pathways is a practical response to one of the sector's greatest challenges - creating credible pathways from learning into employment. By placing young creatives inside leading production and post-production companies, this programme provides the experience, mentorship and professional networks that are often the difference between talent being discovered and talent being lost. Our partnership with Netflix and the Gauteng Film Commission demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and public institutions work together to develop the next generation of film professionals. Beyond supporting individual careers, initiatives such as this strengthen the broader screen sector, enhance South Africa's competitiveness as a production destination, and contribute to job creation in one of the country's most promising creative industries."

At the event, Emma Openshaw, Senior Research Analyst at global screen sector consultancy Olsberg SPI and former producer, in discussion with Liezel Wilson, a media and comms specialist and broadcaster for the SABC, unpacked the opportunities for youth employment across the sector, drawing from evidence-based finding and best practices from screen sectors across the globe. " A strong workforce is a cornerstone of building a thriving and sustainable screen sector, and an important part of that is fostering young talent so that they are well equipped to begin their screen careers," said Openshaw during her discussion.

The conversation highlighted how regulatory frameworks and targeted initiatives can enhance skills development, career mobility, and South Africa's global competitiveness as a production destination. The event also featured remarks from Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile who said: " The creative industries have enormous potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and unlock opportunities for young people. Programmes such as ScreenCraft Pathways demonstrate what is possible when government and industry work together with a shared purpose. By opening doors to meaningful workplace experience and skills development, we are empowering the next generation of storytellers and contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic creative economy ."

The call for applications for the next round of ScreenCraft Pathways trainees will be made in due course.