FAME Week Africa 2026

Karen Jeynes is a writer and director known for her work on "The Morning After" and "Recipes for Love and Murder." At Both Worlds, she developed "Point of Order," "Comedy Central News," and "Africa and I," and was head writer for "ZANews: Puppet Nation." She is currently pursuing a PhD on autistic representation in South African TV at the University of Pretoria.

Simon Manda is the Managing Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper, a South African disability awareness multimedia platform. He has experience as Brand Manager for Ladysmith Black Mambazo and began his journey into disability arts in 2011. Simon's partnerships include Media24 and SAFOD, empowering youth with disabilities through journalism and media training across Southern Africa. He received the "Personality of the Year" award from "Casual Day" in 2015.

Luyanda Mazibuko is the Creative Production Manager at Special Effects Media South Africa, where she brings ideas to life through bold, forward-thinking digital storytelling. With a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance and an Honours degree in Film Production, Luyanda has built a career rooted in the art of connecting brands with audiences in real, resonant ways. Her passion for short-form content began during university, shooting and editing videos for a YouTube channel she co-founded with a roommate. This hands-on start shaped a belief that drives her work today: brands should meet South African audiences where they are, deliver authentic stories, and create content that adds genuine value. As a lover of all forms of art and creativity, Luyanda hopes to create work that is impactful; not only in the digital content industry but in the lives of others.

Aleksandra Surogina is a visionary creative leader whose career spans film production and digital content strategy. With a foundation in producing and screenwriting, she began her journey as a production manager and creative producer, collaborating with directors, writers, and studios to bring compelling stories to life. Transitioning into the digital realm, Aleks has produced impactful content for brands, creators, and platforms across South Africa, consistently blending storytelling with strategy. She currently serves as Head of Operations & Content at Special Effects Media, a top-tier digital agency known for its expertise in content, creators, and digital innovation. Aleks is a former winner of the Ster-Kinekor Vision Mission Campaign Award, and her work has screened in cinemas nationwide, showcasing her belief in the power of visual storytelling to inspire and connect audiences. With a creative edge and operational insight, Aleks continues to shape the future of content across multiple platforms.

Jacqueline Rainers Setai is the Head of Production at Kwa-Zulu Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZN TAFA), managing the province’s extensive Film Fund and film commission. With extensive experience in public and commercial broadcasting, she is pursuing a Master’s in Fine Art in Screenwriting at New York Film Academy. Jacqueline also holds degrees from Rhodes University and University of Johannesburg and is a member of various film and writing organizations. She is a scriptwriter, writer, and lecturer.

Ms. Zamabuya Msibi, a 38-year-old from Durban, KZN, discovered her passion for training and development while residing in the United Kingdom, where she began her career in 2006. She joined the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission in 2014 as a Receptionist Temp and advanced to Acting Industry Skills Development Manager. After nine years, she now serves as the Acting Industry Development Manager for the KZN Tourism and Film Authority. Ms. Msibi holds a Master of Business Administration (2022), a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, and a BA in Social Sciences in Criminology.

With an MA in design focused on sustainable fashion, Jessica explored South African consumers' decisions in garment lifecycle phases. Jessica lectures on sustainable fashion in incubator programs and moderates style-sustainability conversations. Former fashion editor of True Love, her styling portfolio includes editorial, celebrity, and commercial work for Forbes Africa and Women’s Health. In 2021, Jessica launched Fouura, aiming to reshape consumer mindsets towards conscious living beyond fashion.

Sphesihle Dlamini is a Location and Facilities Specialist at the KZN Film Commission, known for facilitating major productions like Uzalo, Imbewu, and The Queen. She organizes Familiarisation Tours showcasing KZN's locations to international filmmakers and ensures smooth production processes. Dedicated to promoting KZN, Sphesihle assists filmmakers in accessing permits, experienced crew, and discounted services, highlighting the province's unique offerings.

Danayi Madondo, a Zimbabwean fashion designer and textile artist from Harare, creates immersive, culturally rich designs. Her work blends global and local traditional crafts through intuitive processes, producing textured textiles with minimal waste. Danayi's multidisciplinary approach archives and evolves cultural design traditions, expanding cultural discourse through her experimental, sensory-focused designs.

Mlungisi Mhlanga directed the short film A Better Way to Die, which premiered on BET in October 2021, and recently completed Lottery Love, a made-for-TV romcom set for release in 2024. With a decade of experience in corporate video production, he possesses skills in videography, editing, and audio. Mhlanga is also an emerging writer, earning a Best Sitcom Spec Script Award from the Muse Awards.

Established in 2015, Alia Bare’s eponymous label from Dakar, Senegal, celebrates womanhood and the female form. Known for meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials, Bare creates garments that blend comfort with the stylish essence of African luxury, making her designs both accessible and acclaimed for their attention to detail.

Safiyya Karim is an intersectional justice activist focused on transforming the South African fashion industry to be more ethical and circular. As Co-Country Coordinator of Fashion Revolution South Africa, she prioritizes people and the planet over profit. With degrees in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Economics Honours, she’s now pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

Zubeida Zwavel is the executive director of the Centre for African Resource Efficiency and Sustainability (CARES) in South Africa. With an MBA from the University of Twente and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from CPUT, she has 23 years of experience in sustainable business. Zwavel has spearheaded projects for UNEP and UNIDO, focusing on sustainability and circular economy in the textile industry.

Founded in 2014 by Abiah Mahlase and Bradley Muttitt, this Johannesburg-based unisex brand is celebrated for its bold, contemporary designs. Their work blends traditional methods with innovative techniques, embodying African heritage and culture.

Founded in 2014 by Abiah Mahlase and Bradley Muttitt, this Johannesburg-based unisex brand is celebrated for its bold, contemporary designs. Their work blends traditional methods with innovative techniques, embodying African heritage and culture.

Ashish Gangapersad is a seasoned South African actor and producer, best known for his acclaimed portrayal of Prada Naicker on the SABC3 soap Isidingo (2009–2014). His screen career spans both television and film, with credits that include The Siege of Jadotville. Expanding into producing, Gangapersad helmed the award-winning feature A Queen’s Lobola (2023), an “agricultural heist” film that swept the South African awards circuit with 17 nominations and 10 wins, including Best Feature Film. With a career that bridges compelling performances and impactful producing, Gangapersad continues to be a dynamic force in South African entertainment, bringing depth and drive to his role as Dillon in Run it Up.