Benjamin Pius is a distinguished visionary in the media and technology space, helping to create, incubate and lead companies and organisations – especially in the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) space – to growth and profitability.
With a career spanning over two decades at the C-level, Benjamin has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, specialising in business and organisational transformations, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional financial performances.

As Broadcast Media Africa’s founder, CEO, and Publisher, Benjamin has established a pan-continental networking platform, bringing together media and tech professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Simultaneously, he serves as the chief executive officer for BSP Media Group, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in the industry.

Benjamin is deeply engaged in incubating and bringing to market “MOOA,” a revolutionary media-tech platform designed to discover and exchange audio-visual assets. This project reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and his dedication to shaping the future of the media and technology landscape.
As he continues to lead and inspire, Benjamin Pius stands as a driving force in the evolution of the TMT industry – especially within the Africa ecosystem – leaving an indelible legacy of success and forward-thinking.

Mr Bérard joined the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) in August 2017 as its Chief Executive Officer. Bérard has since played a leading role in the transformation of the SBC from being a State Broadcaster to an independent Public Broadcaster.

As a Chartered Engineer with several years of experience in the Broadcasting field, Bérard has also been instrumental in achieving several milestones in the modernisation of the SBC’s outward-facing services. Achievements include the launching of the DTT service, attaining an impressive following on online platforms and the launching of the engagement Apps for the two SBC radio stations. The SBC is gearing to launch its OTT service in September 2023, as it continues its digital convergence adventure.

In his previous roles, Bérard managed high frequency (HF) radio transmitting stations for the BBC. He is a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK) and a member of the Chartered Management Institute (UK).

A Software Engineer by profession, he has been part of Corporate South Africa for over 20 years and accumulated a wealth of experience in various sectors of the economy such as Investment Banking, Travel and Tourism, Retail Banking, Insurance, Central Banking, and Manufacturing. He has been an IT Executive for the last 10 years. He was previously Chief Information Officer of the SA Mint Company and Head of Information Management for Liberty.

Mr. Binza holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA), an MBA from the University of Pretoria and another Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town. He is currently busy with his PhD in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town.

Dr Noxolo Kubheka-Dlamini Senior Executive with demonstrable experience across multiple industries. Her experience spans across different ICT disciplines, as a multi-disciplinary specialist, her experience ranges from assisting business executives in the articulation and execution of digital business strategy in line with strategic business priorities and corporate strategy to the implementation of innovative and digital solution with impact. Noxolo holds a PhD Information Systems, Masters Information & Knowledge Management, BCom Information Systems and Executive Leadership Development.

Passionate about storytelling and filmmaking, Cédric Pierre-Louis has had eyes only for Africa since obtaining his master’s degree in international management. He successfully launched and run several linear TV channels in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Rwanda. In Nigeria, Cedric was appointed Vice President of Linear TV at Iroko, formerly dubbed the Netflix of Africa, where he created an entirely new business unit aimed at developing television channels broadcast in Africa and beyond.

Cedric has gained extensive experience in the audiovisual industry, collaborated with various industry players, and contributed to various projects, publications, and initiatives such as the digital television migration process in Rwanda. He has also contributed as a writer / producer to various local TV shows. He is now Director of Programming of the African Fiction Channels at Canal+ International, where he has been supervising a portfolio of 6 TV channels since 2019.

With over 15 years of professional experience in middle management and executive roles, I have acquired a diverse skill set encompassing statistics, strategic planning, financial management, new business development, and research. My expertise spans across the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, where I have successfully contributed to various initiatives and projects.

As the Senior Director of Business Development & Global Strategic Accounts at Harmonic, Alexandre leads a dynamic, cross-regional team focused on driving new qualified opportunities, managing strategic accounts and global strategic alliances. Alexandre and his team play a pivotal role in promoting Harmonic’s innovative SaaS offerings across EMEA and APAC and nurturing worldwide strategic partnerships.

With over a decade of experience in the video industry, Alexandre brings a wealth of expertise in systems engineering, program management, customer success, and business development. Prior to his current role at Harmonic, he held various key positions at Harmonic and Thomson Video Networks, contributing significantly to the companies’ growth and success.

Alexandre holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from ISEN France and a Master of Business Administration from FBS France. His extensive background and leadership skills make him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the industry.

With Bachelors Degree in information Technology, 17 years experience in sales and development. Anil is responsible for world wide sales and business development and operates out of Kuala Lumpur. Before Workflow labs, Anil was head of sales for southeast Asia in his previous organisation.

An accomplished content management professional with over 20 years professional working experience. Key expertise focuses on promoting (and providing insight on) South Africa’s global reputation, representation, investment and trade of cultural and creative products and activities.

Served in various strategic as well as operational roles, but I have, moreover, run development initiatives and customised learning and training programmes involving disadvantaged or marginalised youth and communities.

With over 6 years in TV, I’ve handled various roles from shaping editorial strategies to negotiating deals, managing budgets, and distributing content to audiences. Working with content from the US, Europe, and Africa has taught me the ins and outs of different platforms and regional nuances.

Based in Dakar, Senegal, I am defining the editorial line and overseeing production for an OTT platform targeting African and Diaspora audiences. 

Chief Director- Broadcasting Policy, The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), South Africa: Mr Mashile is the head of Broadcasting Policy in South Africa. He has been pivotal in high-profile regulatory and legislative programmes, the South Africa National White Paper on Digital Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety, the SABC Bill and the Films and Publications Amendment Act, all of which seeks to modernise current regulations and laws for the digital Audiovisual Media Services and online safety.

Mr Mashile is also an active contributor, member and participant in the  African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) Regulatory Framework for the Communications Sector Task Force and Public Policy Discussions on South African National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy and Strategy.

Prior to joining the DCDT he was the Senior Manager for Regulatory Policy Development and Research at the ICASA.Besides the Master of Communications – Management Science from University of Strathclyde Business School – Glasgow, Scotland, he also has Post Graduate Diploma in Communications & Media Regulation from European University Institute’s Florence School of Regulation (FSR), San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) Florence – Italy, the Global Digital Regulation Training Certificate from ITU Course  with the support of CITC Saudi Arabia and Implementing Public Policy Executive Education for Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies from Harvard Kennedy School to mention a few.

Vernon Matzopoulos is head of broadcast at diversified South Africa media company, Arena Holdings. A journalist and TV news producer, he founded Africa’s first financial news channel, Business Day TV.

He subsequently launched The Home Channel (lifestyle) and Ignition TV (motoring) on the DStv platform. The channels feature a strong local content line-up, driven by a production team of around 60 people, as well as popular international shows.

Arena also co-produces the long-running weekly Pan African lifestyle show Afrimaxx (with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle). Creative teams working across 15 countries showcase the best of art, fashion, design, food and style for African and international audiences.Arena is currently finalising its FAST channel offering, set to launch in the next few months.

With over 19 years of dedicated experience in the dynamic world of broadcast media in South Africa and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, I have cultivated a proven track record as a Channel Executive. My career has been marked by crafting and executing innovative strategies, overseeing content management and programming, and fostering meaningful industry relationships.

Christine Camerer has extensive experience in leadership and business development within the entertainment and consulting sectors. Currently serving as the Country Manager for Africa at The Walt Disney Company since January 2002, Christine has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence on the continent. Prior to this, Christine served as Vice President of Business Development and Ventures at The Walt Disney Company EMEA from May 1998 to January 2002.

Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri is the CEO and founder of the Known Associates Group of Companies, which include a below the line agency; a design studio; a film production development and finance company; and a state- of-the-Art Film & Television Studio in Gauteng which is under development at the Cradle of Humankind. She is a University of Cape Town Alumni, with 20 years’ experience in Communications, Events, Media & Marketing, TV and Film Producing.

Her career spans from working in international events including the North Sea Jazz Festival and Sithengi Film Festival.

In 2014, she formed Known Associates Pty Ltd (KA) which is a below the line agency that has its own dedicated creative design studio. In 2018 Tshepiso founded Known Associates Entertainment with Dan Jawitz. She has recently reacquired 100% of KAE and has also purchased 100% of Moonlighting Films PTY Ltd, a leading television and film servicing company in South Africa. KAE has produced, ‘uBettina Wethu’ a multi season series based on the Columbian smash hit telenovela YO SOY BETTY LA FEY (adapted as ‘Ugly Betty’ in the US).

Tshepiso was the South African Production Executive on Universal Studios’ feature film production Beast, which was filmed in South Africa Starring Idris Elba, South African actor Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries and the Sony Pictures epic feature film The Woman King starring Oscar Award-winning Viola Davis and South Africa’s very own Thuso Mbedu. She has also produced ETV’s first EVOD feature film Atlantis (2021), John Barker’s The Umbrella Man which had its successful premier at the Toronto International Film Festival, (TIFF, 2022) and Fabian Medea’s directorial début feature film Wild Is The Wind which premièred on Netflix.

Tshepiso sits on the board of Media Heads 360 and is a shareholder in the business. She is a trustee of The Smile Artist Foundation and chairperson of the Independent Producers’ Organisation (IPO). Tshepiso is the Managing Trustee of the Gerald Sekoto Trust. She is also on the board of the Cradle Nature Reserve, which controls over 10 000 hectares of land in the Cradle Precinct in Mogale City.

FOUNDING PARTNER – MANAGING DIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Leanne Kumalo, Managing Director of Seriti Films, leads the company’s strategic and business operations. Leanne come with 15 years of experience in managing creative talent and productions, as an Executive Producer.

Kumalo completed both her degrees, BA honours, AFDA (2004), as well as PDBA, GIBS (2009), Cum Laude, and while at GIBS, Leanne was awarded with the highest achievement in Marketing, and has continued to use both her business acumen and passion for entertainment to add value to various aspects of the industry.

I am a specialist in the entertainment sales, acquisitions, and production business. From studio content (Warner, Fox, Disney, Paramount) to independent films (New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, Lakeshore) and special interest (BBC, National Geographic) to content from local African broadcasters (M-Net, KykNet) I built up extensive experience, working from the ground up, in DVD sales and content acquisitions before expanding into all-rights distribution, production, and direct to public VOD channels.

With an understanding of content and related risks, I built an independent all-rights entertainment business. Solely owned and funded, African Entertainment Distributors (AED) has since 2014 acquired and distributed over 300 shows across the African continent.

Bradley Joshua is Gambit’s CEO and Executive Producer. With a focus on Business development and growth through content, Bradley is the force behind the exponential growth of Gambit Films. Bradley drives the Vision, Mission and Strategy in order to continuously grow Gambit Films in the ever-changing marketplace. Through his leadership, clear guidelines are set for business success.

Maggie has over 16 years of experience working in the travel/tourism industry Africa ; Her career in the industry saw her travel to some of the most sought-after destinations in Africa and fuelled the next chapter of her life: sharing Africa with the world through Africa’s first international broadcast and OTT streaming TV channel. Travel Africa Network’s tech division incorporates Virtual-Reality and Augmented Reality technologies that provide unique interactive experiences that promote consumer engagement. 

Based in Cape Town Maggie established the Voyage Studios, a motion picture film studio facility that produces travel and food films. Equipped with an indoor and outdoor premium culinary film studios, video editing, sound, and motion studio facilities, the Voyage Studio works with various brands to create travel and food stories that educate and inspire people to explore Destination Africa. As a travel and lifestyle content agency with complete creative strategy, her company creates premium, fun-to-consume travel and food video content for social, digital, in-flight, and TV audiences. 

I have spent over 22 years in the Technology and Telecoms space. Driven by technology and innovation I have dedicated these years to building diverse, high-performing teams with a keen focus on creating a strong company culture. Before starting Melon Mobile I spent 5 years at MTN as part of the Exec Team which involved building one of MTNs first sub-brands, Supersonic – taking it to number 1 ISP in its first year of relaunch.  

I am a firm believer in South Africa, its people and its immense potential. My latest start-up, Melon Mobile – South Africa’s first fully digital MVNO is set to disrupt the mobile industry by putting the consumer at the heart of it all, offering a new level of control, flexibility, and value. 

Vuyokazi is an award-winning Media Executive with a passion for human transformation. She began her career as a receptionist and eventually became CEO. Matu is an entrepreneur, nation builder, keynote speaker, and producer/presenter who maximises productivity and empowers others to achieve greatness.

I am the Co-Founder and President of Wi-flix, Africa’s fasting growing OTT streaming and SVOD platform, with over three years of experience in this role. Wi-flix is a mobile-first service that offers authentic and original premium content for the African continent and the diaspora, with affordable and customized price points.

My core competencies include marketing communications, new business development, key account management, and VAS development and implementation. I have successfully partnered with leading telcos in West Africa, such as MTN, Vodafone, and Safaricom, to deliver data-free streaming solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and retention. I also have a strong background in mobile content solutions and digital marketing, having previously served as the VAS Manager and General Manager for 2C TV, a television application that allows users to watch movies, news, and sports on their devices.

My mission is to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and to serve the diverse and underserved audiences across Africa and beyond. I am passionate about creating and distributing high-quality and culturally relevant content that reflects the stories, values, and aspirations of African people. I invite you to visit wi-flix.com and experience the next generation of mobile TV.

An extraordinary presence in the music industry for over 30 years, Antos Stella is one of the most respected businesswomen to emerge from the industry. Her artist relations have been one of her major strengths, enabling her to successfully bridge the gap between the creative and business worlds.

Antos has been instrumental in some of the countries biggest international artist deals, an ambassador for the country internationally as well as a leading content aggregator focused specifically on the relationship between telecommunications and the digital distribution of local and international content. Antos and her team at CCA are expanding the distribution of content to include not only music but mobile television and video content too.

Working for Africa’s largest Digital Terrestrial Television company gives me the opportunity to connect Africa’s story while maintaining each region’s authenticity.

Cross Media communication specialist with a focus on ideation, channel positioning and
content strategy, Co- owner of the People’s Planet channel on Openview, Co- owner of the African Fan Network soon to be launched in Africa.

GoggleBoxSA – executive producer of the popular global format in South Africa 2010 FIFA world cup campaign for SABC, Consultant to EbonyLifeTV Channel launch, positioning and content strategy, Member of the United Senses group, based in Munich Germany, one of the most critically acclaimed global branding agencies. Recently completed the new look for the EUFA Europa League.

Co- Creator of the kid’s brand TUBE for SABC 2, Executive producer of the local series, Snake Season. Both seasons have been successfully licensed internationally, including to Apple TV in Germany Content strategy and channel positioning for the popular local channel , MOJA LOVE in South Africa.

Director of Broadcasting For Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) experience with Twenty two years combined experience in communications management and digital broadcasting, also has a passion for Identifying business models for effective broadcasting management and content monetization.

With over 30 years experience in the TV Production and Broadcast sectors, Craig is internationally recognized as an innovator and thought leader in the media space and is a sought after speaker and panelist at media industry events worldwide.

Having had a career spanning Directing and Producing in both developed and emerging markets before moving into Distribution and Broadcasting, his unique perspective has driven him to pioneer disruptive technical solutions and commercial models into the global media landscape as it reinvents itself to be fit for the digital age.

A prolific media entrepreneur, Craig has founded multiple media companies over the years including Porcupine Films, AfricaXP (Distributor and Multi-Channel Network Operator), PremiumFree TV (FTA Satellite and global OTT Operator), Swarm STUDIOS (Multinational Production Studio) and SwarmDMD – a leading international digital media distribution operation and media rights monetization platform.

Craig currently leads these businesses supported by a dynamic team of leading broadcast professionals located across the globe in countries including Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina, UK, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius and India.

Born and brought up in Kenya, a Film Distributor by profession qualified in Business Administration. Over 25 years experience in the Film Business as a Distributor, Cinema Retail Head and Content expert, Owner and Managing Director at Crimson Multimedia Ltd a film distribution company distributing wide to East & West Africa Cinemas and TV, VOD and related platforms officially for Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Fox Star Studios, Reliance Entertainment, Zee Films, AA Films, RSVP.
Co-founder at Motion Cinemas located in Kenya, Co-Founder, CEO & Content Expert at YAKWETU ONLINE trading as MyMovies.Africa

I have been in media research for 18 years and I am currently the Head of Sales Intelligence at SABC. In this capacity, I oversee market intelligence, media strategy, and business intelligence, contributing to the strategic direction of the broadcaster. Prior to joining SABC, I spent 9 years at Multichoice as a Senior Research Manager in the Audience Insights division. There, I focused on understanding viewership behaviour and trends across several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia to name a few. This role allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse media consumption patterns across most of the continent.

My career began at Nielsen, where I worked in the media research team. In this role, I facilitated the growth of Nielsen’s audience research capabilities, working closely with clients across broadcasting, media agencies, and advertisers. This early experience was instrumental in shaping my approach to media research.

Additionally, I have experience leading the Analytics and Insights team at a media agency. In this role, I focused on delivering strategic research and insights to help advertisers maximise their media investments.

I also serve as a board member at the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa, where I contribute to the development of industry currency standards and practices in media research.

My extensive background in audience insights and media research has been driven by a commitment to understanding and improving how media connects with audiences and my work continues to support broadcasters, media agencies, and advertisers in making informed decisions.

I hold a BCom Honours in Marketing Management and a Masters in Strategic Management from the University of Pretoria.

For 24 years, I have continually explored the Creative Business of Africa. Since moving to Eastern Africa, from Australia in 1998, my Team and I have Built one of best-known Entertainment Companies in Africa – PHAT! Music & Entertainment Limited, with interests in Media, Event Production, Licensing and Industry Building.

During 2016, The Business Daily and KPMG listed PHAT! at No.36 of the Top 100 Mid-Sized Businesses in Kenya – the first-ever Company in the Creative Industry to be Recognised with this prestigious Award.

In October 2014, I also Co-Founded what is now YAKWETU™ Online Limited. Meaning both “Of Us” and “For Us” in Kiswahili (the most popular African language). YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System – of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, YAKWETU™ is an online Distributor and Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa – through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators – unlike Pirated alternatives.

As a benchmark, think of Amazon’s suite of Digital Media, like Prime Video, Freevee, Amazon Music, Audible and Twitch – and that’s our Growth Plan for African Content, on The Motherland and to her Diaspora.

YAKWETU™ exists to Fairly Pay the Creatives of Africa, who Lose upto 99% Revenue to Piracy; and don’t have enough options Online to Earn a Living.

YAKWETU™ also exists for 475 million SmartPhone users in Africa, who Want to Consume their own Content via Pay-As-You-Go, like how they buy Airtime – NOT via Subscription.

As Co-Founder, Executive Producer, and Showrunner at GOAT Originals, I lead a team of multi-award-winning, global non-scripted content specialists with post-production facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dubai.

We proudly produce around 100 hours of content each year for all major networks, and we are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI tools to push the boundaries of what is creatively possible.

Michael (Mike) Aldridge is currently employed as the Broadcast Manager at Cape Town TV. The channel is a community TV station serving the greater Cape Town area and it is also broadcast throughout South Africa on DStv and FreeVision. Mike is one of the founders of Cape Town TV and has run key areas of the channel since it started broadcasting in 2008.

Here he manages several departments including Broadcasting, Programming, IT and Regulatory Affairs. He is currently involved in developing the channel’s online platform and evolving interactive digital broadcasting technologies. Mike has been involved in community television since the mid-1990s.

His research into this third tier of broadcasting helped to shape South Africa’s policy in this area through innovative economic modeling which led to the current funding model for community TV. Academically, Mike holds Honours and Masters degrees in Cultural and Media Studies as well as a BA, all from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. He is a tech innovator and headed a team that won the Sentech Innovation Prize for his invention of a smart set-top box for digital television reception.