MultiChoice has announced the appointment of Nkateko Mabaso as the CEO of M-Net in Sub-Saharan Africa with immediate effect.

He succeeds Yolisa Phahle who has stepped into the role of CEO of General Entertainment for the Video Entertainment segment.

Speaking on Mr Mabaso’s appointment, the outgoing CEO said, “Nkateko has been appointed in recognition of his continued commitment and contribution to local programming that audiences love and watch in increasing numbers year on year.

“He is passionate about our continent’s film and television industry and I wish him every success.”

Over the last seven months in his position as Acting CEO of M-Net, Mr Mabaso has been instrumental in driving and executing many successful content strategies, including increased investment in local content and co-production initiatives.

Under his leadership, M-Net’s local channels across the continent which include Africa Magic channels, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, 1Magic and others local channels have produced highly talked-about local content. 

The channels have also achieved consistent growth in audience and advertising revenue.

“I am incredibly excited to assume this new role and for the future of the company. I will continue to focus my efforts on local content creation to meet the growing audience demand for homegrown programming,” Mr Mabaso said of his new role.

Biography 

Mabaso joined M-Net in 2010 as Marketing Manager and went on to oversee the positioning and launch of Mzansi Magic and other mass market channels.

He was promoted to GM of M-Net’s Local Entertainment channels in 2013 and was later appointed as group GM for M-Net South Africa in 2016.  

With a degree in Marketing Communications, Nkateko started his career in the advertising industry, working on various top SA brands for well-renowned advertising agencies.

He’s been named as one of the Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the media category and one of the Top 40 under 40 by South Africa’s Destiny magazine.

Mabaso has completed M-Net’s Media Leaders at Work programme and Naspers’ Leadership Accelerator in Amsterdam.