Multi-award-winning media powerhouse Relebogile Mabotja has been appointed executive producer for the 18th edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).
This marks a monumental achievement in Mabotja’s career, which has been years in the making.
Her company, Black Swan Media, is set to bring its innovative approach to the SAFTAs stage, creating an unforgettable celebration of South Africa's film and television talent.
Mabotja, who has spent two decades pushing boundaries in the media and entertainment space, has long sought the opportunity to produce the SAFTAs. The broadcaster and media entrepreneur has been pitching to work on the prestigious industry awards since 2013, and finally, 11 years later, the stars have aligned.
“My journey in production is 20 years along and it is true what they say that overnight success is ten years. My 10,000 hours have been well put in and I've even reached a point in my career as a producer and executive producer where I've done multiple genres but am specialising in live entertainment,” she said.
Mabotja produces content across genres but specialises in live entertainment shows, something she is passionate about and credits her success to the team of people who bring her visions to life.
“It keeps me on my creative toes and I have to say while I have the fancy title and carry a certain level of responsibility, I have behind me a village of people that bring this thing together.
“Everything is well thought out from your art department, to your lighting designer, to your set designer to what we brief our makeup artist and wardrobe. What our choreographer puts together, what the music team does. It is important for people to know and understand any success I can never claim alone.
“I might have a vision but I can never execute it without the help of every single person, including the interns who are just there to support me. It’s a full team effort of nameless and faceless people that brings us to this point in our journey,” she said.
This milestone comes on the back of Mabotja’s impressive track record, including her role as Executive Producer for Miss South Africa 2022 and Miss South Africa 2024, productions that have both been highly acclaimed.
Her work on the Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale earned her a coveted South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Entertainment Programme.
“I feel like I’ve reached the point where I feel like I have mastered Miss South Africa, so it’s exciting to go on and produce the SAFTAs, where I’ve won a SAFTA. Now I get to see what goes into making it and it really is a lot more pressure cause you are creating an award show for the industry and your people.
“You want to create a show you would want to attend and receive a show at. It’s an ongoing journey, I’m continuously learning and hope that all of the accolades are experienced by those attending and watching the show.”
The SAFTA’s Craft show will be streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube page and across social media platforms on October 25.
The main awards show will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and S3 on October 26, where the cream of the crop will be honoured.
IOL Entertainment