South Africa’s Blue Rapid hires Kwese alum to lead scripted at BBCS-owned prodco

Mmabatho Kau

BBC Studios (BBCS)-owned Come Dine With Me South Africa producer Rapid Blue has named Mmabatho Kau to a newly created role overseeing scripted content.

Kau will look to tap into the emerging opportunities from regional broadcasters and international streamers, the latter of which in particular are becoming increasingly focused on commissioning content from the region.

She has worked for production companies and broadcasters during her 20-year career, with credits on educational drama Soul City 12 for South Africa’s SABC and Beyond The River.

She also woirked for pan-African broadcaster Kwese and worked as a consultant on Sundance Film Festival-award winner This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection.

The hire marks a shift for Blue Rapid, which has to date largely focused on unscripted content, such as local versions of Family Feud, Celebrity Game Night and The Bachelorette. It is also behind BBC Lifestyle show Homegrown Tastes South Africa, which debuts next year.

Ziyanda Ngcaba, MD at Rapid Blue, said: “Following more than 30 years of producing award-winning unscripted content for African audiences, Mmabatho is an important hire to fulfil our ambition for growth in scripted.

“Rapid Blue has already seen success in scripted production, having produced two seasons of Is’thunzi for Mzansi Magic, with Thuso Mbedu, who received two iEmmy nominations for Best Actress. I am confident that with Mmabatho’s varied experiences and ability to craft and produce African stories that resonate globally, she will carve a new path for Rapid Blue.”

Kau added that she would “develop the scripted slate and unlock opportunities to bring compelling stories and unforgettable characters to audiences in South Africa and around the world.”