Ziyanda Ngcaba to Lead Rapid Blue

Rapid Blue has tapped Ziyanda Ngcaba to take over as CEO on April 1, replacing Duncan Irvine, who is stepping down after 30 years.

Ngcaba originally joined the company in 2020 as an executive producer and stepped up as managing director in April 2021. She has more than 20 years of experience in the TV industry through her previous roles at Media Investments and SABC.

During Ngcaba’s time as managing director, Rapid Blue has produced a slew of content, including a seventh season of Come Dine With Me South Africa, the new ten-part original series Homegrown Tastes South Africa for BBC Lifestyle, a third season of Celebrity Game Night for E! and a second season of Family Feud SA, hosted by Steve Harvey, for eTV. This year, Rapid Blue has facilitated the Nigeria shoots for Warner Bros.’ Bob Hearts Abishola and produced the second season of Africa’s Business Heroes.

Through her previous roles, Ngcaba has experience driving shows in the scripted space, including Rhythm City, Scandal and Imbewu.

“I am hugely honored to take the helm and steer this ship,” said Ngcaba. “I look forward to carrying ahead Duncan and Kee-Leen’s values, creative ambition and passion for quality entertainment. With the company producing a series of brilliant shows, we are eager to continue to grow Rapid Blue productions, and I am confident in the future. We have a strong creative team, with a combined experience of over 100 years in the industry, who are vital in the future success of the company. We will continue to create brilliant projects which I can’t wait for audiences in South Africa and around the world to see.”

Irvine, who is also a co-founder of Rapid Blue, said, “I am thrilled that Ziyanda will be heading up Rapid Blue. With her wealth of expertise in the business of television, drive and creativity, I know we will see the company thrive. After almost 30 years leading Rapid Blue, I’m immensely proud of the team that we have built, and I have no doubt that the future will be bright. I am grateful to be able to continue to offer my support in new ways by developing fresh content solutions through alternative funding models. Ziyanda has stepped into the managing director role seamlessly over the last year. I am confident that our vision will be carried forward under her leadership with the support of the best team in the industry.”