Ngcaba to take helm at Rapid Blue

BBC Studios-backed South African prodco Rapid Blue has appointed Ziyanda Ngcaba as its new CEO as Duncan Irvine prepares to step down from the role after almost 30 years.

Ngcaba will take the helm at Rapid Blue from April 1, having joined the company in 2020 as executive producer and business director. She was made MD last year after the departure of Kee-Leen Irvine, who co-founded the company with Duncan Irvine in 1993.

Rapid Blue’s slate includes local versions of Come Dine with Me, Celebrity Game Night and Family Feud, plus the 10-part original series Homegrown Tastes South Africa.

The past year has also seen Rapid Blue facilitate Nigeria shoots for Warner Bros’ Bob Hearts Abishola, which has been renewed for a fourth season by CBS in the US, and produce the second season of Africa’s Business Heroes, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic programme in Africa to support entrepreneurs.

The company also appointed Mmabatho Kau as head of scripted towards the end of last year.

Ngcaba has over 20 years’ experience in the television industry and has held previous roles at eMedia Investments and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, working on scripted shows such as Rhythm City, Scandal and Imbewu.

Irvine said he is moving on to set up a new venture that will provide expertise and services to brands, broadcasters and production companies in the areas of content development, packaging and funding solutions.

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