Rapid Blue has promoted Ziyanda Mngomezulu who will become Rapid Blue's new managing director from 2021, replacing the legendary TV executive Kee-Leen Irvine and Rapid Blue co-founder in the position who is stepping down after as managing director after almost 30 years.
Ziyanda Mngomezulu is currently executive producer and business director at the production powerhouse. In her new position, Ziyanda Mngomezulu will be reporting into Duncan Irvine, Rapid Blue CEO.
Ziyanda Mngomezulu joined Rapid Blue in May 2020 and previously held roles at eMedia Investments as group content services general manager and at the SABC as a programme manager where she worked on bringing shows like SA's Got Talent on e.tv and Strictly Come Dancing SA on SABC2 to viewers.
"I am hugely excited to take on the role of Rapid Blue managing director of such a formidable and highly respected production company both here in Africa and internationally," says Ziyanda Mngomezulu.
"I hold great respect for Duncan and Kee-Leen from working closely with them both over the years, as we share the same ethos, values and creative ambition. I am drawn to their professionalism and ability to produce world-class television."
"Kee-Leen will leave some big boots to
fill after such an admirable career leading a strong and talented team. I look
forward to carrying forwards the energy she’s been instrumental in instilling,
that of respect for people first."
"Building on this legacy, I am ready to
continue to grow Rapid Blue’s range of productions and to help entertain even
more viewers here and abroad in the years to come."
Kee-Leen Irvine, former managing director and co-founder of Rapid Blue said, "I am delighted we have got someone
of Ziyanda’s calibre to pass the baton on to".
"With her expertise and creative
vision, I know she will be a huge success and I am excited to see her thrive at
the helm. After over 30 years in the television industry and 28 years leading
Rapid Blue, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved."
"The team, to me, are
the best people in entertainment television in Mzansi. As much as I’m stepping
down on a high note, I’m going to miss my colleagues immensely because of the
bond that exists between all of us and the passion and excellence they bring to
everything they do."
"It has been a pleasure and privilege to work alongside them
and be able to make great shows, from nine exhilarating seasons of Dancing With The Stars, eight seasons of
the captivating SA’s Got Talent, six
seasons of the hilarious Come Dine With
Me South Africa to matchmaking on the likes of The Bachelor SA and First Dates
South Africa amongst many other hits."
Alongside the appointment of Ziyanda Mngomezulu, Rapid Blue has confirmed additional promotions to establish a new
leadership team for the company.
Kim Thwaites, currently head of production, has been promoted to head of television, taking over from Ed Worster, who after a successful 40-year
career is emigrating from South Africa.
Tsubi Mapiyeye, currently line producer
has been promoted to supervising producer and Adi de Lancey, recently joined as
a senior executive producer.
Rapid Blue starts 2021 with a collection of upcoming shows including The
Bachelorette SA and Love Island SA
for M-Net and new Come Dine With Me South
Africa for BBC Lifestyle.
Duncan Irvine, Rapid Blue CEO, said,
“I am hugely excited to have Ziyanda step into the role of managing director
and lead Rapid Blue into what is already shaping up to be a busy and promising
year for the company".
"Ziyanda has been a fantastic addition to the team so far.
Her wealth of experience and eye for what makes a good production is hugely
encouraging for what’s to come. When myself and Kee-Leen formed Rapid Blue 28
years’ ago, we could only have dreamed of what has been achieved together."
"I am
hugely proud of what we all as a team have built and created for audiences
around the world so far and am confident that our vision will be carried
forward in an exciting direction with Ziyanda."
