by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net is combining two of its three South African TV channel groupings, with the M-Net channels and Afrikaans kykNET channels getting consolidated under a new so-called "premium channels" division under oversight of Waldimar Pelser, coming as the director for M-Net channels, Jan du Plessis, is retiring at the end of March after 28 years at the Randburg-based company.
Waldimar Pelser, one year in the seat since February 2022 as new M-Net director for kykNET channels, will now oversee both his existing portfolio, as well as the M-Net channels which have been under Jan du Plessis purview. Shirley Adonisi remains as M-Net director of local entertainment channels.
Waldimar Pelser's title will change to director of premium channels as the two sets of management teams are getting combined.
"The
new leadership structure supports our vision to give the best premium offering
to our subscribers on the M-Net channels," says Georginah Machiridza, the MultiChoice Group's executive head of general entertainment channels, in a statement announcing the management change and consolidation.
"We have seen a complimentary nature
in viewership for the kykNET and M-Net channels, and this new structure offers
us the opportunity to better curate and promote our strong bouquet of
channels."
"It is with great admiration and heartfelt respect that we bid farewell to Jan du
Plessis while we welcome and support Waldimar in his new role. Since his
appointment as director of kykNET channels, his collaborative management
approach has showcased a strong drive to take our premium proposition into the
future."
"Jan is someone whose guidance and perspective many of us have had the pleasure of experiencing over the years."
"I have deep admiration and respect for him, and he has achieved much more than we could fit into a few words. His passion for local productions has played a key role in game-changing strategic decisions he has taken during his tenure."
"We wish Waldimar the best in his new role, and we will support him as he embarks on this new journey. We look forward to his direction at M-Net."
As a highly respected and extremely knowledgeable veteran executive who is also widely liked across the TV and film industry, Jan du Plessis joined M-Net in 1994 where he grew and evolved the M-Net brand and channels in various capacities over the past 28 years.
This
included the launch of the kykNET channels as director in 1999. He was also
part of the teams that secured the rights to produced localised versions of international formats, leading to shows like Big Brother and Idols in South Africa.
Jan du Plessis was appointed director
of M-Net channels in 2016, where he was responsible for channels including
M-Net, M-Net City and the various M-Net Movies offerings.
"This has been an incredible and
unforgettable ride," Jan du Plessis says in the statement. "As someone deeply passionate about film and television,
being part of the M-Net family has allowed me to work closely with many film
and television makers over the years – a dream career for a film lover such as
myself."
"I am grateful for everything I
have been part of. When I started at M-Net in 1994, it was to secure and expose
our local viewers to the best international content and titles."
"As my roles
changed, we at M-Net were able to hone and develop the local industry leading
to our bold co-productions where we are exposing the international market to
our world-class local talent and stories. I couldn't have asked for anything
better than working on one of the best local brands in South Africa, M-Net."
