by Thinus Ferreira
Pastor Vincent Blennies who has no experience in South Africa's film and TV industry, has been appointed as the new CEO of South Africa's troubled National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) after its former CEO, Thobela Mayinje, abruptly quit amidst an investigation into numerous allegations.
Besides Blennies' new NFVF head exec role, Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture also appointed Vince Blennies as a member of Boxing South Africa's board in November 2024.
Vince Blennies is now the new CEO of the struggling NFVF.
The agency, funded by department of sport, arts and culture, is supposed to provide funding and help the local film biz in the development, production, marketing and distribution of local content.
South African filmmakers continue to complain that they're not adequately supported by the NFVF which they say claim are wasting money and squandering opportunities through years of mismanagement.
The previous NFVF CEO Thobela Mayinje who was acting in the position for over a year and a half, was placed on "administrative leave" in July 2024 for an "investigation for numerous allegations". The NFVF refused to disclose the nature of these "numerous allegations".
Gayton McKenzie also disbanded the NFVF Council last year which was replaced with new board members.
Asked what happened to Thobela Mayinje, Lerato Mokopanele, NFVF spokesperson, told me that Mayinje "has formally resigned from her position at the NFVF" at the end of 2024.
According to the NFVF, the investigation into the "numerous allegations" against Mayinje therefore "could not be concluded due to Mayinje's resignation".
The NFVF advertised the NFVF CEO position on 20 January 2025 and Vincent Blennies is now the new NFVF CEO since 14 April.
With South Africa's film and TV industry in a dire state, Vince Blennies brings no discernible knowledge or experience about this industry to the NFVF CEO position.
He previously worked at Absa, African Bank, Nedcor, Cell C and Netcare and is also a pastor and described as "a well-known preacher of the word of God", running Jabula Destiny Ministries International in Pretoria.
According to the NFVF, Vince Blennies "brings over 25 years of C-suite leadership experience in the healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services sectors" to the agency.
"He has a proven track record in strategic planning, governance, organisational development, and stakeholder engagement, underpinned by a masters in technology and innovation. His experience also includes serving in public sector and regulatory environments, bringing a strong understanding of governance frameworks, institutional oversight, and stakeholder accountability."
The NFVF says "His appointment ushers in a renewed era of stability and strategic direction".
"We are confident that his leadership will bring the operational focus, governance, and people-centred culture needed to strengthen the NFVF and elevate its impact."
Saudah Hamid, NFVF board chairperson, in a prepared statement notes that "Blennie's extensive executive management experience, with a strong background in organisational leadership, governance, and strategic transformation, managing innovation and transformation in complex sectors, will support the NFVF's efforts to strengthen its impact in an evolving creative industry landscape".
"His ability to foster effective stakeholder engagement will be pivotal in ensuring alignment with key partners, industry players, and governmental bodies, driving the NFVF's mission of sustainability and inclusive growth within the South African film industry."
