INTERVIEW. Content Creator Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr. on 'Bzzzz'-ing as Masked Singer SA's Mosquito: 'Everything Robot Boii Does Has to be at The Top'

by Thinus Ferreira

Mosquito was unmasked on Saturday night in the finale of The Masked Singer SA's on SABC2 as Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr., who became season 3's runner-up, but as the most-dedicated contestant by far and on why he went the extra mile, he says "Everything Robot Boii does has to be at the top and has to have a Robot Boii stamp".

For 13 weeks, with a lot of "bzzzz"-ing about on stage and showcasing his talent to great acclaim and popularity among the in-show voting audience and viewers at home, Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr. came this close to clinching the title as The Masked Singer SA's third season winner.

That prize, however, went to Bontle Modiselle, who was hiding under the Spotty mask as the winner of this season, produced for SABC2 by Primedia Studios and the Rose & Oaks Media production company.

Anele Mgudlwa, co-executive producer of The Masked Singer SA at the Rose & Oaks Media production company, describes Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr.'s inside Mosquito as this season's "method actor".

"He found a way to "Bzzz" everything. So competitive and dedicated."

Frankie du Toit, co-executive producer, says "Mosquito was dedicated to being Mosquito. We talk about weeks of recording. We talk about so many different things happening on stage. Embodying the character."

Anele Mgudlwa says Robot Boii was the participant who "communicated with us the most this season".

"He constantly kept asking: Can I do this? Can I do that? Always wanting to add more. In our field we call it added value. Eventually I said: Here's my number. Every day he went: Can I do this? Can I add that?"

I sat down with the musician and content creator to find out more about Robot Boii embodying the magnificent Mosquito in the third season of The Masked Singer South Africa.

As Mosquito, you wore this really heavy turquoise coat but it's floor-length. It has a "slip" of sorts. So in your performance, you basically had to be like a bride who has to be careful not to step on her own wedding dress. How did you keep in mind that while you perform what you must do not to step on your costume?

As a professional dancer, you always have to be aware of your surroundings, even with the outfit that you're wearing, you know. 

So I always had to be conscious of how I swing it. I couldn't take back steps without it being lifted up for me.

I think that's just also the experience and just understanding what I'm wearing and how I need to present myself in performance.

And it's also quite heavy. It looks beautiful, but it's much heavier than it looks. How did it feel to you, or how long did it take you to become comfortable in terms of what your overall new weight is as the character? 

I think I'm a fitness guy, you know, so as much as I'm skinny, I've got a lot of activities that I do that keep me conscious of what my body can take and cannot take.

So when I had the weight on, I adjusted very well to it because also I've got wide mosquito wings and I've got a mask that I'm only seeing from left and right, not in the front. 

It took me two days after putting it on to get used to it, and then from there, it was go time. 

Producer Anele Mgudlwa said you were the "method actor" and most involved and most communicative of everyone this season in terms of improving and enhancing and adding to your performance. Of course you could just go and perform, but why did you think to really enhance it with your own flair?

Everything Robot Boii does has to be at the top and has to have a Robot Boii stamp.

My brand is aspiration and inspiration. It's the level of creativity and bringing your A-game to everything. So it's about creative freedom, asking questions, and knowing the limits.

In fact, I think I'm the only mask that was changing lyrics to add "Bzzz" into it, and that's what it is for me. It's like, how do I embody this character into my world instead of just leaving Robot Boii outside the door and just be Mosquito? 

I'd rather have a fusion. If a Mosquito bit Robot Boii. I was the modern-day Peter Parker Mosquito.

What message do you have for the high school kid who has a dream of entering South Africa's entertainment sphere, whether it's dancing, singing, acting or whatever, and see you and want to be like you, but get messages back from parents or whoever that it's not a real career and you can't do it?

I think the most important thing is having a foundation because the entertainment industry isn't guaranteed.

So there is a possibility to have a career, but the chances aren't a guarantee because of how many of us there are in the space. 

So having a foundation, an educational foundation, is important. 

Then, your ability to chase your dream needs to be that you are consistent. Be true to yourself and you need to understand what you're getting into.

Do the research, find out how to get better at what you do, and adapt to your craft. Work on your craft to a point where you're the best in the room where that is concerned.

So it's a lot of time, it's a lot of effort. It is possible. It's hard, but it is possible.

ALSO READ: Choreographer Bontle Modiselle Wins Season 3 of The Masked Singer SA with Songs and a Dance as Spotty the Dog

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Choreographer Bontle Modiselle is The Masked Singer SA's Season 3 Spotty-winner: 'I Loved what Spotty Could Offer'

ALSO READ: The Masked Singer SA Co-exec Producers Anele Mgudlwa and Frankie du Toit on Season 3's Bigger Swings with Localised Masks and Language, Adding AI for Clues, and Celeb Contestants: 'This Season We Played the Perfect Game'

ALSO READ: The Masked Singer SA Set for Season 4 in 2027 as Primedia Studios and Rose & Oaks Media Prep 'Even Bigger' Fourth Year of TV Musical Reality Competition: 'A Really Famous Soccer Player Said No for Season 1 and Came Back and Said I'm Ready Now for Season 4'

Choreographer Bontle Modiselle Wins Season 3 of The Masked Singer SA with Songs and a Dance as Spotty the Dog

by Thinus Ferreira

Dancer and choreographer Bontle Modiselle won the third season of The Masked Singer South Africa on Saturday night on SABC2, when she removed the mask of Spotty the dog.

In the third season finale of the Primedia Studios and Rose & Oaks Media-produced show, Chopsticks got eliminated first and was revealed as Khanyi Mbau.

After that, Gogga lost and was revealed as Afro-jazz legend Judith Sephuma.

In the final face-off, it was Mosquito up against Spotty.

Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr., known as award-winning content creator and dancer Robot Boii, then had to take off his mask as Mosquito as this season's runner-up. 

Bontle Modiselle then took off the Spotty mask.

"I had fun and the time of my life, and, you know the 8-year-old me who was insecure and didn't think she was able or capable, was validated for 13 weeks," Bontle Modiselle said.

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Content Creator Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr. on 'Bzzzz'-ing as Masked Singer SA's Mosquito: 'Everything Robot Boii Does Has to be at The Top'

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Choreographer Bontle Modiselle is The Masked Singer SA's Season 3 Spotty-winner: 'I Loved what Spotty Could Offer'

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Content Creator Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr. on 'Bzzzz'-ing as Masked Singer SA's Mosquito: 'Everything Robot Boii Does Has to be at The Top' 

ALSO READ: The Masked Singer SA Co-exec Producers Anele Mgudlwa and Frankie du Toit on Season 3's Bigger Swings with Localised Masks and Language, Adding AI for Clues, and Celeb Contestants: 'This Season We Played the Perfect Game'

ALSO READ: The Masked Singer SA Set for Season 4 in 2027 as Primedia Studios and Rose & Oaks Media Prep 'Even Bigger' Fourth Year of TV Musical Reality Competition: 'A Really Famous Soccer Player Said No for Season 1 and Came Back and Said I'm Ready Now for Season 4'

NFVF Council Dissolved with Immediate Effect for a 2nd Time in 2 Years as Fired Board Members are Slammed Over 'Loss of Confidence' to Provide Governance for SA's Rudderless Film Agency

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's beleaguered and unstable National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has had its latest board dissolved for the second time in two years, following shocking and damning failures around the egregious and irregular appointment of a council member as latest acting CEO.

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sports, arts and culture fired the entire board of the struggling South African film agency on Wednesday, 23 September with immediate effect, bringing their term to a shocking and abrupt end.

Gayton McKenzie dissolved the previous NFVF council just two years ago in July 2024, following allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

The latest board firing comes after the NFVF council appointed one of its own council members, Nondumiso Madlala, as acting CEO of the struggling agency in July.

Nondumiso Madlala's appointment as acting NFVF CEO - a position the rudderless NFVF also continues to struggle to properly fill - was done while NFVF whistleblowers accused Nondumiso Madlala of allegedly "protecting" the previous acting NFVF CEO Onke Dumiso, who was suspended.

Nondumiso Madlala became the 7th person to be placed in the NFVF's CEO chair over the past three years since 2023.

The NFVF council appointed Nondumiso Madlala as acting NFVF CEO despite serious allegations that were raised against her as well, by insiders.

In a shocking turn of events, the NFVF council brazenly admitted that section 13(4) of the National Film and Video Foundation Act doesn't allow the board to appoint a council member as acting NFVF CEO.

After the minister complained, the NFVF council quietly terminated Nondumiso Madlala as acting NFVF CEO and quietly appointed Neliswa Bam as acting NFVF CEO - the 8th person to serve in this position.

The NFVF didn't bother to either issue any press release or statement about Neliswa Bam's appointment, or to inform South Africa's TV and film industry, when this happened.

By Friday night, the NFVF's website still listed the fired NFVF council although they've been fired two days before.

Leon van Nierop is still listed as NFVF council chairperson, with Mthokozisi Radebe as deputy chairperson, together with Chad Louw, Andrea Gordon, Siphosethu Mtamzeli, Omphemetse Mokgosi, Tony Ferreira, Simon Clarke, Yazeed Kamaldien, Nobuntu Dubazana, Nondumiso Madlala, and Lindeka Moeng as company secretary.

According to Gayton McKenzie, the brazen decisions by the now-dissolved NFVF council members caused a "material loss of confidence" in the NFVF council's ability to "provide the lawful and accountable governance required by the Act".

The minister's office didn't immediately respond to a media query made on Friday afternoon about the firing of the NFVF board and why this was done.

TVwithThinus also asked the NFVF, in a media query on Friday afternoon for comment, and also why it failed to issue any press statement on Wednesday, two days ago, and decided not to inform South Africa's film industry that the board is gone.

The NFVF's communications officer, Busisiwe Hoho, in response, said "The appointment and/or dissolution of the NFVF council is the sole prerogative of the minister of sport, arts and culture. The onus therefore rests with the office of the minister".

In a statement on Friday afternoon, the Democratic Alliance (DA) political party said Gayton McKenzie's "recent dissolution of his own appointed NFVF council, citing governance concerns, has once again raised serious questions about his appointment of the same individuals to multiple public entities he ultimately controls".

"Three individuals in particular highlight the extent of these overlaps: Simon Clarke, Omphemetse Mokgosi and Siphosethu Mtamzeli."

"Before the NFVF council was dissolved on Wednesday, 23 September, all three simultaneously served on the NFVF Council, the Board of the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and the National Arts Council (NAC)."

The DA says "Multiple board membership is not automatically improper. But where the same individuals appear across several public entities facing significant governance and operational problems, alongside documented political relationships involving senior appointees, parliament and the public are entitled to know how and why those selections were made."

ALSO READ: NFVF council member Nondumiso Madlala appointed latest acting NFVF CEO at SA's troubled film agency

South African Actor Ian Roberts for A Kind of Madness and SA Sports Film The Philipstown Wirecar Grand Prix from Giant Films Score Nominee Nods at 54th International Emmy Awards

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African actor Ian Roberts for the Wolflight film A Kind of Madness, as well as The Philipstown Wirecar Grand Prix from Giant Films in South Africa, have been nominated for 2026's 54th International Emmy Awards taking place on 23 November.

Ian Roberts scored a nomination in the category for Best performance by an actor for A Kind of Madness, while The Philipstown Wirecar Grand Prix film has been nominated in the category Best sports documentary.

Besides South Africa, nominees for the 54th International Emmy Awards come from 22 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.

There are 64 nominees across 16 categories and spanning 22 countries. 

The Philipstown Wirecar Grand Prix, about a group of teenagers who race their handmade wirecars in the desert, is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.

A Kind of Madness, from Wolflight Films, also stars Sandra Prinsloo, with Christiaan Olwagen as director who co-wrote the film with Wessel Pretorius.

A Kind of Madness, is a drama and road movie about a 70-year old man named Dan, who abducts his dementia-suffering wife, Elna, from her residential care home.

Driven by desperation and love, Dan goes on the run with Elna to escape both the police and their three adult children, who are actively pursuing them. They eventually make their way back to the ocean where they first met.

A Kind of Madness was a major winner earlier this year at the 19th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) walking away with four Golden Horn trophies.

Ian Roberts won at the Saftas for Best actor in a feature film, Sandra Prinsloo won for Best actress in a feature film, Christiaan Olwagen and Wessel Pretorius won Best achievement in scriptwriting for a feature film, and A Kind of Madness also won a trophy for Best achievement in original music/score for a feature film.

"The International Emmy Awards are as competitive as ever, with an outstanding range of entries from around the world vying for a coveted nomination," says Bruce L. Paisner, International Academy President & CEO, in a statement announcing the list of nominees.

"We look forward to bringing the global television community together to celebrate these exceptional programs and performances."

Kaspersky Warns That Malware Now Even Hides in Downloads Disguised as Film Torrents like The Odyssey

by Thinus Ferreira

The antivirus and security solutions company Kaspersky now warns that what looks to users like downloaded film torrents - for instance, The Odyssey - now hide malware, with a recent case that hit victims in countries across Europe, Russia, Japan, and even Uganda in Africa.

Kaspersky's global research and analysis team discovered a malware strain distributed through torrent trackers, disguised as popular films, including The Odyssey. 

According to Kaspersky, a popular public archive of torrent files was compromised and then used to recently deliver a malicious payload - one that got downloaded by several hundred victims.

These victims downloaded what they thought was a torrent of The Odyssey since mid-August, and affected people and businesses from Russia, Türkiye, Japan, Kenya and Uganda, to Colombia, and several European countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Since people download torrents at work, they have infected organisations ranging from companies in the enterprise, IT and consulting sectors, to governments, retail, transportation, and agriculture industries.

Kaspersky explains that the malware used a loader capable of detecting antivirus sandboxes.

Quite strikingly, the malware has the ability to determine whether it is being analysed and, if so, evade detection or hinder further investigation. 

"Once active on a victim's device, the malware deploys additional modules that expand its capabilities," Kaspersky says.

"These modules allow it to establish persistence, so it remains on the system after a reboot even after it has been terminated, bypass User Account Control (UAC) to gain administrator privileges in Windows without triggering the usual warning prompt and ultimately provide the attackers with remote access to the compromised machine."

Konstantin Isakov, a Kaspersky security expert, says "The campaign is notable for combining a common lure with a sophisticated technical design".

"By disguising malware as torrents for popular films, the attackers increase the likelihood that unsuspecting users will download it."

"Once launched, the multi-stage malware is designed to evade detection, establish persistence, and provide the attackers with remote access to infected devices. Users should be especially cautious with files downloaded from unofficial sources, as even seemingly harmless entertainment content can serve as a vehicle for compromise."

People's Planet Shutters After 16 Years as 'We Ran out of Shelf Space', Content Catalogue Remains Available for International Sales

by Thinus Ferreira

The People's Planet channel, which launched as People's Weather in 2010, has gone dark after 16 years.

People's Planet disappeared from eMedia's Openview at the end of August, after MultiChoice dropped it in March 2024. The channel's content catalogue however remains available for international distribution.

People's Planet ceased broadcasting altogether at the end of August 2026.

Stephan le Roux, People's Planet channel head, says the channel didn't shutter due to a lack of audience but because "dedicated wildlife and environmental content has no reliable home on South African and African platforms".

"Over 16 years on air, People's Planet built something rare in South African broadcasting: a loyal, committed audience for wildlife, conservation and environmental storytelling. That audience did not go away," he says.

"What was missing was platform commitment. Environmental and natural-history content in this market is treated as filler rather than as a category worth investing in, and a channel built entirely around it has nowhere to absorb that pressure."

"There is a real and committed audience in this country for stories about the natural world, and we saw it every week for 16 years."

"What there isn't, is a platform environment willing to back that content for the long term. We didn't run out of viewers or ideas. We ran out of shelf space."

According to Stephan le Roux, from 2020, roughly 95% of People's Planet's content was locally produced, something that "came at a real cost in a market where imported content is cheaper and easier to schedule".

The content catalogue of People's Weather remains available for international distribution.

City Beasts and Family in the Wild are out for international distribution with ORF-Enterprise in Austria.

Snake Season, presented by Durban snake rescuer Nick Evans, has three seasons running on Sky Germany, with season 3 having aired on EarthX and the first two seasons on Curiosity Stream. 

Monkey Helpline and Snake Season are licensed to Big Media for Eastern Europe, with the snake series dubbed into German and Russian.

"There are South African stories, told by South African filmmakers, playing to audiences across Europe and the United States," said Julie Laurenz of Film Mamba, the production house behind Apex Alley, Snake Season and Monkey Helpline. "The international market values this work. That's what makes the position at home so difficult to accept."

Stephan le Roux says "People's Planet extends its thanks to its viewers, to the production partners and independent filmmakers who built its catalogue, and to the journalists, producers and crew whose work defined it".

"While this chapter of People's Planet has come to an end, the need for a dedicated home for wildlife, conservation and environmental storytelling in South Africa has not. The audience is there. The stories are there. The talent is there. What is still needed is a platform willing to give this content the space, investment and long-term commitment it deserves."

"The need for this storytelling isn't going away. This may be the end of People's Planet in its current form, but we haven't given up on what we set out to build."

"South African wildlife and environmental stories deserve a platform and an audience at home, and we still believe there is a future for that."

Raffaele Annecchino, Former Paramount International President and CEO, passes away aged 55

by Fathima Beckmann

Raffaele Annecchino, a transformative figure in the global media industry and former president and CEO of Paramount International, has passed away suddenly at the age of 55.

Over more than 25 years at Paramount/ViacomCBS, Annecchino rose from an early commercial role in Madrid to oversee the company's international operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

As CEO of Paramount International, he played a central role in the company's transition from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms, driving the international rollout of Paramount+, supporting the expansion of Pluto TV and helping create SkyShowtime, the joint venture between Paramount and Comcast.

Africa was an important part of Annecchino's leadership. He championed Viacom's African business and brands, including MTV, MTV Base, BET, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, and was a strong advocate for local audiences, talent and the growth of the continent's media industry. 

He also worked closely with MultiChoice as a key strategic partner.

After leaving Paramount, Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a global consultancy focused on innovation, transformation and strategic growth.

TRIBUTES FROM AFRICA

Alex Okosi, former EVP, BET International and Paramount Africa

"Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend."

"Having worked alongside him through years of international growth and transformation, I saw firsthand his rare ability to combine sharp commercial instinct and strategic vision with genuine warmth, humanity and optimism."

"He built lasting trust, inspired those around him to think bigger and always made time to uplift people. His impact on the global media industry is undeniable, but for those fortunate enough to have known and worked with him, his warmth, generosity and spirit will be just as enduring."

"He will be deeply missed. We continue his legacy."

Fathima Beckmann, former SVP, Global Inclusion, Paramount International

"Raffaele had a profound impact on my career and on me personally. He saw potential in people and championed their growth."

"Through the support and belief of both Raffaele and Marva Smalls, I had the opportunity to serve on his executive team and relocate from South Africa to Madrid."

"It was an honour to work alongside him at Paramount and later again as he built and globally launched Blue Ocean Media Partners."

"Raffaele was an extraordinary leader, visionary and ambitious, yet deeply human, generous with his encouragement and always willing to share his wisdom. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Monde Twala, former SVP, BET International and Paramount Africa

"Shocking and heartbreaking news. Raffa was an amazing leader and mentor to me and many of us in Africa."

"He was always supportive and helpful in elevating the business and particularly African culture and youth entertainment. He touched and changed many lives around the world."

"I'm forever grateful for his leadership and dedication. He encouraged excellence and accountability in me personally. Rest easy Raffa. Siyabonga."

Craig Paterson, former SVP, Paramount Africa

"Raffaele was one of those rare people who lit up every room. His energy, warmth and belief in people inspired us all. He was always in our corner, championing Africa’s growth, and his presence will be deeply missed."

Bada Akintunde-Johnson, former country manager, Paramount Africa, Nigeria

"As country manager leading the ViacomCBS/Paramount business in Nigeria, I experienced first-hand the impact of Raffaele's leadership."

"He guided the EMEA business through an extraordinarily difficult period, particularly during Covid, with exemplary leadership, empathy and humanity."

"What I will especially remember was his genuine interest in Africa and the way he made those of us in the region's executive leadership feel that our business, our people and our contributions truly mattered within the broader organisation."

"My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the impact of his leadership and the many lives he touched remain an enduring legacy."

Solafunmi Oyeneye, former senior channels manager, MTV Base, Nigeria

"Raffaele was one of those leaders whose presence was genuinely felt. He had a deep love for Africa and carried that with him."

"Whenever he came to Africa, there was always such warmth around him, and he was someone so many of us admired and were genuinely very fond of."

"It is incredibly sad to hear that he is gone. To his family, I hope you know that Raffaele touched lives far beyond those who worked closely with him."

"Even those of us several layers removed from him remember him with enormous warmth and affection. He was deeply respected, genuinely loved, and will be very fondly remembered."

"May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace."

(Published as received)

No Apple TV Price Increase for South Africa, This Time, Like in the US

by Thinus Ferreira

Apple is not doing its latest price increase for Apple TV for South Africa, the company confirmed to TVwithThinus.

Last week Apple announced that it is once again hiking the monthly subscription fee for its streaming service, to $14.99 per month.

The last time Apple TV, then still known and branded as Apple TV+, increased its price in South Africa was in October 2022.

Then, Apple TV increased its monthly subscription fee by a whopping 47% immediately to R124.99 per month, following a $2 price hike in the United States, which was then applied to South Africa as well.

This time the latest price hike in the United States, won't immediately result in a price hike for South African consumers.

Apple tells TVwithThinus in response to a media query "that there is no price increase in South Africa and prices will stay the same".

It means that an Apple TV subscription in South Africa will continue at R124.99 per month, or R1 249 per year on the annual plan.

Fired eNCA Reporter Heidi Giokos Resurfaces at SABC News as Weekend The Fullview Presenter

by Thinus Ferreira

After Heidi Giokos was fired by eNCA (DStv 403), the reporter is resurfacing at SABC News (DStv 404), where she will now be a presenter of the weekend edition of The Fullview.

eMedia's eNCA dismissed Heidi Giokos in July after she appeared in a cars.co.za commercial opposite Carl da Coza, in which she appeared as a TV reporter. Heidi Giokos joined eNCA in 2017.

According to insiders, Heidi Giokos allegedly failed to get proper permission and approval to appear in the cars.co.za commercial.

Heidi Giokos is the younger sister of CNN anchor and reporter Eleni Giokos.

Deidre Uren, SABC News boss, in a statement, says "We are delighted to welcome Heidi Giokos to the SABC family".

"Her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to impactful storytelling align strongly with our mandate of informing, educating and empowering South Africans. We look forward to the contribution she will make across our news platforms."

The public broadcaster says it "looks forward to her continued contribution to South African journalism and public broadcasting".