Netflix has teamed up with the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Tourism and Film Authority to introduce the ScreenCraft Pathways training program. This initiative will allow 14 young South Africans to gain practical work experience over the next year at some of the nation’s top film and television production and post-production companies. Additionally, Netflix has announced a second cohort scheduled to start training in 2027.
The program was unveiled at a Youth Month event in Johannesburg, hosted by Netflix, GFC, and KZN Tourism & Film Authority. The event aimed to unite filmmakers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials to align audiovisual investments with national socio-economic objectives and support the government’s 2026 Youth Month theme, “Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work.”
The inaugural cohort, managed by Tshikululu Social Investments, features young talents such as Thobeka Nkosi, Lebohang Tsotetsi, Paballo Segalagala, and others. Each participant will secure a well-compensated 12-month placement in a chosen below-the-line role encompassing pre-production, production, and post-production stages. They will work closely with Netflix’s local production partners, including Burnt Onion, Quizzical Pictures, and Midnight VFX.
Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals currently engaged in active projects, gaining valuable on-set and in-studio experience. Furthermore, they will have access to specialised workshops led by Netflix that focus on developing skills, enhancing technical production knowledge, advancing careers, and fostering networking opportunities designed to promote sustainable professional development.
“South Africa’s creative economy offers significant growth potential, and the talent needed to drive this exists here,” stated Pelin Mavili, Netflix’s Director of Global Affairs for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. “The ScreenCraft Pathways initiative is our commitment to providing a structured career pathway into the industry not just for the benefit of these 14 individuals but also for the future competitiveness of South Africa’s production sector. When young South Africans contribute to world-class productions, it benefits everyone involved – from the industry to the economy and the audiences enjoying their stories.”
Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission, described the initiative as a vital investment in the future of South Africa’s film and television landscape. He emphasised its role in bridging “the gap between talent and opportunity,” providing young creatives with real-world production experience, mentorship, and practical workplace engagement.
Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, highlighted that the programme addresses a pressing challenge in the industry: establishing reliable pathways from education to employment. He noted that initiatives like ScreenCraft Pathways not only bolster the broader screen sector but also enhance South Africa’s appeal as a production destination and contribute to job creation in creative industries.
