MultiChoice Appoints Nkateko Mabaso As the New M-Net Chief Executive

Nkateko Mabaso is now the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of M-Net in Sub-Saharan Africa succeeding Yolisa Phahle who has stepped into the role of CEO of General Entertainment for the Video Entertainment segment, MultiChoice has announced.

According to Phahle, Nkateko has been appointed in recognition of his continued commitment and contribution to local programming that audiences love and watch in increasing numbers year on year.

“He is passionate about our continent’s film and television industry and I and wish him every success,” said Phahle on Nkateko’s appointment.

Over the last seven months in his position as Acting CEO of M-Net, Mabaso has been instrumental in driving and executing many successful content strategies, including MultiChoice’s increased investment in local content and co-production initiatives.

Under Nkateko’s leadership, the company’s local channels across the continent, which include Africa Magic channels, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, 1Magic and others local channels have produced highly talked-about local content and achieved consistent growth in audience and advertising revenue. 

“I am incredibly excited to assume this new role and for the future of the company. I will continue to focus my efforts on local content creation to meet the growing audience demand for homegrown programming,” he said on his new role.

 Nkateko Mabaso has had quite a journey with the company. He joined M-Net in 2010 as Marketing Manager and went on to oversee the positioning and launch of Mzansi Magic and other mass market channels.

He was promoted to GM of M-Net’s Local Entertainment channels in 2013 and was later appointed as group GM for M-Net South Africa in 2016.  

With a degree in Marketing Communications, Nkateko started his career in the advertising industry, working on various top SA brands for well-renowned advertising agencies. He’s been named as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in the media category and one of the Top 40 under 40 by South Africa’s Destiny magazine.

He has completed M-Net’s Media Leaders at Work program and Naspers’ Leadership Accelerator in Amsterdam. Suffice it to say, he deserves his new position as the CEO.