- Global South media rise influences global discourse.
- Global platforms like Netflix and Showmax are driving the shift from state propaganda to diverse local voices in South Africa.
- The South African industry is successfully leveraging its local talent and production base to achieve international careers through platforms like Netflix and DStv.
South African Drama Series Achieves International Debut at MIPCOM 2026
What happened
StudioCanal launched international sales at MIPCOM 2026, revealing a first look at Season 3 of the drama series, Shaka Ileme: Zulu King. The series chronicles the life of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona and is produced for MultiChoice, a CANAL+ Company. Nomzamo Mbatha executive produced the series and also starred as Queen Nandi.
From weekendpost.co.bw
Why it matters
The series is noted as being South Africa’s most decorated and most watched drama series of all time. The international sales made at MIPCOM validate the production model and open potential new revenue streams for the involved companies.
The South African industry is successfully leveraging its local talent and production base to achieve international careers through platforms like Netflix and DStv.
From weekendpost.co.bw
Who's involved
- Nomzamo MbathaExecutive producer and star of the series
- MultiChoiceUmbrella company producing the series
- DStvSatellite television service under the MultiChoice umbrella
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MultiChoiceSpeculative
International sales at MIPCOM could validate production investments and open new revenue streams for the company.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Nomzamo Mbatha
South African actress and accountant (born 1990)
Nothing else this week.
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DStv
Satellite television service in Africa
Nothing else this week.
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MultiChoice
South African based satellite TV service in Sub-Saharan Africa