Rapid Blue CEO resigns; Ziyanda Ngcaba at the controls

Ziyanda Ngcaba joined Rapid Blue in 2020 as Executive Producer and Chief Commercial Officer, becoming General Manager in April 2021. Since becoming General Manager, Ngcaba has worked closely with Irvine to build Rapid Blue’s extensive lineup.

During his time in this role, Rapid Blue produced the seventh season of the award-winning SAFTA production, Come dine with me South Africa and a new 10-part original series, Local tastes of South Africa which follows award-winning South African chef and TV personality Lorna Maseko on a journey to discover local South African cuisine, for BBC Lifestyle, as well as the third season of the hit Celebrity game night for E! and a second season of Family Feud SA hosted by Steve Harvey for e.tv.

The year also saw Rapid Blue facilitate Nigerian shoots for Warner Brothers Bob Hearts Abishola which was renewed for a 4th season in the United States and produces the second season of Africa’s Trade Heroesthe Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa to support entrepreneurs.

With his outstanding television background, Irvine is eager to use his expertise in a new venture, providing services to brands, broadcasters and production companies, in the areas of content development, packaging and financing solutions.

Commenting on his expanded portfolio, Ngcaba said: “I am extremely honored to take the helm and steer this ship. I look forward to continuing Duncan and Kee-Leen’s values, creative ambition and passion for quality entertainment. With the company producing a series of brilliant shows, we look forward to continuing to grow Rapid Blue Productions and I am confident in the future. We have a strong creative team, with a combined experience of over 100 years in the industry, which is essential to the future success of the business. We will continue to create brilliant projects that I can’t wait for audiences in South Africa and around the world to see.

Duncan, former CEO and co-founder of Rapid Blue, said, “I am delighted that Ziyanda is leading Rapid Blue. With his wealth of television expertise, drive and creativity, I know we will see the company thrive. After almost 30 years at the helm of Rapid Blue, I am immensely proud of the team we have built and am confident that the future will be bright. I am grateful to be able to continue to offer my support in new ways by developing new content solutions through alternative funding models. Ziyanda has stepped into the role of Managing Director seamlessly over the past year, I am confident that our vision will be continued under her leadership with the support of the best team in the industry.