Leopold Senekal is an accomplished academic leader, educator, and creative practitioner with a distinguished career spanning over a decade in higher education and the performing arts. Currently serving as the Dean of AFDA Cape Town, Leopold is dedicated to fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and collaboration that equips students with the skills and adaptability required for success in a rapidly evolving creative economy.
With an academic background deeply rooted in production design, production management, and performance, Leopold has held numerous pivotal roles, including Art Director, Director, Resident Production Designer, and Program Coordinator for institutions and companies both local and abroad. His expertise encompasses interdisciplinary teaching, curriculum development, and cultivating industry-relevant collaborations between film, music, live performance, and technical arts students. Under his guidance, AFDA has consistently championed forward-thinking educational practices that align with global creative industry trends.
“Leo has been an outstanding member of the AFDA Cape Town management team for the past five years, and we are delighted to support him as he steps into his role of Dean of the campus. As an award-winning professional in the industry and a true academic leader, Leo embraces the core values of AFDA, consistently upholding our mission and educational commitment to our students. We eagerly anticipate the vision and direction he will bring to the campus as he leads us into an exciting future.” says AFDA CEO Diaan Lawrenson.
Leopold’s tenure as Dean is marked by his commitment to ensuring that AFDA remains a leader in creative education in South Africa. His vision emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum, positioning AFDA as a forward-thinking institution capable of producing graduates who not only meet industry demands but actively shape its future. His leadership style combines a deep respect for academic rigor with an unwavering focus on student and staff well-being, fostering a vibrant and supportive campus culture.
Leopold has been instrumental in launching interdisciplinary assessments, establishing practical technical assessments, and designing innovative learning materials tailored for online and hybrid teaching environments. Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Leopold has contributed significantly to the artistic community through his work in theatre, television, film, and education, nurturing the next generation of performers, creators, and thought leaders.
His vision for the future reflects an educational ethos that is both ambitious and inclusive: “We are not just preparing students for the future; we are empowering them to shape it. At AFDA, our mission is to create leaders in the creative economy—thinkers, doers, and dreamers who are unafraid to disrupt the status quo.”
“Our responsibility as educators extends beyond teaching skills—it lies in igniting a passion for lifelong learning and innovation. At AFDA, we are setting the stage for a future where creativity is informed by technology, collaboration, and a fearless pursuit of excellence.”