Dr Temara Prem is an academic and filmmaker based in Durban, South Africa, specialising in postcolonial film theory and filmmaking. She holds a PhD in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Her doctoral research examines identity representation in post-apartheid South African cinema, contributing to global discussions on cultural specificity and representation in film. She also earned an MFA in Film and Television from AFDA Cape Town, where her thesis explored Baroque aesthetics and their influence on post-war expressionist cinema. This combination of theoretical and technical expertise informs her teaching and creative work.

Dr Prem also has extensive experience in the film and media industries, having worked on productions in the capacities of cinematographer and director, including directing projects for BET Africa and SABC 1. In addition to her academic and professional roles, Dr Prem is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the film industry and educational institutions. She serves on the Standing Committee on Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion (SCEDI) for CILECT (The International Association of Film and Television Schools). She is also a member of SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film and Television).

Simon Pienaar is a filmmaker, educator, and creative leader born and raised in Gqeberha. With both parents having served as university lecturers, education and creativity were embedded in his upbringing. After graduating from Nelson Mandela University, Simon spent over a decade working as a freelance visual artist and educator — co-founding a design agency and a private photography school, while earning national and international awards for his work in photographic and digital arts.

Simon joined AFDA Gqeberha in 2015 and has since spent ten years lecturing across the disciplines of Cinematography, VFX, Editing, Data and Grading, Producing, and Writing. For the past four years, he has served as the Programme Coordinator for the School of Motion Picture, developing curricula, shaping student outcomes, and supporting cross-disciplinary integration. In 2024, he completed his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) through AFDA Johannesburg, focusing on engagement and immersion theory through gamification and ludology.

Simon brings to the role of Dean a grounded, holistic understanding of the AFDA curriculum and a deep belief in collaborative, student-centered learning. His leadership is guided by two core principles: kaizen, the philosophy of continuous improvement through small, daily efforts; and ikigai, the alignment of purpose, skill, and meaningful contribution.

In his new role as Dean, Simon is committed to fostering a campus culture that celebrates creativity, embraces innovation, and serves as a catalyst for the Eastern Cape’s growing creative economy.

“A great film is never made alone — it’s built frame by frame, cut by cut, through collaboration, clarity of vision, and a willingness to fail forward. That’s how I see this campus: not as a finished product, but as a living edit. Every student, every staff member, every idea contributes to the unfolding story of AFDA Gqeberha — and I’m here to help direct the next act.”

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.

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.”

Pauli van Dyk has a wealth of experience in the South African television industry and a dedicated tenure as a lecturer at AFDA Johannesburg, where she taught in the areas of post-production, editing, and directing.

“Over the past three decades, I have been immersed in the South African industry, working on a variety of projects ranging from television series and documentaries to reality shows, corporate videos, and educational initiatives. This diverse experience has honed my skills, enabling me to offer students a comprehensive perspective on the industry and a nuanced understanding of the various stages of production across formats and genres. I am particularly excited to contribute to reimagining the skill set that newly graduated students will need to successfully flourish in the creative economy. I welcome this opportunity to support AFDA in its mission to deliver innovative, high-quality education in the creative economies.” says newly appointed AFDA Hatfield Dean, Pauli van Dyk.

Pauli has worked as a professional producer, director and editor in the South African Television Industry for more than 20 years. From television series (Jam Sandwich, Walala Wasala, Forrtuinsoekers, Wielie Walie), corporate videos (Transnet, SARB, Kagiso Media) and documentaries (Punk in Africa, Flowers of the Revolution, Mozart in Meadowlands, Who Killed Johannes Kerkorrel, My Big Fat Afrikaner wedding) she has done it all!

As an independent producer and member of Meerkat Media cc she has a passion for the upliftment and training of people. As a previous employee at Kagiso Television and Communication she has worked extensively as a trainer and mentor for countless people who are now respected professionals in the industry.

With Pauli at the helm, AFDA Hatfield is poised to become a dynamic hub for creative excellence, industry-ready innovation and next-generation filmmaking talent. Her appointment marks an exciting step forward as AFDA expands its footprint and continues to shape the future of the creative economy in South Africa.