AFDA, Africa’s leading institution for the creative economy, has reported a strong first quarter performance for 2026, marked by strategic expansion, award-winning industry recognition, global alumni impact, and continued innovation in higher education.
The first four months of the year saw AFDA deliver progress across five key strategic pillars: institutional growth, industry impact, international reach, alumni career success, and thought leadership, further reinforcing its position as the institution producing the next generation of leaders in film, television, performance, business innovation, and digital culture.
Fifth Campus Opens in Hatfield
AFDA’s national footprint expanded with the official launch of its fifth campus in Hatfield, strategically located in Tshwane to improve access for students across Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. The new campus reflects AFDA’s long-term commitment to growing South Africa’s creative industries through world-class education and regional accessibility.
Pauli van Dyk has been appointed Dean of the Hatfield campus, bringing experienced academic leadership to this next phase of expansion.
1,014 Graduates Enter the Creative Economy
AFDA also celebrated the graduation of 1,014 students from the Class of 2025, continuing its track record of producing highly employable graduates who contribute meaningfully to the creative sector.
New Micro-Drama Course Launches
Responding to rapidly evolving media consumption trends, AFDA introduced its new Micro-Drama Short Course in April 2026. Designed for mobile-first storytelling and short-form digital platforms, the programme equips creators for the future of content creation.
SAFTA Success Confirms Industry Leadership
AFDA alumni dominated the 19th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), securing 16 wins from 50 nominations. Alumni honours included:
- Youth Achiever Award: Sandulela Asanda Biyana
- Emerging Filmmaker Award: Ntokozo Mlaba
This outstanding performance further cements AFDA as one of the most influential talent pipelines in South Africa’s screen sector.
Festival and Theatre Recognition Across Disciplines
AFDA excellence continued across multiple creative sectors:
At the Joburg Film Festival:
- Five AFDA Honours films were selected for screening
- Khaya Dube won the Young Voices Competition
- 16 alumni participated as panellists, speakers, and workshop leaders
In theatre:
- Vuyelwa Maluleke was nominated at the Naledi Theatre Awards
- Sjaka S. September received a nomination at the Fiesta Awards
Alumni Driving Global Streaming Success
AFDA graduates continue to shape internationally distributed entertainment through leadership, directing, writing, acting, and cinematography roles on major Netflix productions including:
- Blood & Water
- Unseen
- Bad Influencer
- Ludik
- Justice Served
- Heart of the Hunter
Alumni Building Businesses and Jobs
AFDA alumni continue to create employment and grow the creative economy through successful production companies such as:
- Black Brain Pictures
- Gambit Films
- Burnt Onion Productions
- Stained Glass TV
Meanwhile, AFDA’s new alumni platform has already attracted 410 registrations, with testimonial campaigns and campus engagement programmes expanding alumni visibility and mentorship opportunities.
Celebrating 10 Years of Business Innovation
AFDA marked the 10-year anniversary of its BCom in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, highlighting the institution’s growing role in developing entrepreneurs, business leaders, and job creators beyond the traditional arts space.
Continued Partnership with FAME Week Africa
AFDA also renewed its partnership with FAME Week Africa for the third consecutive year, strengthening its role in shaping the future of Africa’s entertainment and creative sectors.
Looking Ahead to Q2
With growing national reach, globally recognised alumni, and unmatched industry relevance, AFDA enters the second quarter strongly positioned to convert momentum into enrolments, partnerships, and deeper market share.
AFDA is where future creatives build careers and where the industry comes from.