As AFDA, The No.1 School for the Creative Economy, prepares to open its Hatfield campus in 2026, the institution is proud to introduce exceptional staff who will shape the academic vision and student experience of this exciting new campus in Tshwane. The campus launch marks a key milestone in AFDA’s national expansion, providing accessible, world‑class creative education for students across Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Justin Jacobs — Registrar & Student Affairs Officer
At just 29 years old, Justin Jacobs brings a rich, lived creativity to his role as Registrar and Student Affairs Officer. A singer, songwriter, director, and actor, Justin’s artistic journey began in school theatre and music, where he quickly distinguished himself as a compelling performer.
Justin’s connection with AFDA began when he enrolled in the Music and Live Performance degree, graduating in 2018 before completing an Honours degree with distinction and numerous accolades including Best Student of the year. He moved into student advocacy and academic leadership early, serving as Student Affairs Officer and later heading the Performing Arts Department. Currently, Justin is completing his Masters and remains passionately committed to expanding performance education.
His blend of professional practice, academic excellence, and student‑centred leadership makes him a vital part of the Hatfield leadership team.
“I’m excited to take the capital by storm and create powerful stories to make South Africa proud.”
Phindile Mashiane — Head of Higher Certificate: Film, Television & Entertainment Production (HC FTEP)
Phindile Mashiane brings over a decade of hands‑on industry experience to her role as Head of the Higher Certificate in Film, Television & Entertainment Production. Her career spans scriptwriting, script coordination, creative producing, and research.
Phindile’s professional credits include writing for Skeem Saam, where her team won the 2020 Royalty Soapie Award for Outstanding Writing, as well as creative producing roles on popular productions like Clash of the Choirs and Young, Famous & African. She has also contributed to education as a lecturer and course coordinator.
Currently serving as a Production and Development Funding Advisor/Consultant for the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) and a jury member for the SAFTAs, Phindile is deeply committed to blending academic discipline with industry connections.
“AFDA Hatfield is a breath of fresh air… I look forward to contributing advanced skills that will equip students to navigate and flourish in the South African film/TV industry.”
Willie Ludik — Head of Higher Certificate: Performing Arts (HC PA)
A multi‑talented creator, Willie Ludik holds a postgraduate degree in Drama and Film from the University of Pretoria and has built a diverse career both on screen and on stage. He has credits in more than seven feature films, including the acclaimed Fiela se Kind (2019). Willie has excelled as an actor, producer, director, and academic. His latest work includes a role in the Skydance horror film They Will Kill You, set for release on 27 March 2026.
Willie brings more than seven years of academic experience, mentoring and teaching upcoming performers while actively contributing to film and theatre productions. He is also completing a Master’s in Film and preparing to produce a new reality show this year.
In his leadership position at AFDA Hatfield, Willie is focused on nurturing expressive, courageous performers who understand both craft and industry.
Nolulamo “Lulu” Maquthu — Head of Live Performance
Nolulamo “Lulu” Maquthu is an established performer, director, educator, and cultural advocate, with academic credentials including a National Diploma in Drama Studies (Cum Laude), an Honours in Drama and Performance, and an MFA from AFDA. Lulu’s career spans live performance, screen acting (Durban Gen, The Wife), dance, and stage management.
As a creative producer and founder of LULO Productions, she is currently developing the Amampondro Documentary: Sicela Ngesimpondro, celebrating Mpondo culture, a project supported by the NFVF and recognised with inclusion in the 2026 EFM Toolbox Programme in Berlin.
With ten years of experience at AFDA in roles from Lecturer to Production Course Administrator, Lulu now leads the Live Performance discipline at Hatfield. Her leadership blends artistic excellence with cultural depth and a commitment to developing confident, versatile performers.
“Stepping into the leadership of Live Performance at the Hatfield Campus is more than a new role; it is the dawn of a new era.”
“Together, Justin Jacobs, Phindile Mashiane, Willie Ludik, and Nolulamo Maquthu represent a vibrant blend of practical experience, creative excellence, and educational leadership that will define AFDA Hatfield’s distinctive approach to training the next generation of South African storytellers and creative professionals.” says AFDA Hatfield Dean, Pauli van Dyk.
The AFDA Hatfield campus is set to open its doors in 2026, offering a full spectrum of programmes: Higher Certificates in Film, Television & Entertainment Production and Performing Arts to Bachelor’s degrees in Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance.