About the Speaker

David Makubyane is currently the Head of Platforms for Video Entertainment. He oversees 4 SABC Channels and the digital platforms that include SABC+, Web and social media platforms for content. David is an industry professional with 23 years industry experience and 18 years of broadcast management experience working both in the free to air as well as satellite and DTT pay –TV broadcasting space. His experience also includes being the
Commissioning Manager and International Acquisitions Manager for the SABC and Content Editorial Manager for On Digital Media. He has also contributed towards local industry development initiatives, including running broadcast management workshops at festivals and local universities as a guest lecturer. David has also worked for International Broadcast companies, Startimes Media, Kwese TV and Sky News.

David has an equivalent BA honours degree from the University of Witwatersrand and is currently completing his MBA with Henley Business school. His time spent with the African, Chinese ownedbroadcaster Startimes has triggered an interest in the growth, impact and disruption of digital in Africa where broadcasting and local content production is concerned. He is very passionate about local industry development as well as protecting the South African story and storyteller and IP. It is through the experiential learning’s across the different workshop, Content markets and Festivals around the world that one grows and learns more about the industry and it is also about being a part of the delivery of new ideas and spaces that one gains invaluable insights that can never be earned
through formal education. Engagement with the broader television and film industry is what has also
contributed to the growth and development of Mr Makubyane.

David Makubyane’s latest achievements are the launch of the SABC Education channel on DTT
and SABC+ as the product manager and owner.