afrOkaans and Recode Media form strategic partnership to invest in next generation of South African storytellers

afrOkaans and Recode Media have announced a strategic partnership that brings together decades of industry experience with a new generation of creative talent, united by a shared commitment to investing in the future of African storytelling.

More than a partnership between two businesses, this is an investment in people, creativity and the long-term sustainability of South Africa's creative industry.

For more than 20 years, afrOkaans has earned its place as one of South Africa's most respected television producers, producing acclaimed local programming, developing more than 30 original television formats and delivering recognised titles including Survivor South Africa, Power Couple South Africa, Plaasjapie, Klein Paradys, Die Kliek, Mooi and Duiwelspoort. Its work has received Safta recognition, reinforcing its reputation for creative excellence and authentic South African storytelling.

Representing a new generation of creative entrepreneurs, Recode Media has evolved into an African Content Hub, connecting strategy, storytelling, digital innovation and content production to develop original intellectual property, premium entertainment and integrated content ecosystems for broadcasters, brands and organisations.

Their work includes Becoming Imbokodo in partnership with the South African Rugby Union, The Bala Family – Season One, a four-part commercial series for Hollywoodbets, the award-winning South Africa's Signature Story tourism film for Brand South Africa (produced in collaboration with Zebra Consulting), and strategic content partnerships for leading South African brands, organisations and government entities.

In 2026, South Africa's Signature Story received the Gold Award for Tourism Destinations at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), recognising excellence in destination storytelling.

While the partnership creates exciting opportunities for both organisations, its greatest value lies in the transfer of knowledge, experience and creative thinking from one of South Africa's most respected television producers to a new generation of content innovators.

That investment has already begun through workshops focused on intellectual property development, reality television formats, creative leadership and production excellence, creating an environment where decades of expertise are being shared with the next generation of African storytellers.

"One of the greatest privileges of this partnership has been learning from people who have helped shape South African television,” says Erin-Jane Miller, founder, CEO and executive producer of Recode Media. “afrOkaans brings an incredible depth of knowledge, but what has inspired us most is their willingness to invest in the next generation. What we are already seeing is a shift in how our team thinks creatively, with greater confidence to originate ideas, develop concepts and think beyond execution towards building intellectual property of our own. For us, this partnership is about honouring an extraordinary legacy while bringing fresh ideas, digital innovation and new ways of thinking into the future of African storytelling."

"We've always believed that great stories begin with great people. This partnership is about sharing our experience, encouraging new ideas and fostering an environment where the next generation of African storytellers can flourish. We believe our most meaningful contribution to the industry is investing in its people," says Handrie Basson, afrOkaans founder and executive producer.

Looking ahead, the partnership will continue to develop original intellectual property, premium television, documentaries, entertainment formats, branded storytelling and digital-first content while creating opportunities for emerging talent and strengthening South Africa's creative economy.

The future of South African storytelling will be built when experience meets innovation, legacy embraces new thinking and knowledge is shared. That is the partnership afrOkaans and Recode Media are building together.