*South African Executive Career Appointments and Promotions!
The MultiChoice Group and M-Net Channels today announced current director for kykNET Channels, Waldimar Pelser as the new director for Premium Channels. Pelser takes over from Jan du Plessis, who is retiring end of March after being with the South African pay channel television for 28 years.
“The company has decided to consolidate the Premium management teams under the leadership of the current Director for kykNET Channels, Waldimar Pelser,” the company said in a statement sent to NOWinSA.
Throughout his tenure since he started working with M-Net in 1994, Du Plessis has played an integral role in growing its strong brand and channels in various capacities. This included the launch of the kykNET channels as Director in 1999. He was also part of the teams that secured the rights to many international brands leading to, among others, successful homegrown versions of shows such as Big Brother and Idols SA, as well ‘The Real Housewives of’, which recently saw the addition of Die Real Housewives Van Pretoria under its wing.
“It is with great admiration and heartfelt respect that we bid farewell to Jan du Plessis while we welcome and support Waldimar in his new role,” Georginah Machiridza, executive head for General Entertainment Channels said, adding: “His appointment as director of kykNET channels, his collaborative management approach has showcased a strong drive to take our Premium proposition into the future.”
Du Plessis was appointed director of M-Net Channels in 2016, where he was responsible for channels including M-Net 101, M-Net City, and the various M-Net Movies offerings. During his time as curator of the M-Net movies slate, he introduced an innovative new funding model into the South African film and television landscape. This resulted in the development and mentoring of many young film and television makers who went on to become major players in the industry.
“This has been an incredible and unforgettable ride. As someone deeply passionate about film and television, being part of the M-Net family has allowed me to work closely with many film and television makers over the years – a dream career for a film lover such as myself,” said Du Plessis.
“I am grateful for everything I have been part of. When I started at M-Net in 1994, it was to secure and expose our local viewers to the best international content and titles. As my roles changed, we at M-Net were able to hone and develop the local industry leading to our bold co-productions where we are exposing the international market to our world-class local talent and stories. I couldn’t have asked for anything better than working on one of the best local brands in South Africa, M-Net,” he concluded.
Pelser, who will now head up both M-Net and kykNET channels, joined MultiChoice as the director for kykNET Channels February 2022, after 20 years in the media industry. He worked as a journalist and news manager for Media24 in Johannesburg, Lagos, and Cape Town, having studied law and journalism at Stellenbosch. He completed an MPhil in Development Studies at Oxford University, with a focus on African history and politics.
M-Net Channels leadership changes are effective as of March 31(2023) when Du Plessis retires, and Pelser steps in.
