JOHNANNESBURG — Rose and Oaks Media CEO Anele Mdoda CEO acquires Rapid Blue from BBC Studio in a landmark deal that returns the production company to South African ownership and transfers control of major global television formats.
Key details of the Rapid Blue acquisition
· Acquired company: Rapid Blue (from BBC Studio)
· Buyer: Rose and Oaks Media (CEO: Anele Mdoda, née Mgudlwa)
· Key formats now controlled: ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘, ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’, ‘The Weakest Link‘, ‘Family Feud South Africa‘, ‘The Bachelor South Africa‘, ‘Shark Tank South Africa‘, ‘Come Dine With Me South Africa‘
· Rose and Oaks originals: The ‘Masked Singer South Africa‘ (renewed for season three), Oscar-nominated ‘The Last Ranger’,‘Ludik‘
Rose and Oaks Media, led by Mdoda, Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys, builds on nearly a decade of expansion across scripted and unscripted television production.
The company produces international projects including ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight‘, and TV hit ‘The Masked Singer South Africa’.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘The Weakest Link’ and ‘The Bachelor’ under SA ownership
Rapid Blue passes into South African ownership with control of multiple established entertainment franchises including ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘, ‘The Weakest Link‘ and ‘The Bachelor South Africa‘.
The production catalogue also includes ‘Come Dine With Me‘, ‘Family Feud‘, ‘Got Talent‘, ‘X Factor’, ‘Wife Swap‘ and ‘Four Weddings‘, all adapted for local audiences over multiple broadcast cycles.
Rapid Blue history and BBC Studios exit
Rapid Blue was founded by Duncan Irvine and Kee-Leen Irvine and built its reputation on adapting international television formats for South African audiences.
BBC Worldwide acquired the company in 2016 as part of its global production expansion strategy and maintained its focus on licensed entertainment formats in the region.
Mdoda highlights African-led production strategy
Mdoda previously took over as host of The Voice South Africa in 2028, cementing her status as one of the country’s most influential broadcasting personalities.
The 94.4 rmorrning radio host frames the acquisition as a strategic expansion of African-led storytelling in global television formats.
“We believe the future of global storytelling will increasingly be shaped by African voices. Bringing Rapid Blue back home allows us to build on its history and expand its future,” she said.
She added that Rose and Oaks Media continues to scale its production capacity across multiple formats.
“Over the last nine years, we have built a company capable of delivering scripted, unscripted, film and live production at scale. Rapid Blue strengthens that position.”
BBC Studios responds to Rapid Blue acquisition
BBC Studios Executive Vice President of Global Productions Jacob de Boer confirms support for the transition and continued industry collaboration, stating:
“Rapid Blue has built an outstanding reputation in South Africa. We look forward to seeing the business enter its next chapter with Rose and Oaks Media, whose commitment to creative excellence and local storytelling makes them well placed to build on that strong foundation.”
Shift in South African television production landscape
The acquisition reflects a wider shift in South African television production, where women increasingly take on senior and executive roles across major film and television projects in the local .
The acquisition reflects a wider shift in South African television production, where women increasingly take on senior and executive roles across major film and television projects.
Nomzamo Mbatha serves as executive producer of ‘Shaka iLembe‘, while also starring as Queen Nandi, strengthening her position in both front-of-camera and production leadership roles.
Mdoda’s acquisition of Rapid Blue adds to this trend, placing her in control of major international television formats that have shaped South African entertainment over multiple decades.
The acquisition takes effect immediately.
