South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has announced the appointment of Vincent Blennies as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 14.
This follows a rather turbulent transition period for the body that has extended over two years. In March 2023, the body’s former CEO Makhosazana Khanyile resigned. Then followed Thobela Mayinje as acting CEO. But that tenure was marked by controversy, leading to Mayinje getting placed on administrative leave following an investigation into numerous undisclosed allegations.
The country’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) then appointed Lebogang Mogoera as the acting CEO of the body. He was the last occupant before the announcement of Blennies as substantive CEO.
According to the statement by the body, Blennies has held senior positions in various industries. “With over 25 years of executive leadership in healthcare, telecommunications, and finance, Mr. Blennies brings unmatched expertise in innovation, governance, and strategic transformation. His appointment marks a new chapter of stability, growth, and people-centred leadership for the NFVF”.
In a statement concerning the appointment, the NFVF’s Chairperson Saudah Hamid said Blennie’s “extensive executive management experience, with a strong background in organizational leadership, governance, and strategic transformation, managing innovation and transformation in complex sectors, will support the NFVF’s efforts to strengthen its impact in an evolving creative industry landscape”.
She added: “His ability to foster effective stakeholder engagement will be pivotal in ensuring alignment with key partners, industry players, and governmental bodies, driving the NFVF’s mission of sustainability and inclusive growth within the South African film industry.”
Blennies began his career as a Sales Consultant and Business Relationship Manager within the banking arena, and served as Regional Manager for Nedbank in 2001.
In 2003, Blennies made a move into the telecommunications sector, taking on accountability for establishing and growing CellC’s footprint within the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West regions as Regional Manager. In 2008, he transferred to the healthcare sector, serving as National Fund Manager for the Gauteng region on behalf of Netcare South Africa.
The NFVF is a body of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, mandated to promote and develop the South African film and video industry. It also provides funding for film projects, facilitates training and skills development, and promotes South African content locally and internationally.
