By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tributes continue to pour in for the former MultiChoice executive and Joburg-based Netflix executive Nkateko Mabaso.
The sad news of his passing emerged on Thursday, 20 June.
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at Multichoice, expressed deep sorrow over Mabaso’s passing.
Philiso highlighted his influential legacy in the creation of renowned productions like Isibaya and The Queen.
Beyond daily programming, Mabaso played a crucial role in major events such as the Channel O Awards and the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of Nkateko Mabaso’s passing. Nkateko, fondly known to most as NK was a maverick within the M-Net world where he held various roles and was instrumental in the implementation and growth of our Mass & Middle market propositions, with the flagship being the iconic Mzansi Magic.
“We will always remember NK, he left an indelible mark with his work on iconic productions such as Isibaya, The Queen and events such as the Channel O Awards, DMVCAs and a whole host of others. May his family, friends and colleagues find comfort during this very difficult time,”Philiso said.
Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net, Shirley Adonisi, said that Nkateko will be remembered by many as a pioneer who significantly boosted local channels and content, forever altering the television landscape.
“He was not afraid to take risks on new ideas and always kept the viewers’ entertainment in mind. He opened up opportunities for many staff members to grow and created a culture of being passionate about the work that one does,” she said.
Actor and film director, Zola Hashatsi, said he’s deeply touched by Nkateko’s death.
“I feel very numb. We lost so many important people in the entertainment industry over the past few years. Many good people are leaving us,” he said.
“It’s sad. We all are going to die, but not as young as we are. I’m very pained but Nkateko, as he served, has been good to the industry.”
Founder of Black Brain Pictures, Mandla Ngcongwane, said they’re mourning the death of the television executive.
“NK, as he was fondly known, was a trailblazer in the film and television industry. We had the greatest pleasure partnering with him and his teams at MultiChoice, to create some of the most memorable and iconic television moments together,” he said.
Mandla emphasised that they’ll always remember him as a visionary leader, a pioneer, and an all-round creative force that has left a remarkable legacy of sharing South Africa’s story with the world.
He received several awards, including being named one of Destiny Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016 and being named one of Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in the media category in 2013.
Mabaso joined M-Net in 2010 as the marketing manager for the Vuzu and Channel O channels and was M-Net’s general manager for local entertainment channels in 2013 before moving to the director position in 2014 for M-Net’s local interest channels.
Two years later, in 2016, he became the group general manager for M-Net South Africa. In October 2018, after having been acting M-Net CEO since February 2018, Mabaso was appointed the permanent M-Net CEO.
Since June 2023, Mabaso has been self-employed, working in content curation and distribution.
Mabaso is survived by his wife, Mathapelo, his son Tshimologo, and his parents Xithlangoma Bob and Lizzy Mabaso.