AFDA Powers the Creative Economy from Cape Town

In 2024, AFDA, Africa’s top institution for creative education, marked a remarkable milestone by celebrating 30 years of pioneering excellence in the creative arts. From its modest beginnings in 1994 with just six students, a broken TV, and a rented VCR, AFDA has evolved into a leading force in South Africa’s entertainment landscape.

Founded during South Africa’s transformative democratic era, AFDA set out with the mission of cultivating graduates capable of driving the local creative economy. Over the past three decades, the school has expanded significantly. Today, AFDA boasts four state-of-the-art campuses, over 2,800 students, 280 full-time staff members, and an ever-growing network of over 8,000 alumni.

The impact of AFDA on the South African creative industry is undeniable. In 1994, the entertainment industry could only support around 4,000 jobs. Fast forward to today, thanks to institutions like AFDA, that number has surged to over 34,000.

“Our institution has always been a cornerstone of innovation, producing graduates who lead, create, and redefine industries. As we look ahead, we must harness the momentum we’ve built to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. This is an age defined by transformation—technological, cultural, and economic—and AFDA stands ready not only to adapt but to lead.

I envision an AFDA that continues to pioneer creative education, preparing students to thrive in evolving landscapes such as AI, immersive technologies, and global digital economies. These fields are not just the future; they are the present. It is our duty to ensure that our students graduate not only as employable professionals but as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who create opportunities for themselves and others.” says new AFDA CEO, Diaan Lawrenson.

AFDA alumni are entrenched in every corner of the local entertainment scene, contributing to film, television, music, digital platforms, and more. Many have founded their own companies, providing employment to thousands and making a mark on the global stage.

AFDA alumni are household names, known not only in South Africa but globally, for their involvement in feature films, TV shows, and popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, M-Net, and Showmax. Additionally, they have built influential presences on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, with millions of followers worldwide.

In terms of film and television success, AFDA graduates have starred in and played key roles in over 325 feature films and more than 350 television productions across streaming platforms. A prime example of AFDA’s success is the internationally acclaimed Netflix series Blood & Water, which was created, produced, directed, written, shot, and edited by AFDA alumni.

In recent years, AFDA alumni’s creative works have gained recognition at prestigious global platforms. Six AFDA alumni films have been selected by South Africa and Lesotho as Oscar candidates for Best Foreign Language Film.

Famous AFDA alumni include Thapelo Mokoena, Shekhinah, Mandla N, Amanda du Pont, Lemogang Tsipa, Diaan Lawrenson, Ofentse Mwase, Ayanda Makayi, Oros Mampofu, Thomas Gumede, Nosipho Dumiso, Rethabile, Motlasi, Lala Tuku, Thuthuka Mthembu, Vuyo Dabula, Karen Zoid, Che Mhende and Travis Stuurman to name a few.

Other notable successes include the Oscar-winning AFDA films Elalini (2006), the multi-award-winning Kanye Kanye (2012), and the feature films Die Windpomp and Hollywood in My Huis, both originally student films. AFDA has also earned multiple awards, with 10 SAFTAs for Best Student Film and 10 Simon Sabela Best Student Film Awards.

AFDA’s membership in CILECT, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, since 2006 further solidifies its global standing. This affiliation opens doors for AFDA students and alumni to study at over 180 prestigious film schools around the world, including UCLA, TISCH, Columbia, La Femis, and the Beijing Film Academy.

AFDA remains committed to providing cutting-edge facilities and equipment across its campuses, ensuring that students are industry-ready by the time they graduate. The institution continuously updates its technology, equipping students with the tools needed to thrive in the creative economy.

As a Private Higher Education Institution owned by Stadio Holdings, AFDA offers a range of accredited programmes recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). AFDA’s diverse offerings include:

The AFDA Film School:

  • Higher Certificate in Film, TV & Entertainment Production (1 Year)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium (3 Years)
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium (1 Year)
  • Postgraduate Master of Fine Arts (1 Year)

The AFDA School of Live Performance:

  • Higher Certificate in Performing Arts (1 Year)
  • Higher Certificate in Radio & Podcasting (1 Year)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance (3 Years)
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Live Performance (1 Year)

The AFDA School of Business & Innovation:

  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship (3 Years)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation (1 Year)

The AFDA School of Creative Writing:

  • Bachelor of Creative Writing (3 Years)

With a proud history of success and a forward-looking approach, AFDA continues to drive the creative economy, empowering the next generation of industry leaders.