WIFT SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHES WITH A DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM AS ATHI PETELA REPRESENTS SA AT THE AFRICA CREATIVE MARKET
The journey of Women in Film and TV South Africa (WIFT South Africa) officially begins, marking a significant step in empowering women across the film, television, and creative sectors. As part of the 60 Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) network on six continents – all working for the same goal: gender balance in the industry. As an addition to the network, the South African chapter is committed to elevating women professionals across the value chain.
Leading this chapter is writer/director, Athi Petela who serves as the President of WIFT South Africa, supported by a pioneering leadership team that includes Actor Spaces Co-Founder, Felicia Naiwa Sithebe (WIFT Programs Lead), Hayani Africa MD, Tumelo Moema (WIFT Head of Communications), and Business Consultant & Entrepreneur, Andile Mqwebu (Outreach Lead). Together, this founding team is laying the groundwork for a transformative platform that fosters opportunity, drives inclusivity, and builds sustainable careers for women creatives in South Africa.
Their collective mission is to open doors, connect ecosystems, and amplify the visibility of women across the creative industries.
This kick-off moment for WIFT South Africa comes as President Athi Petela prepares to represent the country at the upcoming Women in Film & TV Conference, a flagship event of the Africa Creative Market, taking place on 16 September 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
A Seat at the Continental Table
Themed “Creative Bridge: Empowering Talent, Accessing Ecosystems, Unlocking Markets,” the conference will convene some of Africa’s most influential women leaders in the screen industries.
Petela will join a powerful panel of WIFT presidents and industry figures from across the continent, including:
Njoki Muhoho, President, Women in Film and TV Kenya (WIFT Kenya)
Joke Silva, President, Forum for Women in Film and TV Africa (FWIFT Nigeria)
Fatou Jupiter Toure, President, Women in Film and TV Senegal (WIFT Senegal)
Juliet Ibrahim, President, Women in Film and TV Ghana (WIFT Ghana)
Tatapong Bayela, Vice President, Women in Film and TV Cameroon (WIFT Cameroon)
The session will be moderated by Inya Lawal, President of Women in Film and TV Africa (WIFT Africa).
“The launch of WIFT South Africa is about building bridges across the continent and beyond. It is about creating pathways for women to thrive, telling stories that reflect our diverse realities, and ensuring women are not just part of the conversation but at the forefront of shaping the future of film and television.”
– Athi Petela, President, WIFT South Africa
A New Platform for South Africa’s Creative Women
While WIFT South Africa’s official launch event is set to come in November this year at the Africa Rising International Film Festival, its debut at the Africa Creative Market signals the start of a bold and strategic journey to:
Empower women through mentorship, training, and leadership development
Advocate for equity and representation across the creative value chain
Build networks that connect South African women with African and global ecosystems
Unlock markets to help women creators access funding, platforms, and audiences
As part of WIFT International’s 50+ chapter ecosystem, WIFT South Africa joins a global sisterhood committed to reshaping industries and championing women’s creative contributions.
