SMPTE Expands Engagement in Africa with South African Events

First SMPTE Young Innovators Event Outside the U.K. Headlines October Activities in Johannesburg and Durban

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — October 13, 2026 — SMPTE, the home for media professionals, technologists and engineers, is expanding its presence in Africa through a series of industry events in South Africa this October. Highlights include SMPTE’s first Young Innovators event outside the United Kingdom, held as part of the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival in Johannesburg, and an AI-focused session at the Durban FilmMart.

“There’s tremendous talent, creativity and innovation coming out of South Africa, and we’re excited to strengthen SMPTE’s connections with this growing community,” said Sally-Ann D’Amato, Executive Director of SMPTE. “For us, this is about building relationships, opening doors, and making sure the next generation of industry talent has access to the knowledge, resources and global network that SMPTE offers. We see enormous opportunity here, and these events are just the beginning.”

On Thursday, October 15, SMPTE will host a Young Innovators panel and mixer at the Tshimologong Precinct in Johannesburg as part of the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival. The panel, Career Pathways in Film, Television & Broadcast in the AI Era, will feature students working to establish a SMPTE Student Chapter in South Africa. The discussion will explore emerging career opportunities, the impact of AI on the industry, and the skills and connections needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving media technology landscape.

“A South Africa Student chapter is significant because it opens members up to a global community of engineers, creatives and industry leaders, and to the standards that keep our industry connected,” said Tami Kusvabadika, Co-Chair of the SMPTE South Africa initiative. “Broadcasting is changing fast, with technologies like SMPTE ST 2110 and AI reshaping how content is made and delivered. This chapter will make sure our student members are equipped and stay up to date, whether they’re working in a control room, an edit suite or a classroom.”

SMPTE’s activities also include an AI white paper brainstorming session at Durban FilmMart held on Monday, October 12, bringing together industry participants to explore emerging technologies and their implications for media production. During the Fak’ugesi Festival, SMPTE will share an exhibition stand with Magic Lightbox, where attendees can learn more about SMPTE’s standards, education, membership and global professional community.

“October is a month of firsts for us,” said Sondia Viljoen, Co-Chair of the SMPTE South Africa initiative. “The first African student chapter developing, the first Young Innovators Panel outside of the UK, and a new beginning. The beginning of new relationships, new possibilities and new pathways towards greater collaboration, industry development and cohesion across the continent and the globe.”

These events mark an important step in SMPTE’s growing engagement with South Africa’s film, television and broadcast community, creating new opportunities for participation in its global programs and laying the groundwork for a strong local presence.