Anele Mgudlwa’s Rose and Oaks Media Acquires Rapid Blue from BBC Worldwide
OkMzansi | 12.06.2026 20:47
Radio host and media personality Anele Mgudlwa, is making major moves in the entertainment industry. Her company, Rose and Oaks Media, has officially acquired Rapid Blue from BBC Worldwide, marking a big moment for African media production.
Tweet
The acquisition is led by Rose & Oaks Media founders Anele Mgudlwa, Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys. The team is already well known in the industry for producing international and local projects such as Don’t, Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, The Last Ranger, Ludik, as well as the popular TV show The Masked Singer South Africa. The show has already been renewed for a third season and is currently in production, showing the company’s growing success.
Rapid Blue itself has a strong history in South African television. It was founded by television pioneers Duncan Irvine and Kee-Leen Irvine and was later acquired by BBC in 2016. Over the years, it has produced some of the country’s most iconic shows, including The Weakest Link, Strictly Come Dancing, Come Dine With Me South Africa, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Family Feud South Africa, The Bachelor South Africa, and Shark Tank South Africa.
Rose and Oaks Media, with Anele Mgudlwa as CEO, has been operating for the past nine years and continues to grow its influence in film and television production.
According to IOL, Mgudlwa described the acquisition as more than just a business deal, saying it reflects a bigger vision for African storytelling.
“We believe the future of global storytelling will increasingly be shaped by African voices. Bringing Rapid Blue back home allows us to honour its incredible history while building something even bigger for the future,” Mgudlwa said.
She added, “Over the last nine years, we have built a company capable of delivering across scripted, unscripted, film, formats and live production at the highest level. Rapid Blue significantly accelerates that vision.”
She also said, “As custodians of one of the most respected production companies on the continent, we recognise both the scale of the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it. We are honoured to build on the extraordinary legacy established by Kee-Leen and Duncan Irvine, deeply grateful to the BBC for their stewardship, and excited that our relationship continues through ongoing collaboration and access to an exceptional catalogue.”
Get the latest South African entertainment news, trending stories, and viral updates straight to your WhatsApp.
