ROSEBANK, September 12 — Netflix has backed more than 8,000 jobs in South Africa through partnerships with over 30 local production companies, the streaming service said this week as it marked a decade in the country and unveiled a new slate of local series and films. The bottom line for investors: South Africa has become a production hub for the region, and Netflix is deepening those ties rather than pulling back.
The company announced the expanded slate at a press showcase in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on 9 September, celebrating ten years since it launched in South Africa in 2016. Ben Amadasun, VP of Content for Netflix Middle East and Africa, framed the milestone around local storytelling.
“Ten years ago, we set out to share South African stories and voices with the world and today, we are proud to strengthen our partnership with the local creative industry and continue creating exciting stories that will entertain our members in South Africa and around the world,” he said in a statement. He added that the upcoming slate includes “established names alongside bold new production partners across genres from unscripted to thrillers, family dramas and comedy.”
By the numbers
Since its 2016 debut, Netflix has released more than 300 local titles in South Africa. The catalogue includes Blood and Water, Young, Famous & African, Unseen, Silverton Siege, Fatal Seduction, Disaster Holiday, How to Ruin Christmas, Beauty and the Bester, Marked, Kings of Joburg, Blood Legacy, The Polygamist and, most recently, Umthetho. Those productions were filmed across 20 cities in eight provinces.
The figure that matters most is 24 million. That is the number of views The Polygamist generated in its first weeks.
The Johannesburg-filmed series, based on the 2012 book by Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi, reached the Top 10 in 62 countries and ranked No. 1 in more than 21 countries. Nyathi’s book sales tripled following the series debut, more than a decade after the book was first published — a reminder that a screen adaptation can revive a backlist title.
What’s coming next
The newly announced titles include returning seasons and sequels. Blood Legacy Season 2 launches on 25 September. Seriously Single Too and Another Disaster Holiday both launch later in 2026. Tuiskoms Season 2, Marked Season 2 and the film Meet the Khumalos 2 are all currently in different stages of production. A new series, How to Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents, is set to launch on 30 October from Burnt Onion Productions in collaboration with producer Jayan Moodley, whose credits include The Kandasamys.
It follows an interracial couple whose engagement brings two very different families and cultures together. Netflix also announced deal partnerships with more local production companies on upcoming projects, including more reality shows.
The company did not provide full details of those partnerships. The announcement reflects Netflix’s continued work with South African creators, talent and production partners across commissions, acquisitions and licensing. The Rosebank event was attended by Netflix executives, filmmakers and on-screen talent.
Watch for the Blood Legacy return on 25 September and the Diwali-themed launch on 30 October, with the remaining sequels and second seasons landing later in 2026.
