The institution dedicated to the creative economy, African Film Drama Art, affectionately referred to as AFDA, has recently expressed its pleasure in announcing the appointment of Pauli van Dyk as the Dean of the forthcoming AFDA Hatfield campus, which is set to welcome students in 2026.
Pauli brings a vast array of experience from the South African television sector and has served as a committed lecturer at AFDA Johannesburg, where she instructed students in post-production, editing, and directing.
In a conversation with AFDA Media, Pauli remarked that throughout the last thirty years, she has been deeply engaged in the South African industry, contributing to a diverse range of projects that include television series, documentaries, reality shows, corporate videos, and educational programmes.
“This diverse experience has honed my skills, enabling me to offer students a comprehensive perspective on the industry and a nuanced understanding of the various stages of production across formats and genres. I am particularly excited to contribute to reimagining the skill set that newly graduated students will need to successfully flourish in the creative economy. I welcome this opportunity to support AFDA in its mission to deliver innovative, high-quality education in the creative economies.” says newly appointed AFDA Hatfield Dean, Pauli van Dyk.
Pauli has been a professional producer, director, and editor in the South African Television Industry for decades. She has worked on television series such as Jam Sandwich, Walala Wasala, Forrtuinsoekers, and Wielie Walie, as well as corporate videos for Transnet, SARB, and Kagiso Media, and documentaries including Punk in Africa, Flowers of the Revolution, Mozart in Meadowlands, Who Killed Johannes Kerkorrel, and My Big Fat Afrikaner Wedding. She has truly done it all!
As an independent producer and a member of Meerkat Media, she is dedicated to the upliftment and training of individuals. During her time at Kagiso Television and Communication, she has served extensively as a trainer and mentor to numerous individuals who are now esteemed professionals in the industry.
With Pauli leading the way, AFDA Hatfield is set to become a vibrant center for creative excellence, industry-ready innovation, and next-generation filmmaking talent. Her appointment signifies an exciting advancement as AFDA broadens its reach and continues to influence the future of the creative economy in South Africa.
