After an illustrious 30-year career in television, Basetsana Kumalo has announced her retirement, making it clear that it’s time for her to step back and make room for younger talent. Known for her role as a former Miss South Africa, business mogul, and TV icon, Kumalo has been a household name through her work on major South African television shows like Utatakho, Date My Family, Becoming, and Cheeky Pallet, to name just a few.
In a heartfelt announcement, Kumalo shared that she is passing the leadership of her production company, Connect TV, to CEO Kopano Cowen, whom she has mentored for the past decade. “I think it’s time to bow out. I feel and know with great confidence that I have built a solid company, and I hand it over to someone incredible, smart, talented, and creative,” Kumalo said.
She expressed immense confidence in Kopano’s abilities, noting that the young CEO shares her vision and is already bringing a fresh, strategic direction to the business. Cowen, who has worked closely with Kumalo for years, is expected to continue the legacy while driving the company forward with exciting new plans.
Looking ahead, Cowen revealed that Connect TV will focus heavily on creating documentaries in the next 12 months, signaling a shift towards a more impactful form of storytelling. This evolution in the company’s direction reflects a broader vision to provide meaningful content that resonates with a diverse audience.
As Kumalo embarks on her retirement, she leaves behind a powerful legacy in both television and business, knowing her company is in capable hands and that the future of South African media is bright with emerging talent like Cowen at the helm.
