Jacqui Hlongwane

Jacqueline Hlongwane is a distinguished South African media executive, educator and an advocate for children’s and youth content broadcasting, currently serving as Genre Manager for Education and Children at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), currently responsible for shows such as Skeem Saam, The Chair and Daily Thetha. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has been instrumental in shaping children’s ad youth programming that is both educational and culturally resonant. Jacqueline began her professional journey as a teacher after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Higher Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Remedial Education, all obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand. In 1994, she transitioned to broadcasting by joining the SABC, where she found a broader platform to influence young minds. Her commitment to children and youth content is evident in her involvement with acclaimed programmes such as Takalani Sesame, Take 5, Kids News Room and World Kids News, Jabu’s Jungle and Higher Grade, many of which have received national and international accolades. Her focus has consistently been on content that is not only entertaining but also educational, inclusive and socially impactful. A respected leader, Jacqueline has played a pivotal role in mentoring producers across Africa and Asia, emphasising the creation of quality children’s content. Her expertise have been recognised globally, leading to her participation on juries for prestigious awards like the International Emmy Awards, URTI, Prix Italia and the Japan Prize. Jacqui is currently the President of the TV Commission for URTI, (Union Radiophonique et Télévisuelle Internationale / The International Radio and Television Union) which is a part of UNESCO. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to children’s media, Jacqueline was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival in 2023. In the same year, she was awarded a Film Leadership Award, received from KIDDZPAS in April 2023, all recognising her role and significant contributions in Children’s media. In October 2024, Jacqui graduated with her Master of Business Administration Degree (Cum Laude) from Regenesys Business School, adding strong business and leadership acumen to her creative and educational expertise. Jacqueline Hlongwane’s enduring commitment to children’s, youth, public education in the media context, continues to inspire and shape the future of broadcasting in South Africa and beyond. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers committed to using media as a force for education and empowerment. Jacqueline is a believer in the transformative power of public broadcasting in shaping informed, empowered and inclusive societies, particularly within South Africa’s dynamic, evolving and maturing democracy.