A new documentary is shining a spotlight on the remarkable life and pioneering work of Nolo Letele, the former Executive Chairperson of the MultiChoice Group who played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s broadcasting industry.
The film, titled “Yes To Impossible: The Nolo Letele Story,” chronicles Letele’s journey from his early days as a young electronics graduate in apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a driving force behind the growth of MultiChoice and the expansion of pay-TV across the African continent.
Growing up during a time of growing independence movements in Africa, Letele’s vision was to ensure the continent had a voice on the global stage. After facing limited job prospects as a black engineer in South Africa, he took on roles at Lesotho’s national broadcaster and later joined M-Net, where he was tasked with building DStv into the industry giant it is today.
“I’m proud to have helped connect Africa to the world and give the continent a voice,” said Letele. “MultiChoice’s reach is unparalleled in Africa and it has given the people of Africa the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own languages. We have grown industries, created jobs and contributed meaningfully to economic growth across the continent – it’s something I hold very dear as the realization of a vision I had over 35 years ago.”
Under Letele’s leadership, MultiChoice expanded significantly across Africa, pioneering the introduction of pay-TV services in countries like Ghana. He served as the company’s CEO from 1999 to 2010 before transitioning to the role of Executive Chair of the MultiChoice South Africa Holdings board, a position he held for 11 years.
Letele’s achievements have been widely recognized, with the media visionary receiving numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Media Development in Africa, the Naspers Phil Weber Award, and the Black Business Executive Circle Chairman’s Award.
“Nolo Letele’s story is one of vision, tenacity and a relentless commitment to empowering Africa’s voice on the global stage,” said the documentary’s director, Zandile Tisani. “This film aims to celebrate his remarkable legacy and inspire the next generation of African media pioneers.”
“Yes To Impossible: The Nolo Letele Story” is set to premiere at the Durban International Film Festival later this year, offering audiences a deeper insight into the man who helped shape the face of African broadcasting.
