Boss Betty!

uBettina Wethu Executive Producer Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri chats to us about how Betty can get ahead in business, and the business of TV.

- GENEVIEVE TERBLANCHE

uBettina Wethu
Season 3 Mon-Wed SABC1 (*191) 21:00

Excellence has been recognised! Bettina Sikhakane (Kamogelo Molatlhoe) is stepping up in uBettina Wethu season 3. But once Betty takes the MD’s seat at brand management company Nubia, she can’t just sit and spin, she’ll have to do the nitty-gritty, too – like wrangle payrolls, shareholders, and a difficult change in her relationship with the staff. It’s very, “ten-out-often, but . . .”

Behind the scenes, Betty has a secret mentor who knows just what it takes to navigate a creative business as a Black woman in South Africa. We spoke to series Executive Producer Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri – founder and CEO of Known Associates Entertainment and the South African production executive for smash hit film The Woman King – about Betty, business, and making TV.

UBETTINA & ME

What does being a Nubia shareholder mean for Betty?
Betty can no longer be comforted that if she does well, she’ll be guaranteed her income. She now needs to make a success of the business for her own financial security, and that of her employees.

If you were mentoring Betty, what would you warn her to look out for?
To be clear about her organisational culture, not to forget where she started and the obstacles she has encountered, and to make it better for those that come after her.