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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Press Start Mzansi

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by Bandile Phuthuma

8 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

Press Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, policy, business, and play meet to explore the future of gaming in South Africa and across the continent. Each episode features in-depth conversations with game developers, investors, government leaders, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Africa’s digital creative economy. We unpack how gaming is driving youth employment, digital transformation, local storytelling, and inclusive growth and why it matters now more than ever. Let’s press start on the future of African games. #GamingForGood #PressStartMzansi

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Publishing Since

8/11/2025

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Recent Episodes

November 26, 2025

Ep 8 – Identity, Creativity and Building Games from the Heart of Africa with Homolang “Nathi” Marule

Ep 8 – Identity, Creativity and Building Games from the Heart of Africa with Homolang “Nathi” MaruleIn this episode of Press Start Mzansi, we sit down with Homolang “Nathi” Marule, founder and CEO of Atrybute Studios, to explore how imagination, spirituality, and technology intersect in African game development.From drawing robots and sharks in preschool to leading a creative studio today, Nathi’s story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and deep reflection. He describes himself as a modern African child — someone navigating tradition, spirituality, global culture, and innovation. His games and creative philosophy blend the ancestral and the futuristic, offering players not just entertainment but meaning.Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma and Kieran Reid, this conversation delves into how personal identity, culture, and storytelling shape the next generation of African creators. Nathi’s journey reminds us that building games is not just about code or design — it is about crafting experiences that connect people to who they are and who they can become.• The poetic beginnings of creativity and storytelling in Polokwane • Early encounters with computers, arcades, and discovering God of War • Choosing art over engineering and the power of having supportive mentors • From student to studio founder — finding purpose through leadership • Defining the “modern African child” and bringing spirituality into design • The balance between creativity, business, and community in Atrybute Studios • What leadership means in the creative economy • Advice for young artists and dreamers starting in townships and small towns • The mission and future of Atrybute StudiosHomolang “Nathi” Marule is a technical artist, storyteller, and the founder of Atrybute Studios, a South African game development company exploring African creativity through technology. His journey began with art, computers, and a love of games that evolved into a career focused on merging imagination and entrepreneurship.Describing himself as a modern African child, Nathi’s work is inspired by spirituality, biology, and mythology, drawing from both ancestral wisdom and contemporary innovation. Through Atrybute, he champions a creative future that celebrates identity, community, and purpose.Follow his work at Atrybute.co.za and on Instagram @homolangnathi and @atrybutegraphics.Hosted by: Bandile Phuthuma (ITTHYNK Gaming) Co-host: Kieran Reid (Two Name Games) Guest: Homolang “Nathi” Marule (CEO, Atrybute Studios) Technical Director: Dave Moyo Marketing: Jessica Jardim, Ashley Tanton, Padi Falas-Maifala, Mpho TlokotsiPress Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, creativity, and play come together to explore the people and ideas shaping Africa’s digital future.Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @PressStartMzansi for more conversations with the voices defining the next chapter of African gaming.

November 12, 2025

Ep 7 – Mobility, Storytelling and Innovation in the Digital Age with Albi Modise

In this episode of Press Start Mzansi, we sit down with Albi Modise, Senior Executive Manager for Communication and Marketing at the Gautrain Management Agency. With more than two decades of experience across journalism, media, and government communication, Albi has shaped some of South Africa’s most important public narratives.From his early days in radio and journalism to his current work leading communication strategy for one of Africa’s most recognised mobility brands, Albi shares insights into how storytelling, branding, and innovation come together in the digital age.Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma and Kieran Reid, this conversation explores how mobility connects to creativity, how communication can inspire trust and imagination, and why platforms like gaming are becoming vital to youth engagement and brand storytelling. What we cover in this episode• Albi’s journey from radio and journalism into communication and leadership • The art of storytelling and its link to identity and innovation • How Gautrain positions itself as a mobility brand, not just a transport service • The role of creativity, gaming, and digital storytelling in connecting with younger audiences • The evolving landscape of communication and leadership in South Africa • Lessons from two decades of public service and strategic storytelling • The importance of building trust, inclusion, and cultural relevance in modern branding • Albi’s advice to young communicators and creatives finding their voice GuestAlbi Modise is the Senior Executive Manager for Communication and Marketing at the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA). He previously served as Chief Director of Communication and Spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and has held leadership roles in media, academia, and government.A Rhodes University Journalism graduate, Albi’s career spans writing, broadcasting, brand management, and public policy. He has lectured at Tshwane University of Technology and completed leadership programmes at Wits University and GIBS. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to creative communication, innovation, and storytelling as tools for connection and progress. CreditsHosted by: Bandile Phuthuma (ITTHYNK Gaming) Co-host: Kieran Reid (Two Name Games) Guest: Albi Modise (Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing, Gautrain Management Agency) Marketing: Jessica Jardim, Ashley Tanton, Padi Falas-Maifala, Mpho TlokotsiPress Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, creativity, and play come together to explore the people and ideas shaping Africa’s digital future.Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @PressStartMzansi for more stories from the people driving Africa’s creative and digital transformation.

November 10, 2025

Ep 6 – Made in Africa: Building Bold Games with Ben Myres of Nyamakop

In this episode of Press Start Mzansi, we speak with Ben Myres, the creative force behind Nyamakop, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed independent game studios. From Semblance, the first African-developed title released on a Nintendo platform, to his latest project Relooted, Ben’s work continues to shape how the world sees African creativity.Relooted is a heist game with a purpose. Built around recovering seventy real African artefacts currently held in Western museums, the game blends stealth, strategy, and storytelling in a powerful narrative about repatriation, cultural justice, and African futurism.Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma and Kieran Reid, this conversation explores how African creators are redefining global gaming and what it takes to build sustainable studios that tell stories rooted in local identity but made for the world.A special thank you to the Goethe-Institut South Africa for supporting this episode and helping to amplify African voices in gaming.What we cover in this episode:<ul><li>The creative journey from Semblance to Relooted• Researching real artefacts and turning history into gameplay</li><li>Balancing fun, depth, and cultural meaning in game design</li><li>Representation, authenticity, and African accents in character creation</li><li>Building a sustainable studio and navigating the local ecosystem</li><li>The business of creativity and staying independent in global gaming</li><li>Advice for young developers starting out in Africa</li><li>What is next for Nyamakop and the future of African game development</li></ul> Guest: Ben Myres is the CEO and co-founder of Nyamakop, a Johannesburg-based game studio known for its bold creative voice and commitment to African storytelling. His debut title, Semblance, received international acclaim for its innovative mechanics and art direction. His current project, Relooted, continues that legacy by blending political commentary, history, and design innovation into a deeply African game with global appeal.CreditsHosted by: Bandile Phuthuma (ITTHYNK Gaming)Co-host: Kieran Reid (Two Name Games)Guest: Ben Myres (CEO and Co-founder, Nyamakop)Cinematography and Editing: Luthando NyuswaAudio Editor: Juliette LoveTechnical Director: Dave MoyoMarketing: Jessica Jardim, Ashley Tanton, Padi Falas-Maifala, Mpho TlokotsiPress Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, creativity, and play come together to explore the people and ideas driving Africa’s digital revolution.Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @PressStartMzansi for more conversations with the creators shaping the future of African gaming.

8 total episodes available

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What is Press Start Mzansi?: Press Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, policy, business, and play meet to explore the future of gaming in South Africa and across the continent. Each episode features in-depth conversations with game developers, investors, government leaders, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Africa’s digital creative economy.

We unpack how gaming is driving youth employment, digital transformation, local storytelling, and inclusive growth and why it matters now more than ever.

Let’s press start on the future of African games.

#GamingForGood #PressStartMzansi
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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