Zanele Mauka

What does your company do?

3OAK (Pty) Ltd is a visionary, women-led production company dedicated to reshaping the African narrative through bold, high-impact storytelling. Founded with a mission to tell stories that matter, 3OAK specializes in film, television, and digital content that reflects the richness, resilience, and complexity of African lives—particularly those of women, youth, and underserved communities. At the heart of 3OAK is the belief that representation is power. We create original IP that entertains, inspires, and challenges the status quo—building narratives that are not only commercially viable but socially meaningful. Whether we’re developing thought-provoking documentaries, culturally relevant reality formats, or empowering branded content, every frame we produce carries intention, excellence, and heart. As a proudly South African company, 3OAK is committed to nurturing local talent, creating jobs in the creative sector, and driving inclusive economic growth. We don’t just tell stories—we build legacies, shift perspectives, and open doors for the next generation of storytellers.

What is your biggest success?

Our biggest success has been building 3OAK from a bold idea into a fully-fledged creative agency and production company that has earned the trust of brands, broadcasters, and institutions—all while staying rooted in our mission to tell African stories with heart, relevance, and purpose. Despite being a startup, we’ve conceptualized and pitched original formats that speak directly to South African audiences, landed partnerships that validate our creative and strategic edge, and carved out space in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to new, women-led players.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

The biggest hurdle has been navigating an industry where access to funding, networks, and decision-making rooms is often limited—especially for Black women. We've had to build credibility from the ground up, often competing with more established companies while bootstrapping projects, knocking on closed doors, and working twice as hard to be seen and heard. But we’ve turned that challenge into a strength—becoming more resilient, more resourceful, and even more committed to building an ecosystem that is more inclusive.