Arts, Film and Media
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Arts, Film and Media

Portia Malatjie

Senior lecturer | Adjunct curator
University of Cape Town | Tate Modern
https://www.instagram.com/portiamalatjie/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-portia-malatjie-07730527/?originalSubdomain=za
https://humanities.uct.ac.za/michaelis | https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Born in Tzaneen and raised in Johannesburg, Dr Portia Malatjie has become one of South Africa’s most compelling voices in contemporary art discourse. A PhD graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London, she is a senior lecturer in Art History and Discourse of Art at UCT’s Michaelis School of Fine Art and an adjunct curator at Tate Modern’s Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational. Dr Portia’s curatorial practice is deeply rooted in reimagining African art histories and amplifying voices that have long been erased from the narrative. Her acclaimed exhibitions — including “When Rain Clouds Gather: Black South African Women Artists, 1940–2000” and “Quiet Ground” at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024) — have rede ned how audiences engage with the artistic legacies of Black women. Her work bridges scholarship, spirituality, and sensory experience, exploring themes of sound, ecology, and Black feminist thought. Beyond the gallery, Dr Portia is a mentor, inspiring the next generation of artists and scholars, a researcher, and a global thought leader, having delivered talks at institutions such as Yale, Oxford, and the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute. Honoured with numerous awards  — including the UCT College of Fellows Young Researcher Award (2023) — she continues to challenge how art is taught, curated, and remembered. Her guiding philosophy? “Maintain healthy boundaries. Rest. Once you have a vision, pursue only what brings you closer to it.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD. Goldsmiths, University of London, Department of Visual Cultures
  • MA, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, History of Art 
  • BA, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits School of Art (Fine Art) 

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am a multidisciplinary practitioner, and there are different aspects of my work that I am proud of, including positions I have held, exhibitions I have curated, programmes I convene, awards I have received, and public talks I have given.

Positions
Adjunct Curator, Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational, Tate Modern, London (2019–2025)

  • Exhibitions
    Quiet Ground, South African Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy (2024)
    Ecologies of Elsewhere, Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati (Co-curator) (2023)
    When Rain Clouds Gather: Black South African Women Artists, 1940–2000, Norval Foundation, Cape Town (Co-curator) (2022–2023) Batlhaping Ba Re!: Mmakgabo Mapula Helen Sebidi, Norval Foundation, Cape Town (2018–2019)
  • Programmes
    Joint Curriculum — a seminar-based social responsiveness programme that facilitates a communal exchange of artistic and curatorial knowledge.
  • Awards
    Visiting Fellow, Department of the History of Art, Yale University (2023) 
  • UCT College of Fellows Young Researcher Award (2023) 
  • NRF Black Academic Advancement Programme Fellow (2022)
  •  African Humanities Fellowship, American Council of Learned Societies (2021)

I have also had the pleasure of giving talks at institutions across the world, including the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK), Tate Modern (London, UK), Yale University (New Haven, USA), the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (Nairobi, Kenya), Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda), the University of Ghana (Accra, Ghana), and the Institut national d’histoire de l’art (Paris, France).

Author -
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Zola Nombona

Zola Nombona

Award-winning actress | TV presenter | Digital entrepreneur |Content creator | Facilitator
To The Max Brand Management
https://www.instagram.com/znombona?igsh=MWlldXFjcXlybnJoeQ=
https://tothemaxmanagement.com/

Zola Nombona is an award-winning actress, TV presenter, and digital entrepreneur whose work is defined by purpose, authenticity, and versatility. She is represented by To The Max Brand Management, which supports her career beyond acting — positioning her as a brand ambassador, curating her digital presence, and creating partnerships that amplify her influence across media and business. “Acting has always been my plan A,” says Zola. “It allows me to connect with people in a way  that words alone sometimes can’t.” From school plays in Mthatha and Matatiele to acclaimed television roles, she has become one of South Africa’s most compelling and respected talents. Her accolades include the SAFTA Award for Best Actress, multiple Golden Horn nominations, and recognition as a Forty under Forty Theatre & Arts nominee (2024). Recently, she expanded her creative footprint behind the camera, directing the Salt & Sand music video — a move that demonstrates her evolution from performer to visionary storyteller. For Zola, success is about mastering her craft and staying authentic. “Growth doesn’t happen by chance,” she says. “It happens through intention and consistent effort.” Grounded by faith and guided by purpose, she continues to inspire audiences, connect meaningfully with brands, and build a personal brand that extends far beyond the screen.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art, Wits  University

ACHIEVEMENTS

Nominations and awards

  • 2024: Forty Under Forty, Theatre & Arts
  • 2021: South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) – Best supporting actress
  • 2020: Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards – Favourite actress
  • 2018 & 2019: South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), Best actress in a lead role in TV Drama
  • 2017: Golden Horn Award – Best actress in a TV Comedy
  • 2016: SAFTA, – Best achievement by a lead actress in a Made-for-TV Movie

| mg.co.za
Zinhlezonke Zikalala

Zinhlezonke Zikalala

Founder | Editor-in-chief Sibizi Magazine
Sibizi Media
https://www.instagram.com/zitchzikalala
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinhlezonke-zikalala-0205b256/
www.sibizimagazine.co.za

Zinhlezonke Zikalala is the dynamic editor-in-chief of Sibizi Magazine, a youth-driven publication amplifying South African voices in entrepreneurship, creativity, and social impact. She holds a BA in Communication (with a focus on Media Studies and Journalism) from the University of the Free State. She will complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at TSIBA Business School in December. At Sibizi, Zinhlezonke oversees the whole editorial process — from conceptualising stories and managing contributors to curating content that reflects authenticity, ambition, and empowerment. Her leadership ensures that every issue aligns with the magazine’s mission: to celebrate black excellence, resilience,  and innovation while driving meaningful conversations among the youth, engaging them in the issues that matter. Inspired by the lack of platforms that authentically represent young South Africans, she founded Sibizi Media to change that narrative. Beyond her editorial work, she mentors learners in her hometown of Bergville, encouraging them to dream beyond their circumstances. Her trailblazing work has earned her recognition, including a Champions of KZN Award (Media Category) and being named a Sunday World Unsung Hero (2022) for Media Innovation. Zinhlezonke’s guiding philosophy:  “Consistency and purpose are more powerful than perfection. Start where you are, with what you have — and  grow from there.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA Communication (Media Studies and Journalism), University of the Free State
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, TSIBA Business School (*in progress)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Sibizi Magazine was nominated at the KZN Youth in Business Awards under the Media category.
  • I won the Champions of KZN Awards under the Media category and the Sunday World Unsung Hero for Media Innovation in 2022. 
| mg.co.za
Zandi Wardle

Zandi Wardle

Senior producer, continuity and programming
Ukhozi FM
https://www.instagram.com/zandiwardle/
https://www.youtube.com/@zandiwardle
https://www.ukhozifm.co.za/listenukhozifm/

Zandi Wardle is a creative force in South African media, serving as senior producer for Continuity and Programming at Ukhozi FM, one of Africa’s largest radio stations with over seven million listeners. She leads the station’s production ecosystem, overseeing content strategy, quality control,  and the seamless execution of campaigns across all platforms. “Creativity is not something I keep to myself — it’s meant to be experienced, to spark thought, and to connect people,” Zandi says. Her work spans radio, television, and film, including the award-winning Rights of Passage Anthology showcased at the Durban International Film Festival. She also engages audiences through her YouTube channel, which has grown to over 72,000 subscribers. At Ukhozi FM, Zandi translates audience insights into content that resonates culturally and emotionally, guiding producers, on-air talent, and technical teams with a perspective that elevates storytelling. She thrives on collaboration,  debate, and pushing boundaries, believing that great content emerges when ideas are challenged. For Zandi, producing isn’t just about airtime — it’s about impact. Her campaigns consistently con- nect audiences and spark conversation, proving that media can both entertain and inspire. “Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones,” she notes. Grounded, visionary, and deeply committed to her craft,  Zandi continues to shape South African media, inspiring teams and audiences alike, and demonstrating the power of authentic storytelling.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Motion Picture Medium, AFDA

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Rights of Passage Anthology  – Durban International Film Festival winner. 
  • Achieving over 72 000 subscribers on my YouTube channel. 
  • The work I do at Ukhozi FM

 

| mg.co.za
Roshina Ratnam

Roshina Ratnam

Artistic director | Independent artist| Puppeteer | National councillor
Inala Theatre | UNIMA South Africa
https://www.instagram.com/roshinaratnam?igsh=MXVzb2JidWx2OWJ6bg==

Roshina Ratnam’s world is one where imagination breathes, stories move, and even the inanimate comes alive. As an artist, director, puppeteer, and national councillor for UNIMA South  Africa, she stands at the heart of a growing creative movement that blends performance, education, and community. Her journey, which began in the homeland of Bophuthatswana, is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative nature of storytelling. This curiosity found its form  in theatre and later, in puppetry — an art that, as she says, “demands humility; to serve the puppet, you must step aside from ego.” Through her company, Inala Theatre, and collaborations with  Magnet Theatre, Roshina continues to push the boundaries of physical and children’s theatre. Her award-winning production Lumka won the Fleur du Cap for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences in 2020, with Surge (2024) and Glimmer (2025) following as celebrated nominees. She also spearheaded the UNIMA SA Puppetry Masterclass Series, creating a vibrant network for artists across the country. For Roshina, puppetry is more than performance — it’s empathy in motion. “Trust the process,” she says. “If you stay present and faithful to the work, the truth always reveals itself.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts Majors in English and Drama, University of Cape Town
  • Performers Diploma, University of Cape Town 

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am most proud of spearheading the UNIMA South Africa Puppetry Masterclass Series, which brought together artists from across the country to train, share, and connect — a project that has continued to build community and promote skill-sharing in our field. I’m also proud of my work in theatre for young audiences. In 2020, our production Lumka won the Fleur du Cap Award for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences. I then went on to work with Magnet Theatre, where I directed Surge (2024) and Glimmer (2025), both of which received Fleur du Cap nominations for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences. These recognitions mean a great deal to me because children’s theatre is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most vital and imaginative spaces in our cultural landscape. Magnet Theatre’s long-standing commitment to physical theatre and youth development aligns deeply with my own values — nurturing empathy, discipline, and creativity in young artists. Finally, I am proud to have had the opportunity to travel, share the South African artist’s experience, and continue learning from the global puppetry community that has become my extended family.

 

| mg.co.za
Zibu Sithole

Zibu Sithole

Freelance writer and author
https://www.instagram.com/zibu_sithole_writes?igsh=bXd5ZTRxcWh3ODU=

Zibu Sithole is a freelance writer and author whose work, characterised by its unique blend of fiction, journalism, and advocacy, sets her apart in the literary world. She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of  Johannesburg. Balancing her writing career with homeschooling her son, she starts her days immersed in news and social media, staying tuned to the world she reflects in her fiction. Her breakthrough came with “The Thing with Zola” in 2023, followed by “I Do… Don’t I? and the trilogy-closing Love, Zola in 2025. Completing the series in just three years, Zibu earned longlist recognition from both the Sunday Times and the South African Literary  Awards. The Zola series explores love, identity, and personal growth, offering compelling narratives of women as they pursue happiness and agency on their own terms. Beyond accolades, Zibu connects with readers through interviews, online platforms, and storytelling that sparks dialogue and inspires change. A single mother and serial  “rerouter,” she champions second chances, guiding others to redefine themselves. Her philosophy—“it’s not just okay, but vital to start over and dream a new dream”— shapes both her life and her writing. Through her action, Zibu empowers readers to embrace possibility, resilience, and authentic joy, demonstrating that even in a rapidly changing world, stories can serve as a lifeline, a roadmap, and a call to dream boldly.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, University of Johannesburg 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Sunday Times Literary Awards longlist 2024 for Fiction – The Thing with Zola (Pan Macmillan)
  • South African Literary Awards longlist (2024) for the Novel Prize.
  • Completing a three-novel series (The Thing with Zola, I Do… Don’t I?, and Love, Zola) in three years.

 

Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Vicki Fourie

Vicki Fourie

Director | Writer | Producer | Actress |Disability activist
Sacambaya Films
https://www.instagram.com/fourievicki
https://www.youtube.com/@VickiFourie1
https://vickifourie.com/

Vicki Fourie turned a world of silence into a stage for inclusion and creativity. Growing up as a pastor’s kid in the Western Cape with 97% hearing loss, she learned to speak and read lips fluently, excelling in drama, dance, and sports—even competing internationally against hearing peers. Her breakthrough came as the first speaking winner of Miss Deaf South Africa, where she used the platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for inclusion. Vicki holds a BA Honours in Motion Picture Medium with a scriptwriting focus from AFDA Port Elizabeth. As the director of Sacambaya Films, Vicki not only shapes every aspect of her projects—from writing screenplays and managing production logistics-but also plays a crucial role in mentoring d/Deaf actors and ensuring authentic representation of d/Deaf experiences. Her stories open doors she once found closed, combining artistry with advocacy. Her accomplishments are remarkable: she is a 2025 NFVF Film Grant recipient, a Forty Under 40  finalist, published author of two books, and leader of acclaimed theatre and film projects. Vicki’s driving principle is simple but powerful: she holds the key to her own future. “Write the vision on your heart and keep it before you,” she says. Through her storytelling, mentorship, and advocacy, Vicki not only redefines what is possible for d/Deaf creatives but also proves that inclusion, vision, and determination can transform an entire industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium, AFDA Port Elizabeth – scriptwriting Focus
  • Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, Redding, California
  • Christian Writer’s Guild – Online Writer’s Course
  • Some of the professional courses completed: Professional Practice for Emerging Female Creatives – Kasi Creative Orientation – AKTV Tienertoneelteksskryfskool  – Bethel Coaching Skills – WGSA Documentary Writing 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Published Books: God Lief My – Carpe Diem Media; Viva la Vicki – Naledi Books
  • Leading Actress in Theatre Productions: Kinders van Stilte – Vryfees & Aardklop Productions
  • AFDA Honours Short Film: IsThuthi, Sacambaya Films
  • 2024 Postgraduate Honours Thesis: A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness

Awards:

  • 2025 – National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) Film Grant, Department of Sports, Arts & Culture – Not What Society Expects
  • 2025 – Forty Under 40 Finalist, Entertainment Category
  • 2024 – AFDA Gold Postgraduate Award, Outstanding Achievement in Postgraduate Scriptwriting
  • 2017 – Tributes Excellence Awards, Creative Arts Category
  • 2013 – National Institute for the Deaf, Actress Award (Kinders van Stilte)
  • 2011 – Cosmopolitan Magazine, Fun Fearless Female Award Winner
  • 2009 – Bloemfonteinse Skrywersvereniging Certificate, Yearly Accomplishments in Writing

Speaking Engagements (2025–2026):

  • AFDA Port Elizabeth Alumni Reunion & Open Day
  • ATKV Pacaltsdorp (George)
  • Forty Under 40 Awards & EmpowerAfriq Awards
    SACO Conference & Netflix Symposium
  • Africa’s Voices of Change, Nigeria
| mg.co.za
Sarah Jane Nicholson

Sarah Jane Nicholson

Managing director | Founder | Manager
Paradise Africa Distribution | Africa Rising Music Conference | Money Badoo
https://www.instagram.com/sj.nicholson/
https://africarisingmusicconference.com/

Sarah Jane Nicholson is a force in African music, blending creativity, business acumen, and a strategic vision that inspires. As managing director of Paradise Africa Distribution, founder of the Africa Rising Music Conference, and manager of Money Badoo, her days are never the same—releasing music, building fan bases, curating industry conversations, or producing shows that inspire audiences across South Africa and Berlin. Her inspiration for Africa Rising emerged during a challenging period in her artist management career, sparking a mission to create networks and knowledge-sharing opportunities for the African music community. Today, the conference remains the continent’s premier platform for collaboration and growth. Sarah-Jane has collaborated with heavyweights such as Mi Casa, Moonchild Sanelly, and Zakes  Bantwini, and helped establish Paradise Worldwide’s African division, thereby amplifying the global reach of  African talent. Her proudest milestones include launching Africa Rising, creating Women in Music South Africa,  facilitating Mamas in Music, curating SAMPRA export programmes, and releasing Zakes Bantwini’s global hit Osama—projects that collectively generate over 150 paid industry jobs annually. A former show jumper, she draws inspiration from discipline and balance, believing leadership is ultimately about people. Her mantra: take control,  stay composed, and let impact follow.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Production and editing, AFDA
  • Honours in Marketing and Communication, Vega in Cape Town.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Africa Rising Music Conference – creating an annual platform that makes a real impact in the industry and has been recognised as the top music conference in Africa.
  • Women in Music South Africa – setting up the first Women in Music chapter on the African continent.
  • Mamas in Music South Africa – facilitating the introduction that led to the creation of the local chapter, now run by a strong team supporting mothers in music and entrepreneurship.
  • Zakes Bantwini’s “Osama” release is happening worldwide (excluding Africa) on my label, and it has become a defining track for African music globally.
  • Paradise Sound System catalog – proud to have reached 100 releases on the label, showcasing diverse and boundary-pushing artists.
  • Inspiring artists – working closely with musicians such as Money Badoo and many others who are shaping culture.
  • Job creation – through the conference and our projects, providing over 150 paid jobs in the music industry each year.
  • Export programmes – proud of the Building Bridges export initiative with SAMPRA, which most recently took three South African interns to Berlin for three months of international training.
  • Strong leadership and team – proud to be a leader who has built a passionate team that loves what they do and consistently delivers at a high level.

 

Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Khanya Mthethwa

Khanya Mthethwa

Lecturer, Department of Jewellery Design and Manufacture
University of Johannesburg
https://www.instagram.com/changingfacets?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/art-design-and-architecture/

Dr Khanya Mthethwa grew up in KwaZulu-Natal with a love for creating, dreaming of a life shaped by art, design, and storytelling. Today, she channels that passion as both a practicing artist and a lecturer in jewellery design, guiding students to turn ideas into innovative, practice-led creations. She holds a PhD in Art History, a Master’s in Design, and a degree in Jewellery Design and Manufacture from the University of Johannesburg. She has trained in Rough Diamond Evaluation and Diamond Cutting at the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond  Training School. Her days are a combination of teaching, mentoring, and shaping curricula. At the same time, her own work interrogates colonial legacies, reimagines cultural narratives,  and celebrates ubuntu—the interconnectedness of humanity—through contemporary jewellery and multidisciplinary art. As one of the first Black South African women in her field to earn a PhD, Mthethwa has forged a path of personal achievement and mentorship, bringing a unique perspective to her work. Her work has captivated audiences from Athens to Milan, earning accolades including the 2023 Susan Beech Mid-Career Award and the PPC Imaginarium Jewellery Award. For Mthethwa, creativity is more than self-expression; it is a tool for connection, storytelling, and transformative impact. Her guiding principle is simple yet powerful: stay true to your vision and learn from every experience. Through her art and mentorship, Khanya continues to redefine South African jewellery and design, leaving a legacy that resonates far beyond the studio.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD in Art History, University of Johannesburg
  • Master’s in Design, University of Johannesburg
  • Bachelor’s degree in Jewellery Design and Manufacture, University of Johannesburg
  • Rough Diamond Evaluation and Diamond Cutting, Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School

ACHIEVEMENTS

Awards
 2023: Susan Beech Mid-Career Award
 2019: PPC Imaginarium Jewellery Winner Award

Exhibitions and Projects

I am deeply honoured to have showcased my work globally, using creativity as a vehicle to share and celebrate indigenous knowledge. Some highlights include:
 2025: Abantu: Threads That Bind Us, UJ FADA Gallery, Johannesburg
 2025: Gates of Transition, Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, Athens, Greece
 2025: Umsizi Nopende, Springs Art Gallery, Johannesburg
 2025: Designing the Past, Wearing the Future, Nirox Sculpture Park – Cool Room, Johannesburg
 2024: Jewellery All Along the Line, Galerie Handwerk, Munich
 2023: Civilization Rebooted, SMCK on Reel (video narrative performance), screened in Athens, Romania, and Chișinău
 2022: Windows, A-Galerii, Estonia
 2022: Artistar Jewels, Milano Jewelry Week, Milan, Italy
 2021: Interventions in Practice, UJ FADA Gallery, Johannesburg
 2019: A South African Perspective (A.S.A.P) to 4IR Exhibition, MmArtHouse Gallery, Johannesburg
 2019/2018: PPC Imaginarium Awards, UJ Art Gallery, Johannesburg
 2014: Introducing Student Jewellery, CDA Gallery, Zagreb, Croatia

These experiences represent more than professional recognition — they reflect my ongoing commitment to bridging creativity, culture, and scholarship, and to contributing to global conversations through a uniquely South African lens.

Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za

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