Amplifying Women’s Voices: IIE Rosebank College Alumna Vuyokazi Kafile Honoured in Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans 2025

Growing up in the small Eastern Cape village of Sterkspruit, Vuyokazi Kafile always dreamed of two careers: becoming a news anchor and an advocate — both driven by a shared mission to give a voice to the voiceless. Today, at just 27, she is well on her way to fulfilling that vision. As a News and Show Producer at the SABC, she plays a vital role in shaping accurate, impactful news bulletins that hold power to account and shine a light on stories often overlooked.

Her journey into journalism began with an IIE Diploma in Journalism at IIE Rosebank College, a brand of the Independent Institution of Education (The IIE). Her journey began with new experiences she did not imagine. One of her first experiences writing her own stories came through a group assignment to create a magazine. With little idea of where to start, she and her team visited a newspaper outlet for advice. That visit sparked something in her. Months later, she returned to the same newsroom to join a three-week work readiness programme. In her first week, she published a story that made the front page.

“I was so happy and thought, wow, I can actually do this. From then on, I started believing in myself. I still remind myself today — just because you can’t do it now, doesn’t mean you’ll never know how; it just means you haven’t done it yet.” She said.

Her time at IIE Rosebank College gave her more than technical skills; it gave her the foundation, confidence, and discipline to grow in the media industry. “We had amazing lecturers who taught us the principles, ethics, and discipline that I still use in my work even today,” she reflects.

Vuyokazi’s approach to storytelling is guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: focus on the human side of every story. She ensures that women, young people, and children feel seen and heard, moving away from the traditional model where journalists tell stories solely from their own perspective. This commitment is evident in her work on Kids Newsroom and Playroom Live, platforms that break convention by giving children the space to tell their own stories, a crucial step in a country where many voices still go unheard.

In the spirit of women `s month, her impact stands as a testament to the power of women leading change. Earning national recognition as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans. She describes the honour as humbling and motivating.

“It’s a reminder that people see you, they see your work, and you’re doing well. It motivates me to keep giving voice to those whose voices are unheard.”

Inspired by broadcasting icon Noxolo Grootboom, Vuyokazi is driven by a vision of changing narratives, breaking barriers, and using her voice to represent those who cannot speak for themselves.

Her advice to young people, especially IIE Rosebank College students, is heartfelt and direct:

“Just start. You won’t lose anything by taking that first step, but you might gain everything you’ve always wanted. Don’t be afraid to walk into rooms that are full, be confident, knowing others are just as nervous as you are.”

With her unwavering dedication, talent, and purpose, Vuyokazi Kafile is not only reporting the news, but she is also amplifying the voices of the unheard and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.