Empowering youth through New Narratives: A Media revolution by an IIE Rosebank College Alumni

Empowering youth through New Narratives: A Media revolution by an IIE Rosebank College Alumni

The perception around young people is often blurred by a handful of those who determine their own trajectories that are deemed “unconventional rather morally reprehensible” by the society, neglecting to highlight the impact of young change makers.

Nomama Dlamini a graduate  at the IIE Rosebank College, a brand of The Independent Institute of Education The IIE, is a creative and media professional with a lifelong passion for storytelling and sound. She is amongst those who are determined to refashion the narrative. As a sole sister to two brothers, one as a DJ, she developed a passion for music early on, being brought up by two passionate educators nurtured in her a strong foundation of discipline, curiosity and creative expression.

Post acquiring  an IIE Diploma in Business Management at IIE Rosebank College and a certificate in Radio Production, she found her place behind the mic, in her current role as a news reader and music compiler, she successfully merged information and rhythm to craft engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.

According to her, media plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative around young people but often portrays them through a narrow lens. As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, it's evident that the zeitgeist of our era is being shaped by the audacious voices of young people. No longer mere spectators, they are the architects of change, leveraging various platforms to redefine the narrative.

As Marshall McLuhan astutely observed, "We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us." In this context, young people are harnessing the power of media, technology, and creativity to challenge entrenched stereotypes, document unvarnished realities, and inspire meaningful action.

Building on the legacy of the 1976 youth who fought long and hard for freedom of expression, they laid a foundation for us to be resourceful and resilient, irrespective of the socio-economic concerns faced by everyone in South Africa. Similarly, young people can be powerful catalysts for social change when they wield their influence with intention and purpose.  By using their platforms to inform, inspire, and uplift, young people can create a new narrative that reflects their experiences, aspirations, and realities.

Conceptualizing media as a multifaceted and ever evolving domain, Nomama underscores the value of starting small. Whether it's starting a blog, creating art, or organizing community events, the key is to start where you are, with what you have.
By centering truth, culture, and possibility, young people can challenge outdated narratives and make room for new ones. Representation is about more than who's in the room, it’s about who's being heard. As a young journalist and music compiler, she sees herself as part of this shift and aims to utilise her platform to inform and inspire, also challenging outdated narratives and making room for new ones