STORIES OF CHANGE: Powerful stories of women who are shaping the future of media and business

Join us in celebrating and featuring women in media, journalism, and communications business who are breaking barriers, advancing their careers, growing impactful enterprises, and achieving meaningful milestones as they share their stories with us.

fraymedia Foundation is proud to be showcasing dynamic women who are driving innovation, leading change, strengthening ethical and solutions-driven storytelling, and contributing to Africa’s development and media governance landscape.

See how you can share your story with us here.

Click on the dropdown to read the full stories of our changemakers below

STORIES OF CHANGE: In Conversation with Sibongile Mabena

Sibongile Mabena is reshaping what community journalism looks like in Bronkhorstspruit. At 35, she has seen growth as a journalist and founder of the Bronkhorstspruit Bulletin, grounded on the contribution to the development of her community. Mabena has worked across mainstream publications including Rekord, Daily Sun and The Tshwane Post. Today, she is also pursuing her LLB through the University of South Africa (UNISA), further deepening her commitment to justice, accountability and community development.

Through the Bronkhorstspruit Bulletin, Mabena is proving that community journalism is not small journalism. It is courageous journalism. It is accountable journalism. And most importantly, it is journalism rooted in the lived realities of the people it serves.

Her story reminds us that change often begins locally, with one determined woman, a platform, and the courage to tell the truth. Her journey is one of purpose, resilience and an unwavering belief that local stories matter.

From law dreams to local headlines

“I initially wanted to be a lawyer,” Sibongile recalls. “But my dad persuaded me to try journalism because I was a bookworm and forever glued to the news.”

Though hesitant at first, she found her calling while studying journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology. Years later, she has no regrets. Her career has spanned reporting and communications, but her heart has always leaned toward community media.

“Even though I’ve worked in mainstream, I always felt like my purpose is in community media,” she explains.

That conviction led to the creation of the Bronkhorstspruit Bulletin; a platform dedicated to amplifying local voices in a town often defined by controversy.

As community newsrooms shrink and resources decline, stories are increasingly lost, underreported or ignored. Mabena’s mission is clear, to highlight pressing issues, give residents ownership of their narratives, and hold institutions accountable.

Navigating backlash in the digital age

Like many journalists, Mabena has had to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape. News is now gathered, processed and shared at unprecedented speed, and with that comes scrutiny.

“Digital media has changed how news are gathered, processed and disseminated. Sometimes when you report on certain issues, there’s backlash,” she says. “And I can’t control how people consume news.”

Reporting within one’s own community can be especially complex. Support can be divided, and criticism can feel personal. Yet Mabena remains grounded.

“The comments get to me sometimes, but I’m not bothered much.”

Sibongile Mabena has also faced gendered assumptions about her leadership.

“Many people think there’s a man behind the brand,” she notes; a misconception she regularly corrects.

Her leadership presence as a woman, challenges lingering stereotypes in a media industry where, as she puts it, “the glass ceiling may be shattered, but the pieces are still there.”

One of her greatest frustrations is content theft on social media. Stories are republished without credit, limiting both recognition and revenue. Despite this, she continues to produce work with integrity and consistency.

Creating impact, one story at a time

For Mabena, impact is measured in voices amplified and doors opened.

“I’m proud that I gave people a platform to tell their own stories in their own voice, because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will.”

Each like, comment and follow is, to her, a sign of connection and trust. Community members have returned to say they gained sponsors or recognition after being featured. Those moments, she says, make the hard work worthwhile.

Her influence extends beyond her own platform. She supplies story leads to mainstream media and connects journalists with local sources. In doing so, she ensures that Bronkhorstspruit’s stories travel beyond its borders.

Leadership with heart

Journalism, Sibongile Mabena believes, requires courage and compassion in equal measure.

“Journalism isn’t easy. It requires a big heart.”

In a shifting media landscape, she anchors herself in resilience. “I constantly have to remind myself that I can be moved but never shaken.”

Her leadership is not loud, it is steady. It is the kind that builds trust over time and refuses to retreat in the face of obstacles.

Advice to the next generation

To young African women entering media and media entrepreneurship, her message is direct:

“There will always be obstacles, but giving up is not an option. Fight for what you believe in, and things always work out.”

It is advice shaped by lived experience, by navigating criticism, gender bias and the daily grind of running a newsroom.

Inspired by women supporting women

Sibongile first encountered the fraymedia Foundation through social media. A post about women in media participating in the EntreprenHER programme caught her attention.

She was particularly inspired by a woman from Mpumalanga who received funding support to help run her newsroom.

“I was intrigued at how the foundation goes out of its way to help women in media,” she says.

For Sibongile, such initiatives represent more than funding, in that they signal belief. Belief in women’s leadership. Belief in community media. Belief in sustainable change.

---

STORIES OF CHANGE: In Conversation with Anetta Mangxaba

For the leader behind Dizindaba Media, media has always been about more than reporting the news. It has been about visibility, dignity, representation, and creating platforms where communities can see themselves reflected in their own language and lived realities.

Building community media that serves, represents and empowers, Anetta Mangxaba, brings us to her journey into media and journalism. The Chairperson of the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), says her journey was shaped by what she witnessed in underserved and rural communities, particularly among isiXhosa-speaking communities whose stories were often overlooked or misrepresented. This motivated her drive "to create platforms that speak directly to our people in their own language and context". To the creation of Dizindaba Media, she says:

"Our purpose became not only to inform, but also to empower, educate and preserve identity".

According to the Chairperson, stories of resilience, culture, women, youth, faith, education, community leadership, and local development were not receiving the visibility they deserved in mainstream spaces.

Over time, the purpose of Dizindaba Media expanded beyond traditional journalism into building sustainable media businesses and digital storytelling platforms. Currently, the platform is growing in the aims of focusing on youth development opportunities, podcasts, and partnerships that can create real social and economic impact.

"Today, I see media not just as a tool for reporting, but as a vehicle for transformation, skills development, healing, representation, and nation building" says Mangxaba.

Overcoming obstacles in community media

Like many independent and community media organisations, the journey has not been without challenges. Mangxaba notes that building and sustaining independent media in rural and township communities often means operating with limited resources, funding, and infrastructure while still carrying the responsibility of serving communities effectively.

In this position, she has had to wear multiple hats at once, as a journalist, editor, strategist, marketer, event organiser, community mobiliser, while upholding the quality and credibility of the publication.

Instead of allowing these obstacles to become barriers and discouragement, Mangxaba says she uses the challenges as motivation to innovate and diversify.

This led to a stronger focus on digital transition strategies, community partnerships, storytelling services, sponsorship proposals, podcasts, events, and multimedia content that could create pathways toward sustainability. Purpose-driven leadership also became central to the work, rooted in the belief that resilience becomes essential when work is connected to service to people.

"These challenges taught me adaptability, faith, creativity, and the importance of building platforms that are not only impactful, but sustainable for future generations", she says.

Gaining returns in resilience

Among the achievements she is most proud of is helping create visibility and voice for communities often excluded from mainstream conversations. Through community-centred journalism and storytelling, Dizindaba Media has been able to highlight local issues, celebrate grassroots success stories, and promote educational and development initiatives, while amplifying opportunities for women and young people.

Though Mangxaba entered into the media industry unconventionally, without a formal newsroom or traditional media background, she has been able to spear ahead in her aims.

"I had to learn, build and navigate spaces that were often dominated by established structures and gatekeepers", she explains.

Through resilience, purpose and a commitment to serving communities authentically, she was able to grow from "simply wanting to tell stories into holding influencial leadership positions within the industry".

Recognising todays growth and success

Today, Mangxaba serves as Chairperson of AIP, one of the largest independent media organisations in South Africa. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Digital News Transformation Fund, the country’s first initiative of its kind, focused on supporting the sustainability and future of independent media.

For her, these leadership roles represent more than personal achievement.

They reflect what is possible for women, particularly black women and women from underserved communities, to lead, influence and shape the future of media in Africa.

Enhancing indigenous languages and youths

Another important aspect of Mangxaba's work has been creating platforms that embrace indigenous language storytelling and cultural identity through isiXhosa media.

"This has helped communities feel seen, heard, and respected", she says.

A number of young people in South Africa fall behind due to social and economic limitations, and Mangxaba is driven in the aims of closing this gap.

Looking ahead, she hopes to mentor and inspire young people, especially young women, to believe they can enter media, leadership, and entrepreneurship spaces regardless of their background or qualifications.

"Beyond publishing stories, I believe true impact comes from building confidence, representation, opportunities, and sustainable pathways for others to rise," says Mangxaba.

Leadership in an ever-changing industry

In a constantly shifting media landscape, Mangxaba's leadership approach remains grounded in service, vision, and continuous learning. She believes innovation begins with listening, understanding communities and finding meaningful ways to connect storytelling with solutions, development and skills empowerment.

This philosophy has guided her embrace of multimedia storytelling, podcasts, digital media strategies, community engagement, and partnerships that link journalism with social impact.

“Strong leadership is not about individual recognition alone; it is about creating platforms where others can grow, contribute, and discover their purpose,” she says.

Grounded in faith, discipline, and purpose, Mangxaba has found these elements crucial anchors during uncertain seasons, as they continue to guide how she leads and innovates.

Words to the future women leaders

Mangxaba's advice to young African women entering media and media entrepreneurship is clear:

"Never underestimate the power of your voice, your story, or your perspective. Our communities need authentic storytellers who understand the realities on the ground and who are willing to lead with courage and integrity".

She encourages young women to continue learning, invest in their skills, and build sustainable models around their passion by understanding business, partnerships, branding, and financial management.

"Don't wait for permission to start", she continued. "Use the tools and platforms available to you, continue learning, and invest in building your skills consistently".

Media today is no longer limited to the traditional newsrooms, says Mangxaba, highlighting the vast opportunities in digital storytelling, podcasting, content creation, publishing, broadcast and social impact communication.

Mangxaba further encourages young women to build sustainable models around their passion.

"Creativity is important, but sustainability matters too" she says.

Adding that learning about business, partnerships, branding, and financial management is important to grow vision and create long-term impact.

Most importantly, she believes in staying rooted in purpose.

“Challenges will come, but when your work is connected to service and impact, you will find the strength to continue.”

Mangxaba first came to know about fraymedia Foundation through the Association of Independent Publishers and its work supporting meaningful storytelling, journalism development, and socially conscious media initiatives across Africa.

What stood out most was the Foundation’s commitment to using storytelling not only as a communication tool, but as a way to drive dialogue, inclusion, accountability, and social change.

"I was particularly inspired by the Foundation’s focus on empowering journalists, creators, and storytellers who are passionate about community impact and underrepresented narratives," says Mangxaba, adding how strongly aligned these principles are with her own belief that African stories should be told authentically, ethically, and in ways that uplift communities while creating opportunities for future generations.

---

STORIES OF CHANGE: In Conversation with Mutshidzi Portia Munyai

For many, media is a space for storytelling, news, or entertainment. But for one emerging media practitioner from rural South Africa, it is something far more powerful; a tool for development, empowerment, and community resilience.

Mutshidzi Portia Munyai, residing from Limpopo, is founder of Win One Win All organisation, and fellow of the Her Greener Futures initiative. Her disaster preparedness initiative focuses on smallholder and subsistence farmers in rural villages.

Munyai's journey into media began with a simple but profound realisation: communication shapes how people understand the world.

“While studying Media Studies, I became more aware that information can influence how communities make decisions,” she reflects. “Especially in rural areas where access to reliable information is limited.”

This awareness transformed Munyai's perspective. Media was no longer just about content but about access, agency, and impact.

From storytelling to social change

Early hands-on experience at Limpopo Home Cinema, where she worked in continuity, gave her insight into the mechanics of production and the importance of accuracy in storytelling. But it also reinforced something deeper: stories matter, and how they are told can influence lives.

Over time, her purpose evolved beyond pursuing a career in media. Today, she sees communication as a critical bridge between knowledge and communities, particularly for those often excluded from mainstream information systems.

Her work and interests now sit at the intersection of media, environment, and community development, with a strong focus on rural populations.

Through her involvement in initiatives such as the Her Greener Futures: Japan–Africa Women’s Resilience Fellowship, Munyai has been exploring how media platforms, especially community radio, can be used to deliver vital information to smallholder farmers.

Turning challenges into opportunity

Like many young women navigating the media space from under-resourced contexts, her journey has not been without challenges.

Balancing academic commitments, community work, and personal responsibilities has required resilience and determination. Limited access to opportunities in rural areas added another layer of complexity.

But rather than becoming barriers, these challenges became catalysts.

“I chose to look for creative ways to move forward,” she says.

She actively sought out innovation programmes, competitions, and collaborative spaces to test her ideas and build her skills. Her efforts paid off. From being recognised among the top participants in a science innovation programme for her plastic upcycling concept, to placing third in a hackathon with her team.

These experiences not only strengthened her confidence but also reinforced a key lesson: growth often comes from stepping into spaces of challenge and possibility.

Bridging the information gap

At the heart of Munyai's work is a commitment to addressing one critical issue: the information gap facing rural farmers.

Many smallholder farmers rely heavily on seasonal patterns and rainfall, yet lack access to timely and accurate early warning information about climate risks.

Her solution is both simple and powerful: use community radio as a platform to translate scientific information into practical, accessible knowledge.

By connecting environmental data with local communities through trusted communication channels, she aims to help farmers make informed decisions, protect their livelihoods, and strengthen food security.

“I believe that when communities have access to the right information at the right time, they can make better decisions,” she explains.

Leadership through learning and collaboration

In a rapidly evolving media landscape, Munyai sees leadership as a continuous process of learning and adaptation.

“Leadership means being open to change and new ways of communicating,” she says.

Her approach is rooted in collaboration; bringing together diverse perspectives to solve real-world challenges. Participation in hackathons and innovation programmes has shaped her belief that the most impactful solutions often emerge through collective effort.

For Munyai, resilience is equally essential. Staying grounded in purpose, even when faced with obstacles, is what drives long-term impact.

“Leadership is not only about personal success,” she adds. “It’s about creating opportunities and solutions that benefit communities.”

A message to young African women

Her message to other young African women entering media is both encouraging and practical: Your voice matters.

“Media is a powerful platform, and women’s perspectives are important in shaping conversations that affect our societies,” she says.

Munyai encourages young women to remain curious, continuously build their skills, and not wait for perfect opportunities before starting.

“Start small. Work on projects that address local challenges. Build networks and collaborate with others,” she advises.

Above all, she emphasises the importance of staying committed to purpose; using media not just as a career, but as a tool for meaningful change.

Inspired by platforms that amplify change

Munyai's connection to the fraymedia Foundation reflects this same vision.

“What stood out to me is the foundation’s commitment to supporting African media professionals and creating spaces for important conversations,” she says.

She is particularly inspired by platforms that highlight stories of individuals using media to make a difference, spaces that foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation across the continent.

As she continues her journey, her mission remains clear: to use media to empower communities, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable development.

Her story is a reminder that impactful media is not only about reaching audiences; it is about reaching communities with purpose, relevance, and care.

And in doing so, she represents a new generation of African women in media, who are innovative, community-driven, and committed to change.

---

STORIES OF CHANGE: In Conversation with Nontobeko Mtshali

Sometimes the path we never planned becomes the one we were always meant to follow. From plan B to purpose, this story reveals how curiosity, courage and communication shaped a media entrepreneurs journey.

For this media entrepreneur and science communication specialist, the journey into journalism began with an unexpected disappointment. As a learner in Sarel Cilliers High School in Glencoe, she dreamed of becoming an interior designer. Although passionate about art, her school was unable to offer it as a formal subject due to low enrolment. Even an after-school art class, organised by her English teacher, also came to an end when only a handful of learners continued attending.

Determined to pursue her dream, she applied to study interior design at what was then Wits Technikon. She progressed to the final stages of the application process, submitting an art portfolio and completing a practical assessment. Despite demonstrating natural artistic talent, her application was unsuccessful because she lacked the technical drawing and design skills that formal high school art training would have provided.

As she grappled with the disappointment, she found an unexpected source of encouragement in her father. Knowing her strong English marks and her love for writing, he encouraged her to study journalism. He explained that journalism could allow her to combine both interests by becoming an art writer or contributing to home décor magazines, which were thriving at the time. Looking back today, she smiles at how that moment changed everything.

Nontobeko Mtshali now describes journalism as "the best Plan B ever."

Choosing uncertainty

Over the years, her purpose evolved once again. After building a successful journalism career, including serving in a managerial position, she realised she wanted greater ownership of her time and the freedom to design her own life.

"My progression to being a media entrepreneur was influenced by me wanting more control of my time and the freedom to design my life. I was tired of the Sunday Blues."

She recognised a gap where her journalism and science communication expertise could make a difference and decided to establish her own business.

Making that leap was one of the defining moments of her career.

Leaving the certainty of full-time employment without knowing exactly what would come next required courage. Rather than waiting for complete security, she realised that the opportunity she hoped for would only emerge once she committed to the decision.

"I knew something had to give and suspected that the cushion that will catch me, in whatever form, will only appear once I take the leap."

Curiosity became her greatest asset.

"My relentless curiosity helped me navigate this new chapter because I'm learning about running a business as I'm doing it."

She immersed herself in learning through books, YouTube videos, masterclasses, webinars, short courses and business communities, while simultaneously building her business. For Mtshali, entrepreneurship has been an ongoing process of learning, experimenting, making mistakes and growing alongside others who are navigating similar journeys.

"The self-education plus the doing, tripping, learning, growing and meeting people along the way... has helped me tremendously."

Journalism that changes lives

Nontobeko Mtshali's belief in the power of journalism was shaped long before entrepreneurship.

Early in her reporting career, she experienced firsthand how journalism could transform people's lives and two journalistic stories remain especially memorable for her.

One story involved a domestic worker whose identity had been stolen and used to secure substantial bank loans. After months of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through official channels, her story reached the newsroom.

Following the publication of the article, she was issued a new identity number and the banks acknowledged that she was a victim who could not be held responsible for fraudulent loans.

Another story centred on a single mother whose child had been incorrectly denied admission to a school despite qualifying under the education department's own admissions policy. Following media coverage, the department reversed its decision, acknowledged that it had failed to follow its own procedures and admitted the learner. Reflecting on those experiences, Mtshali realised that journalism could do far more than report events: journalism has the ability to improve people's lives in tangible ways.

"I could contribute to alleviating someone's burden in a significant way."

Democratising knowledge

Today, that same commitment continues through science communication.

As the founder of her own business; Magalela Media, Mtshali sees her work as contributing to the democratisation of knowledge and helping build a more informed citizenry.

"I'm proud to be contributing to the democratisation of knowledge and an informed citizenry."

At a time when misinformation is widespread, she believes accessible and credible information enables people to make better decisions.

"Knowledge enhances our world because if we know better, we do better."

Leading with self-mastery

Nontobeko Mtshali's approach to leadership begins with self-mastery.

"Self-mastery is important. Your ability to manage yourself bleeds into your ability to manage and lead others."

Challenges, she says, are opportunities to build stronger muscles. While difficult experiences may leave scars, they also provide lessons, data and resilience for the future.

"I keep top of mind that the storm I might be in will eventually lead to stronger muscles."

Innovation, in her view, depends on adaptability.

Drawing inspiration from Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, she embraces the philosophy of remaining committed to the problem being solved rather than becoming attached to a single solution. As technology continues to reshape media, she believes professionals must remain focused on their purpose while allowing their methods to evolve.

Advice for the next generation

Nontobeko Mtshali's advice to emerging journalists is rooted in integrity.

"Keep your word. If someone tells you something is 'off the record', keep it off the record."

For aspiring media entrepreneurs, Mtshali emphasises continuous learning, adaptability and practical business discipline. Alongside developing new skills, she encourages founders to seek professional financial advice early to ensure their businesses remain compliant and sustainable. She encourages young journalists to pursue the profession because it genuinely inspires them.

"Journalism is demanding, so get into it if it truly lights a fire in your belly."

Mtshali believes continuous learning is no longer optional, particularly for entrepreneurs.

"Having a growth mindset and a thirst for learning is vital."

She also offers practical advice often overlooked by new founders: seek professional financial support early and ensure your business remains compliant as it grows.

A full-circle journey with the fraymedia Foundation

Nontobeko Mtshali's relationship with the fraymedia Foundation reflects the same spirit of growth and lifelong learning.

As a journalism student in 2008, Mtshali reflects on her internship at frayintermedia. Years later, as she embarks on her journey as a media entrepreneur, becoming a fraymedia Foundation Fellow represents what she describes as a "wonderful full-circle moment."

Just as the organisation supported her at the beginning of her journalism career, it is once again providing guidance and mentorship during another significant chapter.

"The fact that I'm a fraymedia Foundation Fellow in my still nascent journey as a media entrepreneur is a wonderful full-circle moment for me because the organisation is doing for me now what it did back then – guiding and mentoring me through a significant career stepping stone."

Nontobeko Mtshali's story reminds us that careers are rarely linear. Sometimes rejection redirects us toward a greater purpose. Sometimes courage means stepping into uncertainty before the path is visible. And sometimes the greatest impact begins with simply being willing to learn, adapt and keep moving forward.