In the spirit of Women20 (W20), my mother nominated me for this award under the category Women in Arts, Film & Media. ‘This year we are celebrating women who turn the impossible into unstoppable. We pay tribute to the women who challenge limitations, shift narratives and lead with a purpose,’ it is stated on the Mail & Guardian’s website.
I am now on the shortlist.
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Letter of Motivation
Date: 8 July 2025
Dear Mail & Guardian Selection Committee,
It is with great pride and heartfelt conviction that I nominate my daughter, Vicki Fourie, for the Power of Women Awards, celebrating extraordinary women who turn the impossible into unstoppable. Vicki’s life and work embody exactly that spirit—she challenges limitations, shifts narratives, and leads with a purpose that transforms not only her industry, but the communities she serves.
Vicki was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of two, an experience that changed our family forever. From an early age, she showed remarkable resilience, learning to navigate a world that often overlooks those who are different. She communicates fluently through her cochlear implants and extraordinary lipreading skills, demonstrating every day that disability is not a barrier to excellence or leadership.
Today, Vicki is an award-winning filmmaker, accomplished writer, motivational speaker, and passionate advocate for authentic disability representation in South African arts and media.
In 2024, Vicki graduated with distinction from AFDA in Port Elizabeth, earning the prestigious Postgraduate Gold Award for Scriptwriting. Her Honours thesis, A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness, is the first South African research of its kind, providing critical insights for more inclusive filmmaking. Her original script, Is’Thuthi, which centers a Deaf protagonist, was chosen as her class’s top concept and premiered at Nu Metro cinemas—a powerful milestone for representation in local cinema.
This year, Vicki was awarded a competitive National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) grant to produce ThisAbility, her first professional short film. The project is groundbreaking in its vision: to celebrate Deaf identity and resilience through authentic storytelling crafted by someone who lives it. She has also launched Sacambaya Films, an independent production company dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive films.
Beyond her artistic contributions, Vicki has used her platform to inspire thousands. She has delivered more than 170 motivational talks across South Africa, from rural schools to corporate conferences, sharing her journey and empowering others to embrace their own stories. As a published author and columnist, she continues to uplift and inform audiences on issues of identity, disability, and purpose.
Vicki’s approach is deeply collaborative. She actively mentors emerging creatives and is committed to developing sustainable opportunities in the Eastern Cape, where she now lives and works. She has a vision of building a vibrant, inclusive film hub in Jeffrey’s Bay, a place she believes holds enormous creative potential.
What sets Vicki apart is not only her talent, but her courage to reimagine what is possible. She lives with 97% hearing loss, adrenal fatigue, and the daily challenges that come with advocating for change in spaces that are often resistant to it. Yet she remains unstoppable—fueled by a mission to ensure Deaf and disabled voices are heard, seen, and celebrated.
Her work exemplifies the W20 vision of gender equity and economic empowerment, while also expanding it to include disability justice. Through her films, writing, and public engagement, she is shifting narratives in ways that make South African arts and culture richer, more honest, and more inclusive.
Vicki has proven that representation is not a token gesture, but a catalyst for belonging and transformation. Her story is proof that when women lead with authenticity and conviction, entire industries—and hearts—can change.
I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition. Vicki Fourie is not just a powerful creative force; she is a living example of what it means to turn the impossible into unstoppable.
Thank you for considering this nomination.
Warm regards,
Bonita Fourie
Mother and Nominator
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Shortlist Q & A:
Can you tell us a bit about your background — where you grew up and what you wanted to be when you were younger?
I grew up as a pastor’s kid — actually, both my parents were in full-time ministry. We moved around a lot; my parents were apostolic and planted numerous churches and schools across the Western Cape. I’ve lived in more than 30 houses, each a new adventure: a new town, a new home, a new bedroom. Through this, I learned to be adaptable — and that the grass is green wherever you invest your energy and care.
My parents’ pioneering spirit has deeply influenced me, and I’ve been a pioneer from a young age. After discovering my 97% hearing loss, my parents went against the mainstream and taught me to speak and read lips fluently. While Afrikaans is my home language, they enrolled me in an American school system, making English my strongest language. I excelled in drama, dance, and sports, competing internationally against hearing peers. As Miss Deaf South Africa, I was the first deaf winner who could speak, and I used that platform to raise awareness about deafness, dispel stereotypes, and champion inclusion.
In recent years, I founded the first full-time school of supernatural ministry in Jeffrey’s Bay, as well as a creative writing school. I have spoken at over 200 events as a motivational speaker and authored two published books.
Growing up, I devoured Nancy Drew books and dreamed of becoming a discoverer — someone unafraid to challenge the status quo, uncover stories, and explore mysteries. That’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my life.
Please tell us a little about your education, listing your qualifications and institutions. You can list them in the following formation – Certificate in Journalism, University-College of …
Education:
- 2024 – AFDA Port Elizabeth, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Motion Picture Medium – Scriptwriting Focus
- 2016–2017 – Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, Redding, California
- Christian Writer’s Guild – Online Writer’s Course, 2008–2009
- High School Diploma – VZG Homeschool Academy
Qualifications:
- Professional Practice for Emerging Female Creatives | 2025
- iKasi Creative Orientation | 2021
- AKTV Tienertoneelteksskryfskool | 2018
- Bethel Coaching Skills | 2017
- ATKV Kinderboekskryfskool | 2015
- ATKV Toneelskryfskool | 2015
- WGSA Documentary Writing | 2015
- Alta Cloete Skryfskool | 2013
- Riana Scheepers Skryfskool | 2013
- Francois Bloemhoff Skryfskool | 2012
- Colin Wilson Writing School | 2012
- Short Story Writing: Riana Scheepers | 2008
- Creare Writing A | 2007
What is your current position or job title?
Director, Writer, Producer, Actress & Disability Activist
What is the name of the organisation at which you hold the position listed above?
Sacambaya Films
What is the organisation’s website address (*if available)
Could you please tell us about your work? * What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis – What does a typical day look like for you in your role? * What do you enjoy most about your work?
I oversee the creative vision for my projects, write screenplays, and manage all aspects of production — from funding and team coordination to scheduling and final delivery — ensuring each film is completed on time, on budget, and with artistic integrity. My work includes actor rehearsals, crew meetings, location scouting, media interviews, and advocacy for disability representation both on screen and behind the scenes.
No two days are ever the same. What I enjoy most is the creativity — the surprises, the problem-solving, the chance to think outside the box. The people I work with inspire me with their passion, energy, and daring dreams. Storytelling is my greatest love, and I get to live it every single day.
What inspired you to pursue your current field or what is the story behind your project or initiative?
Growing up in a predominantly hearing society, I often felt like “the only one” with profound deafness. All my family, friends, and media reflected hearing experiences. Everything changed in 2002 when I watched Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, a series starring a d/Deaf actress. Seeing someone like me in mainstream media was transformative.
My short film concept, ThisAbility, was inspired by my experiences as an actress. After winning Miss Deaf South Africa in 2009, I became a motivational speaker and published author. Yet, despite excelling in drama and competing alongside hearing peers, I found myself typecast in South African productions as “someone who uses sign language.” This was disheartening because I communicate using an audible voice and lipreading.
As a scriptwriter, I now create the opportunities I once sought. I develop meaningful roles for d/Deaf actors while educating audiences about inclusion and accessibility. Accurate representation of d/Deaf experiences is critical, and this year, I received my first grant to bring ThisAbility to life — a short film about deafness, empowerment, and inclusion.
Is there something unique about you — a passion, hobby or interest — that you would like us to include?
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, similar to the burnout many creatives experience. It forced me to reassess my priorities and focus on my health. I’ve since embraced breathwork, somatic movement, rest, and boundary-setting. This journey taught me that success isn’t about external accolades, but about knowing what serves your wellbeing. Health is the foundation for creativity, resilience, and true achievement.
Which achievements or projects are you most proud of? You can list them
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
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
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
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your journey?
I have always been fascinated with the concept of doors and the keys that open them. Doors are a powerful metaphor for opportunity and self-discovery. There have been so many times in my life where doors were closed to my face – rejections, misunderstandings, etc. from the world. The doors that slam shut in my life represented the barriers society imposes, stereotyping me for being ‘too deaf’ or ‘not deaf enough.’ But the turning point came in my life when I realizeed that I don’t need external permission. Instead, I became my own door—the key to my own future—by creating my own opportunities, my own doors that I can enter whenever I want. I have the power to shape my own path. And that is something I learned the hard way – through years of tears, heartache and disappointments. Now I finally get to walk through that door I always longed for. I get to see what’s on the other side.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to write the vision on my heart and keep it before me, inspired by Habakkuk 2:2. I hold my prophetic words near and dear, painting pictures and symbols of them, meditating on them, and speaking life into them. I also keep a book of prophecies that I revisit whenever I feel discouraged or without hope. This practice reminds me to stay connected to the vision God has placed in my heart and guides me to move forward with faith, even when the path seems uncertain.
If you were President for a day, what is one thing you would change or achieve for women of South Africa?
I would help uncover the “gold within” every woman. There’s untapped treasure in our stories — especially those overlooked by society. I believe we need to celebrate and champion one another as women, helping each other see our own worth. When women uplift each other instead of succumbing to jealousy or comparison, we become unstoppable.
This year, in the spirit of Women 20 (W20), we are celebrating women who turn the impossible into unstoppable. We pay tribute to the women who challenge limitations, shift narratives and lead with a purpose. We would be grateful if you could share a piece of advice or a word of encouragement for women who are turning the impossible into unstoppable.
Embrace your voice and your vision, even when the world doesn’t see your path. Every story you tell, every boundary you challenge, has the power to shift perspectives and create opportunities where none existed. Dare to be a pioneer — your courage not only changes your world, it lights the way for others who dream differently.
Please share a motivational quote that describes or inspires you.
‘The busier I get, the more time I spend in prayer.’
