I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected as a finalist for the 3rd edition of South Africa’s Forty Under 40 Awards — under the Music & Entertainment category!
This recognition feels especially meaningful because I was nominated by my mother, who has been my biggest supporter throughout my creative journey. The Forty Under 40 Awards, hosted by The Continental Project, aim to identify, honour, and celebrate a new generation of change-makers and leaders across South Africa — individuals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in their industries.
To be acknowledged among such visionary and creative South Africans is an incredible honour. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this celebration of innovation, leadership, and storytelling — and even more excited for what’s to come.
Thank you, Mom, for believing in me. And thank you to the Forty Under 40 team for this amazing opportunity.
Let’s keep creating.
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Please vote for me here (click on the flyer):
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Vicki Fourie is an inspiring and exceptional candidate for the Forty Under 40 award, due to her resilience, leadership, and significant contributions to the South African creative industries. Despite living with 97% hearing loss, Vicki has become a pioneering filmmaker, writer, motivational speaker, and disability advocate. Through her independent production company, Sacambaya Films, Vicki is leading projects that showcase bold and authentic storytelling, especially focusing on the experiences of people with disabilities, particularly from deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Her personal journey of overcoming barriers, such as relying on bilateral cochlear implants to restore 80% of her hearing and utilizing lip-reading skills, demonstrates her resilience and determination to succeed in an industry that is often less inclusive of people with disabilities. Vicki’s work challenges the limitations of disability, proving that it can be a source of strength and unique perspective.
Vicki’s academic background includes an Honours degree in Motion Picture Medium with a focus on Scriptwriting from AFDA, where she graduated with distinction and received the AFDA Gold Postgraduate Award. Her postgraduate thesis, “A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness,” contributes significantly to media studies and focuses on how deaf audiences engage with and perceive representations of deafness in film. This academic insight informs her approach to inclusive media production.
In addition to her creative work, Vicki is an accomplished author, with several books published, including God Lief My and Viva la Vicki. Her work has garnered several awards, including the National Film & Video Foundation Film Grant and the Tributes Excellence Award in Creative Arts. Vicki’s career as a motivational speaker has seen her deliver over 173 talks across various platforms, including schools, churches, and universities, where she speaks on resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity.
Vicki’s commitment to empowering others extends beyond her artistic achievements. She founded the Jeffrey’s Bay School of Supernatural Ministry, where she mentored students and guided their spiritual and emotional growth. She also leads creative writing workshops that equip adults with the skills to express themselves through various literary forms. Additionally, she contributes to the media landscape through her radio work with OFM and Maluti FM, where she hosts motivational programs.
What makes Vicki particularly remarkable is her integration of her creative talents with activism for people with disabilities. She not only breaks barriers in her professional life but also uses every platform to promote the visibility of disabled people in media and the arts. Her leadership is inclusive, reflecting her deep understanding of the importance of diverse representation.
Vicki Fourie is an outstanding nominee for Forty Under 40 due to her exceptional leadership in the creative industry, her advocacy for disability inclusion, and her unwavering commitment to empowering others. Her work in film, literature, education, and public speaking has made a profound impact, and her story serves as an inspiration to those facing challenges in their own lives. Vicki’s life is a testament to overcoming adversity with determination, talent, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.
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For more on the awards: fortyunder40awards.co.za
