AFDA is delighted to announce that three AFDA alumni, Sarah Jane Nicholson, Vicki Fourie and Zandi Wardle have been selected as finalist in the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2025 in the Arts, Film & Media category.
The annual Mail & Guardian Power of Women initiative, hosted by the Mail & Guardian, spotlights and celebrates outstanding women across a broad spectrum of sectors, from agriculture and education to business, health, STEM and civil society.
Launched over a decade ago, this flagship project invites public nominations and, each year, honours a cohort of women whose leadership, innovation and resilience have made a meaningful impact.
In 2025, for example, the theme was “In the Spirit of Women20: Celebrating Women Who Turn the Impossible into Unstoppable”, signalling the event’s emphasis on women breaking barriers and reshaping narratives.
By showcasing diverse role-models and elevating their stories, the Mail & Guardian Power of Women initiative aims not only to recognise achievement but to inspire broader participation and transformation in South African society.
With The Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2025 theme “In the Spirit of Women20: Celebrating Women Who Turn the Impossible into Unstoppable”, AFDA is proud to put Sarah Jane, Vicki and Zandi into the spotlight. They are women who break barriers, reshape narratives and inspire transformation. They serve as role‐models for the next generation of creative and change-making women in South Africa.
More about:
Sarah Jane Nicholson
Sarah Jane Nicholson blends strategic business insight with creative drive in the African music industry. As Managing Director of Paradise Africa Distribution (an arm of Paradise Worldwide) and Founder of the Africa Rising Music Conference, she has built platforms that elevate African talent onto global stages. Her work includes artist development, music export strategies, and industry convenings that foster collaboration among creatives, executives and markets. By founding initiatives like Women in Music South Africa and engaging with export-focused programs, she is helping reshape the narrative around African music’s place in the world.
Vicki Fourie
Vicki Fourie is a filmmaker, writer, actress and disability-activist from South Africa, whose creative journey has been marked by overcoming a 97 % hearing loss and building a career rooted in inclusive storytelling. Through her production company Sacambaya Films she crafts narratives that centre d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing experiences, both behind and in front of the camera. Vicki’s work spans theatre, published books, film projects and advocacy for authentic representation. She lives by the principle of owning her future: “write the vision on your heart and keep it before you.”
Zandi Wardle
Zandi Wardle serves as Senior Producer for Continuity and Programming at Ukhozi FM, one of Africa’s largest radio stations where she leads content strategy, production systems and creative direction that resonate deeply with audiences. With experience across radio, television, film and digital platforms (including a YouTube channel with tens of thousands of subscribers), she bridges storytelling and cultural relevance, believing that true impact comes from challenging comfort zones and prioritising people-centred content.