Television presenter, actor, and producer Siphesihle Vazi is turning his spotlight toward community empowerment with the launch of the VIB creative hub support programme, a 12-month initiative aimed at transforming talented creatives into sustainable business owners.

Vazi, best known for his work on Selimathunzi, founded the VIB Foundation to address a systemic issue he observed throughout his career. “For me, this didn’t start with a programme; it started with people.

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“One thing became very clear to me over the years, South Africa doesn’t have a talent problem, we have an access problem. There are incredible creatives with world-class potential, but many don’t have access to business knowledge, mentorship, or opportunities that help them build sustainable careers.”

The programme, developed in partnership with the Gauteng department of economic development, builds on Vazi’s prior community engagement in Alexandra through collaborations with the Ndaa Foundation, including initiatives like school uniform drives.

This foundation of trust led Vazi to focus VIB Foundation’s efforts on skills development in the township.
The 12-month programme targets creatives in disciplines including music, DJing, fashion design, photography, videography, filmmaking, and content creation, among others, giving participants a practical, hands-on experience, rather than passive lectures.

The workshops, mentorship, business coaching, networking sessions, and industry engagements will focus on key areas, including business registration, compliance, business development support, market access, and job creation/revenue generation. “At the end of the day, we want creatives to stop seeing themselves as ‘people with talent’ and start seeing themselves as business owners.

“Talent gets you noticed, but business knowledge keeps you in business. We’re not only developing creatives; we’re developing entrepreneurs.”

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The programme will select a focused group to ensure quality support, prioritising passionate creatives from Alexandra and surrounding areas who demonstrate commitment, growth potential, and readiness to participate fully over the 12 months.

Vazi highlighted why Alexandra was chosen, noting that it chose them. “We’ve seen first-hand just how much talent exists there. Our job now is to help turn that talent into sustainable businesses.

“To every creative in Alexandra who’s been waiting for an opportunity to invest in themselves, this is it. Apply. Show up. Put in the work. We’ll meet you halfway.”

Applications are open via an online form, with a QR code available for easy scanning.
Apply here

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