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For Vhuhwavho, radio is more than entertainment, but it is a platform for transformation. She is particularly vocal about gender-based violence (GBV), a crisis she calls “one of the greatest threats to the safety and freedom of young women.” Living in Vhembe District, a hotspot for GBV cases, she feels the weight of this issue personally. “I do not feel safe anywhere, be it in public transport, the library, or even my own home,” she shares. Through her platform, she amplifies survivors’ voices, shares resources, and educates her audience, believing community radio can shape mindsets and create safe spaces for dialogue. “We need to be bold enough to speak out against GBV and consistent enough to teach respect and equality from a young age,” she asserts.
Her activism extends beyond the airwaves. As the Public Relations Officer for the Pfunzo Foundation, Vhuhwavho champions mental health awareness and academic empowerment for learners in Limpopo. Her mission is to uplift youth, bridge socio-economic gaps, and foster kindness. “I envision expanding my reach through various media platforms, continuing to advocate for mental health and social change,” she says with quiet determination. Her parents’ unwavering support has fuelled her drive, pushing her to defy limitations and break boundaries.
As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, Vhuhwavho’s story embodies the resilience and courage of the nation’s young people. Reflecting on the theme, “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering the Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation,” she sees both progress and challenges. “We are in a digital era, and many young people are learning technological skills and making money online,” she noted. But she also questions the promise that education is the key to success, pointing to South Africa’s high unemployment rate where over 40% of graduates remain jobless, and many entry-level jobs demand experience fresh graduates cannot possibly have. “No one is coming to save us,” she says. “We need to equip ourselves with as many skills as possible. The more you know, the more value you have.”
Vhuhwavho also critiques the lingering inequalities in South Africa’s democracy. “We are politically free, but economic freedom remains elusive,” she says, highlighting how barriers like unequal access to quality education persist. As a proud Black woman, Youth Month reminds her of her heritage and the sacrifices made for equality in education. Yet, she acknowledges that economic disparities still limit opportunities for many.
Her vision for change is clear: dismantle patriarchal norms, promote gender equality, and reform education to prioritise practical, job-ready skills. She calls for mandatory skills-based courses, interdisciplinary programmes, and entrepreneurship training to reduce unemployment and empower youth. To combat GBV, she advocates for stronger laws, support services for survivors, and societal shifts in how boys are raised. “A working educated woman is not an enemy but equally deserving of opportunities and the right to live,” she says.
Vhuhwavho Makhaga is not just reading the news, she is rewriting the narrative. With her roots in rural Limpopo and her sights set on national impact, she is using her voice to challenge social norms, inspire her peers, and build a safer, more equitable South Africa. As she continues to rise, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning for a young woman whose courage and vision are transforming her community and beyond.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
