Vuyo Jacobs

Vuyo Jacobs (VJ) is a marketing, communications and creative industry professional with extensive experience spanning public relations, strategic communications, brand marketing, events and production. Her career has been shaped by a deep understanding of the intersection between business, storytelling and the creative industries, with a particular passion for using communications and marketing to create meaningful platforms for African stories and talent. Her production experience includes Production Management on South African Idols and Miss South Africa across two seasons, giving her first-hand experience of the demands, collaboration and precision required to deliver large-scale, high-profile entertainment productions. Her broader experience encompasses campaign development and execution, stakeholder management, events, entertainment and creative production across the South African industry. VJ is the founder of Iliwa Consulting, a multidisciplinary consulting business, and is also involved in New Level Entertainment, where her work spans events, entertainment and creative production. She has worked across corporate, entertainment, government and industry-focused environments, bringing together strategic thinking, creativity and strong execution. Her connection to the creative industries is also deeply personal. VJ is the last-born daughter of the late Gibson Kente, one of South Africa’s pioneering playwrights, composers and producers, whose work played a significant role in shaping the country’s theatre and entertainment landscape. Growing up with this legacy has given her a profound appreciation for the power of African storytelling and the importance of protecting, developing and creating sustainable opportunities for the people who bring those stories to life. Today, VJ is particularly passionate about strengthening South Africa’s creative economy and advocating for an industry where creators, producers and storytellers can thrive.