Celebrating Women’s Day with passport power: meet the women redefining adventure

As we commemorate Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognise the remarkable contributions of women in various fields, particularly in the realm of content creation.

In South Africa, female creators are not only shaping the digital landscape but also inspiring others to embrace their passions and share their stories.

We spotlight three incredible young women: Priscilla Nkoane, Karabo Matlala and Farirai "Fari" Sanyika, who are making waves in lifestyle, travel and wildlife photography.

Through their journeys, they remind us of the importance of empowerment, connection, and the beauty of exploring our world.

Priscilla Nkoane: Celebrating everyday moments

Priscilla Nkoane, a 26-year-old content creator from Bloemfontein, now residing in Durban, has carved a niche for herself in the lifestyle and travel space.

With a background in Marketing Management, Nkoane’s content focuses on celebrating the beauty in everyday moments, whether it’s discovering a new restaurant or sharing a hidden travel spot.

“What motivates me each morning is the simple but powerful reminder that I can try again,” she shares.

This mindset has propelled her to create content that resonates with many, especially young women seeking inspiration.

Nkoane’s favourite local destination is Cape Town, where the stunning views and vibrant culture provide endless opportunities for exploration.

Internationally, Switzerland holds a special place in her heart, with its peaceful landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard.

Nkoane’s journey into content creation began during a challenging period in her life when she lost her job and her original Instagram account.

Instead of succumbing to despair, she embraced the opportunity to start anew, sharing her authentic self with the world.

“There’s power in sharing, in being open, relatable, and real,” she explains.

Her platform aims to uplift and inspire other young women, reinforcing the idea that there’s room for everyone in the industry.

"Through my content, I’ve learned a lot, and I hope to keep creating a space that inspires and uplifts other young women like me. There’s room for all of us in this industry, and I want my platform to reflect that," adds Nkoane. 

Karabo Matlala: Capturing nature's wonders

Karabo Matlala, a wildlife and travel photographer from Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, has a passion for capturing the beauty of nature.

With her camera in hand, she explores the wild, connecting with the environment and sharing her unique perspective through her lens.

“Photography gives me an opportunity to connect with nature and helps me express how I see it,” she says.

Every day brings new adventures for Matlala, who finds motivation in the excitement of exploring the unknown.

Her favourite local destination is the Kruger National Park, where the diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife offer endless inspiration.

Internationally, the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia has captured her heart, with its breathtaking scenery and the majestic sight of elephants along the riverbanks.

As a female photographer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Matlala faces challenges but remains determined to break barriers.

“Every challenge I face only fuels my passion,” she asserts.

Her journey is not just about capturing moments; it’s about paving the way for other women to step into the field and showcasing that they, too, have a place in this industry.

"With travel & wildlife, every day brings a new chance to go out and explore, and there is an excitement about what the day may bring. What will I see today? That keeps me motivated and excited to start the day.

"It just reminds me that every day is another opportunity to see or photograph something special," she said. 

Farirai Sanyika: Empowering women through travel

Farirai "Fari" Sanyika, known online as Gophari, is a solo travel content creator based in Cape Town.

Her mission is to inspire women to travel alone with confidence and joy.

“At the heart of it, I’m here to remind women that they don’t have to wait for anyone to live their lives fully,” she states.

Sanyika’s content is a blend of destination tips and real talk about solo travel, designed to empower her audience.

Her favourite local destination is Mpumalanga, a province rich in natural beauty, particularly its stunning waterfalls.

Internationally, Jamaica has left a lasting impression on her, with its warm people and vibrant culture.

Starting her platform while working as a chemical engineer, Sanyika found her creative outlet in travel blogging.

A pivotal moment for her was a road trip to the Panorama Route, where she felt a deep connection to the beauty of South Africa.

“I wanted more people to experience that feeling,” she explains.

Her journey reflects the importance of pursuing one’s passions and sharing those experiences with others.

The Importance of Women’s Day

Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on the progress made towards gender equality.

For Nkoane, Matlala and Sanyika, this day serves as a reminder of the strength, creativity and resilience of women.

They highlight the importance of visibility and representation in their respective fields, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams unapologetically.

As Nkoane eloquently puts it, “Days like Women’s Day matter because they give us a chance to honour how far we’ve come and to remind each other that we deserve to take up space, lead, and live boldly.”

Matlala echoes this sentiment, emphasising the need for women to support one another and create growth opportunities.

"Women’s Day and Women’s Months are important because they create a space to celebrate women in general, even in spaces where we’re often underrepresented. It opens doors for young women to see what’s possible and be inspired to go out there and fight for their dreams," said  Matlala.

Sanyika adds, “Women’s Month gives us the space to honour the women who came before us while spotlighting the work of women creating change today.”

As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us recognise the incredible contributions of women like  Nkoane, Matlala and Sanyika.

Their stories inspire us to embrace our passions, explore the world, and uplift one another.

In a landscape that is constantly evolving, these women remind us that there is power in sharing our journeys and that every step taken towards empowerment is a step towards a brighter future for all.

So, let’s get out there and explore the beauty that our country has to offer, supporting one another along the way.