For Austin Malema, 34, creativity isn’t just a career — it’s been a lifelong calling. “At one point, I even wanted to be an actor,” he recalls. But his passion for storytelling led him behind the camera. As the founder of RTC Studios, Austin secures business deals and pitches creative concepts, leads shoots and oversees editing. A graduate of AFDA, he has become a sought-after photographer with an impressive portfolio that includes global icons like David Beckham and Thuso Mbedu. Photographing Mbedu in Paris marked a milestone — one that opened doors to shooting Hollywood A-listers and reinforced his belief that South African talent belongs on the world stage. “Those moments reminded me that our work here can have a global impact,” he says. Austin draws inspiration from figures like Dany Garcia, whose ability to build enduring, innovative businesses resonates with his ambitions. His journey has taught him that “it gets hard before it gets easy” — a mantra that fuels his resilience in an industry known for its challenges. For Austin, success lies in bold, inclusive leadership. “We are the generation that can reshape industries,” he says. “Representation matters — not just in optics, but in decision-making, storytelling and access.”
BA Honours degree, AFDA, the School for the Creative Economy.
There are a few people I look up to, but one who really stands out is Dany Garcia. She is the founder of The Garcia Companies, a global brand development and management firm, and she also co-founded Seven Bucks Productions with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whom she manages. What I admire most about her is how she has built a powerful business empire while continuously evolving and innovating across different industries, from entertainment and fitness to fashion and beyond. Despite the challenges she has faced, she has remained sharp and focused. Her ability to lead with both strategy and heart is something I find truly inspiring. She is a great example of what it looks like to build something meaningful and lasting. Her journey reminds me that, with vision, resilience and discipline, you can create work that has both effect and longevity.