“Move with purpose — not permission”.

Flavia Motsisi

Category

Arts & Entertainment
 

Organisation / Company

Flavia Motsisi Media
Bempowered Global and Flaviasboutique
 

Position

Founder, Executive Producer and Entrepreneur

 

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Profile

A self-made force in South African storytelling, Flavia Motsisi, 33, is redefining what it means to be a creative entrepreneur. As founder of Flavia Motsisi Media, she crafts powerful African narratives for local and global screens, and as executive producer and showrunner, she’s worked on major hits including The Wife, Shaka iLembe, and the Emmy-nominated The River. Her career includes a stint as one of South Africa’s youngest broad- cast executives at MultiChoice and Showmax. Now, she steers her own empire — including Flavia’s Boutique, her fashion label, and Bempowered Africa, a pan-African solutions company. Recognised by Forbes Africa and a founding member of SWIFT, she is a committed mentor and public speaker advocating for gender equity and transformative leadership in film, business and fashion. Flavia’s journey, marked by moving more than 24 times during her childhood, taught her adaptability, empathy and resilience. She channels those experiences into layered, human-centred stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her creative intuition is rooted in faith, community and purpose. Whether producing content, running businesses or mentoring the next generation, Flavia leads with conviction and clarity.

Qualifications

  • Honours degree in Motion Picture Medium, AFDA
  • Leading high effective teams, Wits Business School
  • Management practice, Henley Business School

Achievements

  • Recognised by Forbes Africa as one of the leading women in African storytelling — a deeply affirming moment that validated contributions to the industry and the importance of diverse voices.
  • Co-founder and former board member of Sisters Working in Film and Television (Swift), a non-profit organisation committed to championing empowerment and equal opportunities for women in a historically male-dominated industry, and advocating for change from systemic imbalances and a legacy of discrimination against women in South Africa.
  • Named one of the youngest broadcast executives in South Africa to date, holding the position of senior manager for scripted content at MultiChoice and Showmax.
  • Contributed to the development and success of several groundbreaking and SAFTA-winning shows that shaped South African television, including: The Wife, Shaka iLembe, Outlaws, Queen Modjadji, Gomora, Lavish, LLB, Housekeepers, Unmarried and the International Emmy-nominated season of The River
    These productions sparked conversation, moved culture and reshaped the television industry landscape.
  • Founded Flavia Motsisi Media, Bempowered Africa, and expanded Flavia’s Boutique, demonstrating purpose-driven leadership and entrepreneurial vision.
  • Launched a producing career on the global stage at SeriesFest in the US — a testament to choosing faith over fear and pursuing new creative ventures.

Mentors

  • ​​My mother — she is my north star. A fearless single parent, anointed woman of God, entrepreneur and pastor, she does it all with unwavering grace. She made a way where there was none, selling whatever she could craft with her own hands or turn into a profit, leading in ministry, and still nurturing my siblings and me, both spiritually and emotionally, as a single parent. Her strength taught that being grounded in faith does not mean playing small. It means owning your power, even when life does not hand it to you. Watching her build, be enterprising and lead created a deep desire to be great at whatever path is chosen — not just to succeed, but to take up space as an entrepreneur and woman of God.
  • Mo Abudu is another role model — her achievements in the industry are unmatched and truly admirable.
  • Rihanna is also a significant inspiration, particularly for successfully pivoting from global pop artist to billionaire entrepreneur. Her journey is incredibly motivating.
  • Thando Thabethe inspires through phenomenal talent, drive and an unwavering work ethic.
  • Andrea Iyamah is another source of inspiration for building a world-class fashion brand from West Africa, achieving impressive global expansion while staying rooted in identity.