Martin Vilakazi

Martin Vilakazi
Station Manager of Voice of Wits (VOW FM)

Martin Vilakazi is a South African media executive, radio strategist and radio-training entrepreneur with extensive experience across commercial, community and campus broadcasting.

He is currently Station Manager of Voice of Wits (VOW FM) at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he is part of the Wits Centre for Journalism team. Under his leadership, VOW has been repositioned as a contemporary youth and campus media platform, and in 2024 the station was named Campus Station of the Year at the Telkom Radio Awards after winning five awards.

Vilakazi previously served as Station Manager of METRO FM, one of South Africa's leading commercial radio stations, where he was responsible for station strategy, programming and operational performance. He held the position for approximately three years.

He is also the founder of Radio101, an initiative focused on developing radio-sector capabilities through training in areas including radio station management, radio production and interactive media. His professional background includes training through the Radio Netherlands Training Centre, as well as earlier community-radio development work.

Vilakazi brings together the perspectives of broadcaster, manager, trainer and entrepreneur, making him particularly well placed to discuss how educational institutions can use radio and digital media to develop talent, engage students and build sustainable media platforms.

Beyond the Airwaves: Reimagining Student Radio as a Strategic Campus Platform

Martin explores how student radio can evolve into a multi-platform institutional asset supporting student engagement, employability, communication, community connection and digital innovation. Drawing on VOW FM, Radio101 and TVET Radio experience, he examines the technology, infrastructure, governance, skills and sustainability required.