Affectionately known as “i-bhuda”, a slang Xhosa term loosely translated to big brother, often used with affection and respect, Asiphile Vena has carved out a unique and powerful space on TikTok. With her effortless humour, deeply relatable storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary, Vena has redefined the way content is created and consumed in South Africa.
Her ability to educate while entertaining has earned her widespread admiration, amassing over 20 million likes on TikTok alone. Vena’s voice has become a powerful tool for young South Africans, informing, uplifting, and inspiring. Beyond TikTok, she brings her perspective to the podcast "Imizuzu no Asi", where she shares her personal experiences with honesty and heart. Whether reflecting on her journey as a young woman living far from home, balancing a demanding 9–5 with a growing presence on social media, or unpacking life’s quieter lessons, she shows remarkable vulnerability and grace.
Vena is celebrated not only for her eloquence and confidence, but for her linguistic agility. Seamlessly switching between English and isiXhosa, she communicates with clarity and soul, embodying the richness of multilingual expression. Her bilingual storytelling resonates deeply with her followers, who value both the authenticity of her voice and the cultural pride it represents.
This Youth Month, we take a moment to honour Asiphile Vena, a voice of her generation, a "bhuda" to many, and a content creator reshaping the narrative with every scroll.
Introduce yourself to our readers, where are you from, what are you passionate about, and how did your path in content creation unfold?
I’m a small-town girl from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, known for showing up with bold energy and a sense of humour. Community is at the heart of everything I do, and fitness has become the way I stay connected to that purpose. I started creating content in 2021, during a time of isolation when I was searching for connection and belonging. What began as a personal outlet has grown into a space where I get to move and build meaningful community.
Your content seamlessly blends humour with discussions on serious social issues. How do you strike the right balance to ensure your message resonates without diluting its importance?
My compass is always rooted in sensitivity and awareness. I try to approach serious topics with care while offering knowledge, critique, and possible alternatives, without adding to the emotional fatigue that often comes with constantly engaging heavy content. Humour becomes a tool to disarm, to create space for reflection, and to invite people into the conversation rather than overwhelming them. I’d say it's about being intentional with tone while still honouring the weight of the message.
What sparked your interest in fitness, and how did that lead to your role as a sports science ambassador?"
Growing up, one of my favourite uncles was a rugby player. I have very fond memories of him carrying me on his shoulders to rugby practice, and I would sit on the sidelines and watch him play. I fully believe that is what influenced my interest and helped me understand fitness through a functional lens from an early age. I eventually had the privilege of participating in a few social sports throughout my primary and high school careers, and fell in love. Being an ambassador for the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SISSA) feels like a full-circle moment, one that allows me to honour those early memories while actively contributing to a culture of movement, education, and well-being
@asiphile_vena Thankful for the gift of movement, a mobile body, a willing mind and community in fitness🧬
What song is your current fitness pump-up anthem?
On my strength training days, anything by Kendrick Lamar usually gets me pumped. The songs ‘gnx’ and ‘reincarnated’ from the GNX album have been on replay for the past three weeks and are an easy ten out of ten. In contrast, running days usually require the sounds of nature, so I usually have no music, or I won’t start playing anything until after the first three kilometres.
In an era where social media often showcases curated perfection, how do you maintain authenticity, and what advice would you give to young people grappling with online pressures?
Interestingly, I am not entirely opposed to curated content. For example, I’m not a huge fan of overly curated content on TikTok, but I do appreciate a thoughtfully curated feed on Instagram. TikTok is more of a friend-follower-based platform; it naturally feels more casual and community-driven, which makes it easier for me to show up authentically. When it comes to grappling with online pressure, I always prefer offering my experience, and hopefully, that resonates with someone. I’ve made a conscious decision to curate my following list carefully.
The people I choose to follow feel grounded in who they are and in what they share, and that kind of authenticity keeps me inspired to stay aligned with my values. What I love most is that my feed encourages growth, not just aesthetically, but in thought. It challenges me, applies pressure in the right places, and reminds me that while pressure will always exist, I get to choose what kind of pressure I allow in.
What’s the most unexpected comment or DM you’ve received from a follower, and how did you respond?
Someone recently asked me to mentor them, as someone seeking mentorship myself, I was genuinely surprised. I ultimately had to decline the request, explaining that during my time as a mentor at university, I learned just how much time, care, and intentionality the role requires. Right now, with my current career commitments, I know I wouldn’t be able to offer the kind of presence and support that mentorship deserves.
Given the high youth unemployment rate in South Africa, how can digital platforms and content creation serve as tools for economic empowerment and skill development?
Monetising digital platforms is a crucial first step toward economic empowerment for African content creators, especially within South Africa’s growing digital landscape. Content creation offers a direct pathway to income through brand partnerships and sponsored collaborations. Beyond income, it also builds a valuable skill set from storytelling and branding to video editing and digital strategy, all of which are highly transferable and can open doors across various industries.
@asiphile_vena Being your biggest supporter is crazy😭
♬ original sound - AsiFit
What’s one hobby or quirky habit your followers might be surprised to learn about you?
One of my favourite hobbies that I’ve recently found my way back to is working with clay. I used to focus solely on ceramics, but I’ve since started exploring clay sculpting, and it’s been such an exciting shift I’m excited to keep expanding and experimenting with new sculpting materials as I grow.
If you could send a quick motivational message to young people in South Africa, what would you say?
Ask for help. So many of us suffer in silence because our generation tends to glamourise hyper-independence. And while doing it all on your own might get you where you want to go, asking for help and seeking guidance from those who’ve walked the path before you can get you there with support, perspective, and a lot less burnout.
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