The glittering night of October 29th, 2023, marked a significant event on South Africa’s social media landscape—the South African Social Media Awards, held at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. This grand celebration brought together influencers, brands, and agencies to honor outstanding achievements in the realm of social media and digital marketing.
The South African Social Media Awards, a much-coveted event in the world of influencers, provided a platform to recognize and celebrate the remarkable work of social media personalities and professionals.
Two distinguished judges, Zareef Minty, the CEO of Afribiz Media, and Terisa Hsu-Lee, the owner of Ever Beauty SA and Mrs. South Africa 2023 Top 30 finalist, added gravitas to the event. Terisa Hsu-Lee, a Sandton-based passion-preneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, firmly believes that unity among women is the key to building a stronger South Africa. She presented the Motivational Speaker of the Year award to Poloko Mmakgolane, while Zareef Minty presented the Auto-Motive Influencer of the Year award to Nicholas Neofitou.
The awards ceremony highlighted several exceptional winners, each a testament to the power and influence of South African social media:
1. Kid Influencer of the Year: Kairo Forbes – Proving that age is no bar to influencing, Kairo Forbes, the daughter of local celebrities AKA and DJ Zinhle, took home this well-deserved accolade.
2. Social Media Influencer of the Year: Naledi Mallela – Naledi’s impressive presence and influence on social media platforms earned her the title of Social Media Influencer of the Year.
3. Most Popular Video Series on Social Media of the Year: Tsoanie Skits – Tsoanie Skits’ engaging and entertaining video series made a mark and secured this recognition.
4. Best Podcast of the Year: “No Chill Vodcast” by No Chill God – The fiercely competitive category of the Best Podcast was clinched by “No Chill Vodcast,” whose creator reminded us to “Invest in your knowledge.”
The awards ceremony was not just about accolades; it was a night filled with entertainment and laughter. The evening was complemented by musical performances from Cici and Nkosazana Daughter, adding a melodious note to the celebrations. Meanwhile, Summa Ry, known for his hilarious jokes, lightened the atmosphere and kept the audience in splits.
The South African Social Media Awards 2023 served as a testament to the ever-growing influence and importance of social media in the digital age. The winners and nominees showcased the power of effective online presence and the impact of their work on the South African public.
As South Africa continues to embrace the digital age, influencers and content creators have emerged as influential figures who shape and drive conversations in society. The South African Social Media Awards acknowledge their contributions and inspire others to follow suit, further enriching the digital landscape in South Africa. This event was not only a celebration of the past year’s achievements but also a glimpse into the bright future of social media in the Rainbow Nation.
