Johannesburg, South Africa — 15 August 2025 — The South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) is thrilled to announce the 2025 Nominees on Friday, 15 August 2025 at Tempo, Sandton.
This exclusive luncheon unveiled the official nominees for SASMA’s 5th annual awards, bringing together South Africa’s top influencers, content creators, brands, agencies, and media houses. Following the announcement, public voting will officially open, allowing audiences nationwide to support their favourite nominees. Fans are encouraged to visit www.sasma.co.za to cast their votes for their favourite influencer or content creators. The cost per vote is R2.50. The event also showcased SASMA’s expanded 2025 programme, including:
- Pre-Awards Networking Brunch – a platform for industry leaders and digital creatives to connect.
- Red Carpet Live Stream & Branding – taking the glamour of SASMA to online audiences nationwide.
SASMA continues to be the country’s most prestigious platform dedicated to recognising excellence in the social media and digital influencer space. Each year, the awards shine a light on individuals, brands, and groups that shape the future of digital content creation and community engagement. The event organizer is thankful to the brands and partners who make this event possible, these are MKIVA Accountants & Auditors, Mmakola Foundation, UrbanSense, BlueCloud AI, Mbono Group and Celebrity Drive South Africa.
“The SASMAs were created to celebrate and empower the talent driving South Africa’s creator economy. This year, we’re raising the bar to make the experience even more valuable for both creators and our partners,” says Weza Matomane, SASMA Ambassador.
The 5th SASMA Annual Nominees are:
Automotive Influencer of the Year
- MrHowMuch
- Mumbo Repairs
- TheCarScene
- Reba S
African Social Media Star Of The Year
- Anele Zondo
- Nadia Nakai
- Lasizwe Dambuza
- Black Coffee
- Tyla
- Rango_tenge_tenge
- Siyanda Bani
- Khaby Lame
- Mihlali Ndamase
- Zandile Nxumalo
Beauty Influencer of the Year
- Andile Hazel
- Hlengiwe Sukazi
- Lisa Mhlongo
- Nuzhah Jacobs
- Kay Yarms
Best Photographer of the Year
- Andy_Creationssa
- OB L X C K N A T I V E S
- Katlego Lekoba
- Lungisani Mjaji
Best Social Media Newcomer of the Year
- Sweet_Guluva
- Ash-ley Brylnn Ogle
- Goitsemang Lekgetho
- Karabo Sejojo
Best Social Media Use by a Radio Show
- Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja on 702
- Andy Maqondwana on Kaya 959
- DJ Sabby on Metro FM
- Drive with Thando, Matt Flax & Lerato Hoeffelle on 947
- The World Show by Nicky B on Kaya 959
- The Breakfast Show by Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho on Thobela FM
Best Social Media Use by a TV Show
- Love Never Lies South Africa
- Single and Mingle on Moja Love TV
- The Mommy Club
- X-Repo on Moja Love TV
Best Social Media Vlogger of the Year
- Boujee Space
- Lethabo Mekoaa
- Grace Mondlana
- Minenhle Langa
- Siyamthanda Tame
- Thee Faith Nketsi
Social Media Brand Campaign of the Year
- Brutal Fruit
- Chicken Licken
- Coca-Cola South Africa
- Eskort Food
- Garnier South Africa
Emerging Social Media Personality of the Year
- Ash-ley Brylnn Ogle
- Dominic Zaca
- Eulenda Mukondeleli
- Complaints Department with Bruce
Fashion Influencer of the Year
- Amogelang Manyisa
- Ipeleng Selepe
- Kefilwe Mabote
- Luyanda Tshetshe
- Mich Sakhile
- Siyanda Bani
Fitness Influencer of the Year
- Beauty Tlokana
- Grace Motswana
- Nyawolomshini
Food Influencer of the Year
- Feed My Tribe
- Fikile Zungu
- Life with Lerato
- Liziwe Matloha
- Onezwa Mbola
Social Media Gamer Of The Year
- Beamerboy TV
- Girlie Lukhele ♡
- Ingrid Bure | Furious Kitty
Social Media Kid Influencer Of the Year
- Kairo Forbes
- Desmond Koolen
- Lethukuthula Nongcebo
Social Media Motivational Speaker of the Year
- Katleho.x.Mindshift
- Lucia Dramat
- Musa Sono
Popular SA Song on Social Media
- Imali – MaWhoo x GLCeejay x Offxbeatz x Thukuthela feat. Jazzworx (Official Audio) VOL.1
- Isaka (6am) – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela
- Kamo Mphela, QUE DJ & Aymos – Partii [Feat. Jay Music and SpacePose]
- Kusho Bani – Cassper Nyovest
- MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela – Bengicela [Feat. Jazzworx] (Official Audio)
- Nontokozo Mkhize – Esandleni
- Oscar Mbo and Jazzworx – Vuka [Feat. Thukuthela] (Official Audio)
- Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
- VocalistKharishma – Chokeslem
- Zee Nxumalo & TBO feat. PYY Log Drum King, DJ Tearz & Dr Thulz – Ngisakuthanda
Social Media Sports Personality Of the Year
- Aiden Markram
- Akani Simbine
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Dylan Naidoo
- Kgothatso Montjane
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
Travel Personality of the Year
- Jared in CPT
- Iana Strydom
- LifewithPiwe
- GoPari
Popular Hashtag on Social Media
- #AshleyBrylnnOgle – Ash-ley Brylnn Ogle
- #MshiniLekwadu – Mshini Lekwadu
- #natesetwaba – Nate Setwaba
- #NsukuMabunda – Nsuku Mabunda
- #BBMzansi
Popular Content Across All Social Media Platforms
- Awkward Dates by Lasizwe
- Complaints Department by Bruce
- Freshmen Magazine
- Kananelo_thedimples
- Revenge Diaries by Goitsemang Lekgetho
Podcast of the Year
- Chris Network
- Engineer Your Life with Lungelo KM
- JUSTIFY World Wide
- Mommy Diaries by Pasi
- Open Chats Podcast
- PodCast & Chill with MacG
Social Media Personality of the Year
- Coachella Randy (Oratile Masedi)
- Noluthando Ngcobo (@itss.not.thandooo)
- Kay Yarms
- Lasizwe Dambuza
- Liezl Jayne Strydom
- Cassper Nyovest
- Tyla
- Black Coffee
- Trevor Noah
- Wian van Den Berg
- Boity Thulo
The luncheon featured high-profile speakers, live entertainment, and networking opportunities, offering media and industry professionals unique access to South Africa’s digital elite.