South Africa’s 5th Annual Social Media Awards lit up The Mosaic with the kind of star power, energy, and cultural impact that only the country’s online creators can deliver. What unfolded wasn’t just an awards ceremony; it was a statement about the force of digital influence in shaping South African culture today.
From a red carpet that looked like a live Explore Page to performances that turned the venue into a full-blown music festival, SASMA 2025 confirmed once again: Mzansi’s creators are no longer just content-makers. They are storytellers and cultural architects.
This year also delivered a diverse list of winners across categories; from beauty and fitness to podcasting, radio, fashion, photography and more, spotlighting the range of talent dominating South Africa’s social landscape.
Full List of SASMA 2025 Winners
- African Social Media Star of the Year: Tyla
- Social Media Personality of the Year: Oratile Masedi
- Fitness Influencer of the Year: Beauty Tlokana
- Beauty Influencer of the Year: Lisa Mhlongo
- Fashion Influencer of the Year: Mich Sakhile
- Best Photographer: Lungisani Mjaji
- Automotive Influencer of the Year: Mumbo Repairs
- Food Influencer of the Year: Liziwe Matloha
- Emerging Social Media Personality of the Year: Ashley Ogle
- Best Social Media Newcomer: Sweet Guluva
- Kid Influencer of the Year: Desmond Koolen
- Motivational Speaker of the Year: Katlego Mallela
- Brand Campaign of the Year: Eskort Food
- Best Social Media Use by a TV Show: Single & Mingle (Moja Love)
- Best Social Media Use by a Radio Show: Lethabo LeJoy Breakfast Show
- Podcast of the Year: Open Chats
- Popular Hashtag of the Year: #AshleyBrylnnOgle
- Sports Personality of the Year: Cheslin Kolbe
- Travel Personality of the Year: Iana Strydom
- Gamer of the Year: Beamer Boy TV
- Popular Content Across All Platforms: Bruce
- Popular SA Song on Social Media: Sdudla or Slenda by Shandesh & Mvzzle
True to tradition, the wins came with standout acceptance moments; many of which dominated timelines long after the night ended.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came from Coachella Randy, whose acceptance speech turned into an emotional homage to his mother, supporters and GBV survivors. Social media erupted with praise, calling it “the speech of the night.”
Inside The Mosaic, creators celebrated creators; dancing, live-posting, and cheering each other on in a neon-lit space designed for pure digital expression. With explosive live performances from Amos, Gwijo Avenue, Focalistic, Leema Phatsi, Miss Hilary, and Mahlatse Chokoe, SASMA 2025 blurred the line between awards show and live festival.
SceneFeed Thought
SASMA 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of content; it was proof that South Africa’s creators are defining culture in real time. From viral soundbites to bold fashion moments and a winner’s circle packed with talent, the night reminded us: the future of storytelling, influence, and entertainment in SA is already here, and it’s living online.