A glittering evening took place on Friday, 14 November 2025. It was a recognition of South Africa’s content creators who used their voices, platforms and creativity to make an impact with purpose to their followers and audiences. It was for those who go beyond the likes and views, showcasing authenticity, inspiring positive change and influencing with intention. From storytellers and trendsetters to advocates and innovators, these winners represent the true power of purposeful influence.
You can read the previous post about the awards here and the nominees here.
Pearl Holdstock, the woman behind the awards, had this to say at the beginning:
“I was eight years old, in a township, I saw this woman, she spoke to me, she connected me to my roots… I am who I am because she planted a seed. She said “Show up.” … I am sitting here among content creators, may we know their name. May we remember them. Because I am one of them. My name is Pearl Holdstock… I am a daughter and a child of God. But most importantly, I am a servant. I believe the way to influence means you are a leader. And a leader serves. I strive to live a life of purpose, not for me, but for the eight year old me in the township. I hid myself behind a book. I am living a life of purpose.”
Another great quote from another presenter: “You need a person to see themselves in you.” @zamatwins
Another presenter, Lo’ Sithole, said: “Don’t dream small. What you want to see. Say it. Even if the situation does not give it. But. Keep on saying it.”
The judges
Robyn Keulder
Robyn Keulder is a South African entrepreneur and business owner of Cherish Designs, a freelance graphic and web design service. She is based in the greater Durban area, KwaZulu-Natal. Keulder is an active committee member of the KwaZulu-Natal Women in Business (KZNWIB) organization.
She also has a history of involvement with The Robin Hood Foundation, a charity organization.
Senta Seele
Senta Seele is a motivational speaker and coach. She is a sought-after public speaker and life coach who focuses on personal growth and empowerment, inspiring people to “create beautiful lives worth celebrating.” She hosts the motivational podcast called “Champagne Moments,” which features uplifting conversations and practical ways for listeners to celebrate life’s moments.
Awards and Recognition: She has received several accolades, including being a finalist in the KwaZulu/Natal Woman of Excellence Awards, being named Umhlanga Woman Achiever of the Year in both 2013 and 2023,
She has also won multiple business awards over the years. Currently serving as a donor and sponsor liaison for the Robin Hood Foundation.
Madine Tyson
As Director of Smart Teens, Madine brings 37 years of expertise in the printing industry and 22 years in the promotional industry to empower companies in enhancing their image, boosting productivity, and increasing market share. Her involvement in organisations such as Kingdom Initiatives and Forward Durban demonstrates her commitment to community empowerment. Madine’s personal philosophy is to nurture and guide teens and adults in unlocking their full potential and discovering hidden talents.
Faith Mkhize
As a UKZN graduate with extensive experience at Access World, a leading provider of specialized warehousing and logistics solutions in Africa, Faith brings valuable expertise to the table. Her passion for empowering women and fostering a supportive community is truly inspiring.
Langa Yengwa
Langa Yengwa is a trailblazing South African managing director of Bonga Banzi Consulting, a role he has successfully held since April 2021. Yengwa is renowned for his innovative approach to business and entrepreneurship, frequently sharing his expertise in South Africa to inspire positive change. Additionally, Yengwa collaborates with a fashion collective working alongside talented women designers to drive creativity and growth.
Silindile Shandu
Silindile Shandu, a sales and marketing coordinator and program coordinator for Alpvest Institute for FutureTech, is a shining example. As one of our headline sponsors, Alpvest is dedicated to empowering content creators and fostering a brighter future. With over 35 years of excellence, Alpvest Institute for FutureTech combines legacy and innovation, offering cutting-edge programmes in AI, Robotics, Data Science, Business Innovation, General Management, and Entrepreneurship, from certificates to degrees.
Nontobeko Nzama
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality retail, Nontobeko is dedicated to empowering others, hosting workshops to equip and skill her employees, and supporting organisations like Bambisandla Sami.
Luise Parma
As a radio presenter and creative director of Blaq Mermaid Media & Events, she leverages her innovative online platform and media/events company to amplify impactful narratives and empower communities across South Africa. By offering advertising space, profiling, media coverage, and affiliate marketing, Blaq Mermaid Media & Events is shaping the conversations that matter and driving positive change.
Here are the winners:
Best Family Comedy Content
Slindile Portia MaXaba Mbhele @portia_mbhele
“Thank you for the love. Thank you for the team for recognising us.”
You can see a post of them driving to the awards here.
Best Photographer
Thabiso Msomi (Facebook)
He mentioned a woman who has “been pushing me for six years, I’m here because of her… I’m a digital professor from 9 to 3.. thank you for the support!”
Best Travel Content Creator
Anelisa K @anelisa_k
“This year, I actually manifested and prayed to go into travel influencing. I was more like a fashion content creator. So being nominated and winning this award means so much to me, because its something that I prayed for, I wrote it down on paper, and I spoke it into existence.”
Most Influential Content Creator
Phumulani Gumede (TikTok)
Best Homemaking Content
Authentically_ AllyK @authentically_allyk
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. I appreciate the love.”
She has also posted a thank you post here. Well done, Ally!
Best Motivator on Social Media
Princess Yanja @princessyanja
“Thank you so much for being the stars. I’m thinking, they’re thinking, I wanted to remind you of who you are. I don’t know if you remember. I don’t know if you know. But you’re my literal stars. Like, I think that the actual stars, when they look down, and they see and feel your energy, you are the stars, back to them. Thank you for being yourself. And thank you for recognising me.”
Best Food Content Creator
Mbali Skosana @__mbaly
Best DIY Content
Mbali Nhlapho @mbalinhlaphoo
“I would like to say thank you to my husband… and thank you so much to everyone who has voted for me…. When you don’t show up, someone will show up for you. I am because someone did not show up. I started a cleaning company because someone did not show up. I am because you did not show up.”
Best YouTube Content Channel
Shenge Waselahlankosi _ (YouTube) Facebook
Most Relatable Content Creator
I am Dodolicious @i_am_dodolicious – see her post here.
“Glory to God for opening doors I never thought I qualify to walk through. 🙌🏻🤍
Thank you @purposefullyinfluencingawards for the recognition & amazing platform. This one is for everyone who is inspired by my content.
I’m super excited to introduce your the Most Relatable Content Creator 2025!”
Best Golden Oldies Content Creators
Mkhulu Zwide @zanele_mygirl_nkosi
Gogo (profile removed)
Best Baby Content
Molly @molly64285
Best Relationship / Couple Content Creators
Keisha and Bonga @keisha_mathe9
Best Social Media Entrepreneur
Mbali Bezuidenhout @mbalibezuidenhout
“I am a grade one teacher, I am a mother, I am an influencer, I am a mother to a whole community. I love children. I’m a mother to a soccer star…I wish my husband was here today, but as always, he has to babysit the kids, so mommy could be here today. This business here is made by by faithful social media. I don’t have the biggest company. I own a company called Rustic Meets Glam. It’s not the biggest, it’s not the flashiest, but the people who support me the most are from social media… I get booked the most by total strangers that are always supporting me and they probably gave me this (the award) too, because the moment I post, they say “We see you. We see you with your Polo,” because I run my business with a little Polo. I fit tables. I fit chairs. Because that’s what moms do, we make a plan.”
Best Community Upliftment Content
Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile @mommy_feminist
Best Fashion Content Creator
Uyanda Hlangabezo @uyanda_hlangabezo
Most Creative Content Creator
My Creative Cubs @my_creative_cubs_
“If any one of you believes in yourself and believes in your passion, I can rest assure you, you can achieve what you put your mind to.”
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Best TV Show Recommendations
Nombulelo Fox @u_nombulelo
Funniest Content Creator
Dududomgloria @mahadebe1008 (TikTok)
Best Podcast 2025
Centwinz @centtwinz_productions
Best blog for 2025 (Also wins R1000 from SA Mom Blogs)
Fun Mamma SA @funmammasa Visit her blog here.
“Fun Mamma started in 2012 as a very small Facebook community, and it has since grown into my full time job, my passion and I hope it’s a space that influencers and inspires all of you.”
Judy, I am so thrilled for you that you won this award! Not only is it well deserved for all your hard work, but you’ve also been a huge support to me too.
Most Inspiring Content Creator
Mandisa Kheswa Mandy Careswa @mandy_careswa – see her post here. She told us in her acceptance speech that she uses her social media platform to sell cars as well as being a full time content creator. She also talked about her YouTube channel which teaches abuntu, Zulu traditional events and cultural practices, as well as her daily vlogs. She thanked the awards for their support. “Thank you for honouring us, telling us – you got this.”
Best Song Composer / Remixer
Sindiwa Nhlapho @sindiswa145
Best Makeup Content Creator 2025
Simphiwe Mbatha @colourme__sim
“I’ve always wanted to motivate women… If you want to empower a nation, empower women…. If you do not fit the norm… who wants to be normal, very boring.. if they don’t give you a seat at the table, build your own table.”
Best Career Guidance Content
Lebo Dube @teenlifecoach_lebodube
Best Lip Sync Content Creator
Sisanda Khumalo @sisanda_.khumalo
Best Upcoming Content Creator
Ntuse’nhle Nene @ntusenhle02nene
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