Culture Craze
Lasizwe Turns Down SASMA Votes, Urges Fans to Keep Their Money
When the South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs) revealed their 2025 nominees this week, it was no surprise to see Lasizwe Dambuza’s name topping the list. The 27-year-old entertainer, who built his reputation through comedic skits on Facebook before becoming one of the country’s most recognisable online creators, is nominated in three major categories.
But in an unusual twist, he has asked fans not to vote for him.
Three nods, zero campaigning
Lasizwe is in the running for African Social Media Star of the Year, Most Popular Content Across Platforms, and Social Media Personality of the Year. The first category pits him against global heavyweights, including Tyla, Black Coffee, and Khaby Lame.
Instead of rallying support, Lasizwe took to Instagram to say that the nominations themselves are enough recognition. “These three nominations already mean my work is appreciated. That, for me, is a win,” he told his followers.
View this post on Instagram
A stand against paid voting
Every category at the SASMAs requires paid votes: R10 buys four votes. For Lasizwe, asking fans to spend money during a cost-of-living crisis is a step too far.
“The voting system costs money, and I do not believe you should have to pay to show support,” he said. “That money could go towards bread, electricity, taxi fare, and actual survival.”
He added that he could not in good conscience ask supporters to “spend hard-earned money so I can hold a piece of glass that will collect dust. Your support, your comments, your views, your love. That is the real award.”
Fans react online
The reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many South Africans praised his honesty, saying it reflects the daily reality of rising food, fuel, and electricity costs. On X and Instagram, users called his message “refreshing” and “grounded,” contrasting it with the glamorous image often associated with influencer culture.
A changing awards landscape
The SASMAs celebrate creators, influencers, brands, and agencies shaping South Africa’s online world. This year, Lasizwe shares the spotlight with Big Brother Mzansi star Ash-ley Ogle, who is also nominated in three categories, including Emerging Personality of the Year.
The awards ceremony takes place on 22 November 2025, with voting lines open until 8 November. Whether or not Lasizwe takes home a trophy, his refusal to ask for paid votes has already sparked a bigger conversation about the value of recognition versus the cost of living in South Africa today.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Bona Magazine
