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As South Africa’s creator economy continues its rapid rise, some of the country’s biggest brands are increasingly recognising the influence, reach and commercial power of digital creators.
The latest sign of that momentum comes from the Content Creator Awards, which has announced an impressive line-up of partners for its 2026 edition, showcasing the growing role creators play in modern marketing, entertainment and culture.
This year’s partners include YouTube, which will present a brand-new award; Telkom, sponsor of the Best Online Series Award; 947, sponsor of the Sound of Tomorrow Award; and Cars.co.za, sponsor of the Automotive Award.
Johannesburg hosted the Official South African Special Screening of Disney’s Moana at Nu Metro Cinemas, Clearwater Mall last week.
I was invited, along with other media, stakeholders, creators, influencers, celebrities and Disney fans, who gathered to celebrate the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of one of Disney’s most beloved animated adventures. The event was proudly powered by Visa.
Back for its fourth year, the ultimate content creator convention, GRYND continues to redefine the creator economy in SA. Presented by Y, the country’s iconic youth brand, the convention brings together the brightest minds, boldest brands and most influential content creators under one roof.
This is where professional creatives and creators alike gather at ATLAS Studios to learn, connect, collaborate and grow – turning passion into opportunity and influence into impact. From the nano creator just starting out to the mega influencer shaping culture, GRYND 2026 is where the future of content creation comes to life.
GRYND 2026 is all about unlocking the future, where leading voices within each content tier will focus on enhancing creators’ practical application of the latest digital tools, technologies, trends, and opportunities shaping the creator economy. Complementing these discussions, selected keynote sessions will feature live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, bringing innovation to life and ensuring a highly engaging, future-focused convention experience.
The GRYND 2026 speaker lineup features Y’s own Wasabi alongside Sushi who will cover ‘Collaborative Branding’, while Popi Sibiya will discuss ‘Subscription Monetisation’ and Sine Madondo will tackle ‘Characterisation’. The legacy keynotes will be given by renowned storytellers Grace Mondlana and Sinethemba Madondo, with the Grynd live segment led by “Because We Said So” podcast duo ZeeXOnline and Landzy Gama.
In addition, Grynd 2026 has curated an interactive exhibition space that prompts event goers to collaborate with each other and other taste makers. Each of the taste makers will host a-first-of-its-kind content set, giving attendees the opportunity to meet up and create content during the lunch break. These include: Food Set – Dali Danger | Fitness Set – Libo Njomba | Stream Set – Sonwabile | Beauty Set – Phaello Tshabalala | Dance Set – Peanuts.
We are making a call to the heart of South Africa and to the world.
This is not a day for protest or political division. It is a day to remember Warrick Robert Stock, whose life was taken through an act of violence.
We do not stand in opposition to a process or seek to inflame tensions. As the accused appear before the court, we stand in spirit and in unity to surround our brother Warrick with a wall of love and to hold quiet strength for truth, fairness, and justice to be carried out in the light.
Warrick was a brother who lived with his heart open. A patriot who protected our streets, who raised our collective frequency, and whose roar became a voice for many. Though his life was taken, his roar was not silenced. Tomorrow, 6 January 2026, stand as one to ensure that his roar continues through us.
A MOVEMENT OF SOLIDARITY: 24 HOURS
We invite every person touched by Warrick’s goodness to stand with us for the next 24 hours:
The White Square
From Tuesday morning, 6 January 2026, we urge you to change your social media profile picture to a solid white square. Let this be a silent but powerful signal that we are united in remembrance, in dignity, and in expectation of truth.
The Candle of Truth
At 18:00 on Tuesday, wherever you are, light a candle. We ask for a moment of prayer not only for Warrick, but for the fairness of the judicial process, and for the restoration of peace in our nation.
#LoveYouBye Movement
Share your stories of Warrick’s heart. Use the hashtags below to flood the digital space with light instead of darkness, compassion instead of anger.
True restoration can only happen when there is a fair and transparent process. We are here to hold the space for that fairness to unfold calmly, respectfully, and without fear.
This is not a platform to fight a system. This is a platform to honour a man whose life mattered.
To our brother Warrick: We are standing for you like you stood for us.
“Time is the keeper of all truths. Let the light lead the way.”
LEGO® South Africa has pulled off its most ambitious project to date, shipping a detailed, up-scaled LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build from Singapore to South Africa, marking the largest life-size LEGO build ever brought into the country.
The grand reveal was held at the Mercedes-Benz experience centre at Zwartkops Raceway, where media and motoring enthusiasts gathered to witness the grand unboxing of the iconic build.
“The reveal forms part of LEGO South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” said Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed country manager for LEGO South Africa.
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 