Every other day, it’s “Grace Mondlana this, Grace Mondlana that” on social media, but the teacher-turned-creator never plans to be the trending topic.
During her acceptance speech at the 2026 Content Creator awards in Sandton, Johannesburg, Mondlana reiterated that she makes no plans when it comes to her content and is simply living her life and sharing it with her followers.
Dressed in a blue formal gown from Treasury by Mihlali, founded by fellow creator Mihlali Ndamase, she accepted her two awards with grace at the ceremony in Sandton, Johannesburg.
One could say Mondlana manifested her win. On the red carpet, while speaking to IOL, she shared that she hoped to win some awards to prove to those coming up that it is very much possible.
Her speech about authenticity was particularly timely, especially after she recently called out younger creator Advise for allegedly copying her content style. Mondlana reminded creators that there is room for everyone and that they simply need to remain authentic in their work.
Vafa Naraghi was also a big winner, taking home the best social series award and the thumbstopping award.
Naraghi’s content exploring South African towns has had many people double-tapping, with his videos showcasing different places around the country.
The award-winning comedian was not at the awards, but his brother, Safa, accepted the awards on his behalf.
The hilarious Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane hosted the ceremony and wasted no opportunity to deliver the jokes, even calling Safa “Vafa Lite”.
Personality Lasizwe Dambuza won his first award in his 10-year career, a moment that left him overjoyed.
He took home the YouTube creator of the year award, saying during his acceptance speech: “I have zero words; I can’t articulate myself. Ten years later, my first award.”
Reflecting on his 10-year journey, Dambuza tells IOL: “It’s been difficult; people didn’t believe in the platform. YouTube was just known for music videos, and when you go ask for funding from the government, they’ll tell you that you are informal.
“It’s been really tough, and to finally now be able to stand here and see this in my hand, see the growth, see the people who are empowered, who have grown, who have taught, upskilled and educated, it’s everything.”
Other big winners included Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, who took home the podcast of the year award for his SMWX podcast.
During his acceptance speech, Mpofu-Walsh remarked that despite everything happening in the country, the fact that his podcast exists is proof that some things are going right in South Africa.
CELEBRATING SA’S RISING CREATORS
The winners also celebrated rising names in content creation.
Ikho Kweba won the best comedy content creator award, Olwethu Ncapayi won the BYD people’s choice award, and Sine Mbangata took home the emerging creator award, backed by Creator Club.
Speaking to IOL, Ncapayi expressed what the award meant to him, especially as he had previously doubted his content creation journey.
The Content Creator Awards were filled with fun and energetic performances, with the six nominees in the 947 Sound of Tomorrow category delivering a special medley that had the audience wanting more.
Chesrae Megan, Carter Najar, Lordkez, Lukiemusic, Mikhalé Jones and Teagan’s Things each brought their own sound and energy to the showstopping performance.
The dance nominees also joined forces for a special live performance, with Chad Jones, Benny Jr, Ludopie, Rudi Smit and TDO Thando taking to the stage.
Choreographed by nominee Benny Jr, the performance had audiences hooked and showcased the creativity and skill of some of South Africa’s most exciting dance creators. – IOL
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