OPINION – Diffculty in accessing influencer credibity in SA

Loading player...
GUEST – Dashni Vilakazi, MD of The MediaShop JHB



Influencers have emerged as pivotal players, bridging the gap between brands and the country's diverse consumer base. With the digital terrain more fragmented than ever, the pressing question for marketers is: How do you measure the true impact of influencer partnerships, and what strategies ensure success?



A recent Influencer Marketing Hub report sheds light on this, revealing that 63% of South African marketers now prioritize performance-driven models like cost per engagement (CPE) or cost per click (CPC). This shift underscores a growing emphasis on tangible results, aiming for a clear-cut return on investment in the influencer realm.



The influencer ecosystem is far from homogenous. Data from marketing platform Humanz, highlights the vast landscape of South African influencers, categorizing them from nano to superstar based on their follower counts.



The findings reveal a predominance of nano-influencers, individuals with 1,000 to 4,999 followers, known for their high engagement levels within niche communities. This contrasts sharply with the rarefied air of superstar influencers, boasting over a million followers but facing challenges in trust and engagement metrics.



However, the influencer marketing landscape is not without its pitfalls. Over 48% of Instagram influencers in South Africa reportedly inflate their follower and engagement stats, a concerning trend highlighted by HypeAuditor.
8 Apr 2024 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Inside Siyakhokha: How Ekurhuleni Is Modernising Municipal Payments

Ekurhuleni’s finances — and its ability to deliver reliable services — depend on a strong partnership with residents. MMC for Finance Alderman Jongizizwe Dlabathi explains how the City’s Siyakhokha platform is transforming municipal payments through convenience, security and digital efficiency. From registering online to logging queries and making payment arrangements,…
25 Jun 4PM 15 min

African Bank sees R624mn half-year loss, Capital ratio 25.8% keeps ops standing

African Bank has entered a new chapter shifting from years of acquisitive expansion to a disciplined phase of consolidation. Interim Group CEO Zweli Manyathi breaks down the R624m loss, the credit environment, cost‑to‑income pressures, and the bank’s strategy to unlock value from its diversified platform.
25 Jun 4PM 21 min

Meet the Kaya Youth: Ambitious, Connected and Climbing the Wealth Ladder

BrandMapp’s latest data reveals a youth audience unlike any other in South Africa — ambitious, financially upward‑moving, news‑engaged and career‑focused. Brandon de Kock, Director of Storytelling at BrandMapp, unpacks who the Kaya youth really are, how they consume news, what motivates them, and why they represent the next wave of…
25 Jun 4PM 9 min

The Real State of SA’s Retirement Health

South Africa’s most referenced retirement study reveals a widening gap between when people believe they should start planning and when they actually do. CEO of Sanlam Corporate, Kanyisa Mkhize, unpacks the 2026 Sanlam Benchmark findings — from delayed planning and rising debt among retirees to the behavioural risks shaping household…
25 Jun 4PM 11 min

Gautrain at 16: Inside SA’s Most Successful Transport PPP

Gautrain Management Agency CEO Tshepo Kgobe joins us in studio to reflect on 16 years of the rapid rail system that has carried more than 216 million passengers. We go beyond the milestone to unpack operational excellence, affordability, and the future of Gauteng mobility. A deep dive into what it…
24 Jun 4PM 24 min