Blogs might not originate in South Africa but South Africans seem to be warming up to their content.
Previously thought of as gossip houses, blogs like MaphephaNdaba, Hot_and_served, Thepopcornroomrsa and many have attracted a huge following. These blogs not only share hot gossip about celebrities and other well known people but they are also helpful in providing much needed information and help to their followers.
Soon to celebrate its third year, MaphephaNdaba has a total of 186k followers on their main page with 93,2k on their backup page. This once hated gossip blog runs a lot of charity drives and assists by being the voice for many. Through their sanitary pads initiatives, MaphephaNdaba has donated sanitary towels to learners at schools like Curtis Nkondo specialised school in Soweto. The blog’s day to day posts include political matters, entertainment and other fun filled activities.
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The blog also runs job seekers posts where they allow unemployed followers to look for links for possible employment. MaphephaNdaba’s frequent commenters include the likes of Khanyi Mbau, model and beauty queen Babalwa Mneno, Eva Modika, Uyanda Mbuli, Lasizwe to name a few.
Similar in numbers to MaphephaNdaba, Hot_and_served has a whooping 170k followers on their main page with 75k on their back up page. This blog runs segments that get people talking in numbers. Besides sharing current celebrity content Hot_and_served prides itself as a stress reliever for many through initiatives such as the confession hour and mnakwethu. This is where people share their secrets and often get advice from others who are or have gone through the same issues.
The Popcorn Room has the largest following out of all three. Sitting at 225k, The Popcorn Room prides itself as one of the first blogs to come out of Mzansi. It however does not post as frequent as others. This has not lost them any followers though.
Following in the footsteps of American blog giants such as the Shaderoom, South Africans are starting to appreciate the work done by blogs daily. Whether it is reporting on a neighbours lost child or sharing a video of something interesting caught by one of their followers, these blogs provide platforms with a massive reach and seem to be here to stay.
