YouTuber and influencer Thulasizwe ‘Lasizwe’ Dambuza recently took to social media platforms to open up about the challenges that may be faced by influencers if South African Revenue Services (SARS) taxed their earnings.
The Awkward Dates creator shared that he pays tax, and he believes in building the country. However, his concern is that their industry is not traditional and there are blurred lines between paid work, gifting, trade exchanges, and delayed payments, as some creators still wait months to be paid.
“Taxing influencers without understanding how we work risks punishing survival, not regulating success. Yes, creators are getting cars, campaigns, and visibility but the lines between income, trade, and gifting are still unclear. That’s why we need structure, education, and open dialogue, not shame or confusion,” he penned.
Lasizwe also shared that he would welcome a workshop between SARS and influencers, to discuss how creators can contribute in a way that’s fair, informed, and future proof.
I want to be clear, I do pay tax. Mina I’ve always contributed and I believe in building this country.
But this industry isn’t traditional. There are blurred lines between paid work, gifting, trade exchanges, and delayed payments, like some creators still wait months to be paid.…
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) September 9, 2025
Media personality Kgotso Hope Lekau urged creators to get an education, understand the business of being a brand and to diversify their expertise.
I am yet to fully read on the SARS plan for Influencers Tax – Will do so this weekend to do a review on it earlier next week. (Follow my tiktok)
Yet – I couldn’t not think of the following:
For an industry that is still new, unstable in this country, a creative industry that… pic.twitter.com/goaHzFJSUD
— Kgotso Hope Lekau (@kgotsohopelekau) August 29, 2025
While another one said:
I’m glad you clarified you’re not calling for exemption but for structure, because earlier on when I read the other article I thought you wanted out of being taxed completely.
Some possible ways forward:
1. SARS could partner with industry bodies to teach creators how to record…— Lisakhanya (@lee_Duruwe_) September 9, 2025
Also see: SARS Cracks Down on Social Media Influencers: No More ‘Free Pass’ in 2025
