The creator economy has become one of South Africa’s most powerful cultural and commercial forces, influencing how people discover products, consume entertainment and engage with brands online. Recognising this rapid evolution, the Content Creator Awards has announced a new partnership with Cars.co.za and introduced three new categories for its 2026 edition.
Now in its fourth year, the Content Creator Awards continues to celebrate creators, brands and agencies producing content that captures attention, sparks conversations and shapes consumer behaviour across South Africa’s digital landscape.
“The Content Creator Awards continues to champion creators not simply as influencers, but as entrepreneurs, entertainers, storytellers and cultural drivers who are shaping the future of media in South Africa,”.
said Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the awards and the agency behind them, One-eyed Jack
Cars.co.za Joins as Automotive Category Partner
The automotive industry is one of the clearest examples of how creators are transforming media. While motoring conversations were once dominated by traditional publications, many South Africans now turn to digital creators for authentic content covering first-car purchases, road trips, vehicle ownership advice and dream car experiences.
Recognising this shift, Cars.co.za has joined the awards as the official Automotive Category Partner.
“Our goal is to produce content that is useful, locally relevant and genuinely helps South Africans navigate the realities of mobility and car ownership with greater confidence. Through the Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award, we’re excited to recognise creators who are contributing meaningfully to that conversation.”
said Nicole Capper Austin, Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.co.za
The winner of the Automotive Content Award will receive a R10,000 cash prize courtesy of Cars.co.za.
New Categories Reflect the Evolving Creator Economy
To reflect the changing digital landscape, the awards have introduced three additional categories for 2026.
Sound of Tomorrow Award
This category recognises emerging musicians and creators who are using digital platforms to build audiences and establish themselves as exciting new voices in South African music.
Best Comedy Content Creator Award
Celebrating the country’s thriving online comedy scene, this category honours creators producing engaging content through skits, satire, parody and observational humour.
Podcast of the Year Award
This award recognises podcasters producing compelling content that informs, entertains and engages audiences through meaningful conversations, storytelling and insightful discussions.
“Online platforms have become some of the most powerful storytelling spaces in South Africa. These new categories reflect the incredible diversity of creativity we’re seeing across the creator economy.”
said Dias de Deus
Supporting Responsible Digital Publishing
Built on principles of integrity and industry growth, the Content Creator Awards also supports the South African Content Creator Charter and responsible digital publishing standards aligned with the IAB and Advertising Regulatory Board.
Entries for the 2026 awards opened on 14 May and close on 28 June 2026. Industry workshops and sessions will take place in July, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 2026.
Creators aged 18 and older can submit multiple entries across categories and join the conversation online using the hashtag #ContentCreatorAwardsSA.
