Lasizwe Dambuza calls for fair taxation dialogue for digital creators

Content creator and television personality Lasizwe Dambuza has called for an open discussion on how digital creators can be taxed fairly.

Taking to X, Dambuza clarified his position, “I want to be clear, I do pay tax. 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.”

He further explained that taxing influencers without understanding the realities of the industry risks punishing survival instead of 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.”

Dambuza added that he would welcome direct engagement with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“I’d genuinely welcome a workshop or sit down with SARS to discuss how creators can contribute in a way that’s fair, informed and future-proof. Nithini nina? (What do you guys say?)”

This follows his earlier criticism of SARS’ decision to tax influencers. In a previous interview with “Sunday World”, he argued that the move was unfair to many creators who already struggle to earn a steady income.

“Being an influencer is not as glamorous as people think. It’s actually very tough to navigate this world, and even harder to reach a point where you can confidently invoice and charge for your work,” he said. 

“Every single day, influencers are negotiated down, and it’s ironic because when you walk into a store like Pick n Pay to buy bread, you’d never ask to negotiate the price. Yet, in this industry, our value is constantly questioned.”

The “Awkward Dates” host also pointed out that many creators spend more than they earn when covering costs such as makeup, transport, or outfits for events and appearances. 

“Sometimes you’ll maybe get a goodie bag, and now even that is seen as taxable,” he said.

SARS has made it clear that all forms of influencer income, including products, services and sponsored perks, are taxable. 

Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has stated that influencers are considered a distinct group of taxpayers and that educational tools, seminars, and webinars will be offered to help them understand their obligations.

Despite this, Dambuza maintains that the focus should be on supporting young creatives rather than adding to their burdens.

“I really empathise and sympathise with content creators who are not making real money from this work, and now they’re expected to pay tax just to be content creators. That’s heartbreaking,” he concluded.

Additionally, “IOL Lifestyle” reported on discussions held at the Africa Creator Festival in Johannesburg, where a panel of industry and legal experts outlined the responsibilities of influencers under South African tax law. 

Speakers explained that both monetary income and sponsored perks such as trips and gifts form part of gross income and must be declared by content creators. 

They also reminded creators that lifestyle audits could draw directly from their social media content. The session aimed to provide clarity and practical guidance to influencers on how to manage their tax affairs within a growing digital economy.