South African YouTuber and Media Personality, Thulasizwe Dambuza, affectionately known as Lasizwe, has appealed to his fans and followers not to vote for him at the 2025 South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs) due to voting costs.
This despite bagging three major nominations under the African Social Media Star of the Year, Popular Content Across Platforms and Social Media Personality of the Year categories.
Dambuza posted a video on his social media platforms where he described the nominations as an automatic win, adding that no one should vote for him especially when it will cost them money.
“The nominations mean a lot to me, it means people recognise and appreciate me. The voting system costs money.
“Honestly, it doesn’t sit right with me if you are going to spend your money on me. That money can go to actual survival stuff like transport and food. I don’t want you to waste your money on me so that I can hold a piece of glass that is going to collect dust.
“Please don’t vote for me,” Lasizwe pleaded.
The voting lines have already been open, and fans will be charged R2.50 per vote until November 8.
Lasizwe’s plea was met with mixed reactions with others praising him for being selfless while some believe he is using reverse psychology tactics.
@Ora on TikTok wrote “As a psychology student I see what you did.”
@sheluvsssza still wants to vote despite Lasizwe’s caution. “Yes, we are broke but we will vote,” she commented.
Another user on Instagram @samanthan.co, spread some love and good energy by writing “aww Lasizwe, you have a beautiful heart, and we love and will always support you.”
Lasizwe’s awareness of the country’s socio-economic challenges dates to 2020-2021 when he raised R2 million to assist tertiary students who needed registration fees.
Meanwhile, SASMAs, which aim to highlight and celebrate Mzansi’s digital creators and influencers, are scheduled to take place on the 22nd of November 2025 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
