Lasizwe Urges Fans Not To Vote at SA Social Media Awards: “You’re Spending Money I Won’t Get”

• Lasizwe Dambuza took a stand against the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) even though he was nominated in three categories
• He explained why his fans should not cast their votes in a video via his social media accounts on Wednesday, 20 August 2025
• Lasizwe's remarks earned support from some of his fans, while others suggested he was using reverse psychology

Popular YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza is trending after calling out the organisers of the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA). Despite being nominated in three categories, the trailblazing content creator asked his fans not to vote for him.

On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, Lasizwe, whose YouTube series Awkward Dates previously landed a deal with DStv, posted on his X account to explain his decision. He suggested that while the organisers of the awards would profit from fan votes, he would only get a glass trophy with no financial reward.

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Why Lasizwe is urging his fans not to vote at SASMA?

Lasizwe urged his fans to allocate their money to more important needs

“First of all, thank you to the South African Social Media Awards for the three nominations. That alone is massive. Like it means a lot to me. It means my work is being appreciated, and my work is being seen and people love what I do, and the content that I've been putting out is recognised. It's appreciated already, that for me is a win. But here's why I'm saying don't vote for me. The voting system costs money, and honestly, it doesn't sit right with me. I don't believe that you should pay to show support, especially in the country we live in and the economy that we live in. It's crazy right now. Like that, money could go towards bread, electricity, taxi fare, actual survival stuff. Not you voting for me,” Lasizwe said.

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The YouTuber, who was previously honoured by Forbes, emphasised that he would only ask his fans to vote for him when the voting process is free.

“Like in Cyril’s economy, guys. 'Cause I'm more about impact than glass trophies. Like for me, this nomination already is impactful enough, and I can't in good conscience ask you to spend your hard-earned money so that I can hold a piece of glass that will collect dust like. Nah, that's not me. Like yoh, even just making this is giving me so much anxiety because I just realised. The only time I'll ever say, ‘Please vote for me’, is when it's free. Until then, I stand by this, and please do not spend your money on me. Your support, your comments, your views, your love. That's the real award. So please, guys, once again, thank you for the love and thank you for the nomination, but keep your coins for yourself. Let's not let clout cost groceries guys, cause I love you and I appreciate you, and I'll always have the best interests at heart for you guys. Thank you.”

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Watch the video below:

Netizens react after Lasizwe calls out SASMA organisers

In the comments, several people disagreed with Lasizwe, while others supported his stance.

Here are some of the reactions:

@MogolwaneMaatla asked:

“I get your point, but how do you expect the organisation to make money? People who sponsor this to get their cut if voting is free?”

@MelodicVibz agreed:

“It honestly doesn't make any sense, especially if you don't get money. What is the R10 for? It should be free.”

@LeboSopazi suggested:

“…and this is how reverse psychology works.”

@TopRed_Utd gushed:

“Good one! You are so real for this!”

Lasizwe and Ashley Ogle lead SASMA nominations

Despite him urging his fans not to vote for him, Lasizwe secured the most nominations at the 2025 South African Social Media Awards, as reported by Briefly News.

He is tied for the most nominations with Ashley Ogle whose appearance on Big Brother Mzansi made her an overnight celebrity. The duo are tied in their respective categories.

Source: Briefly News