South Africa is home to some of the most popular and influential figures on social media, spanning athletes, entertainers, and content creators. Below is a list of South Africans with the largest social media followings, ranked from least to most.
- Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi, the captain of the South African rugby team, has earned a significant online presence with 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Kolisi shares insights into his life on and off the rugby field, promoting social causes and connecting with fans.
With the Autumn Internationals looming, including the highly anticipated Springboks v Scotland match, his account is a great source of behind-the-scenes rugby content for Springbok fans.
- Nomzamo Mbatha
Nomzamo Mbatha, an actress, activist, and human rights advocate, has amassed 4.8 million followers on Instagram. Her account offers a blend of her Hollywood career, global travels, and humanitarian work.
She is particularly active in supporting refugee rights and women’s empowerment through her posts, making her a role model both on and off social media.
- Cassper Nyovest
With 6.4 million followers, rapper and businessman Cassper Nyovest is one of South Africa’s most well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
Nyovest engages his audience with a mix of music, luxury lifestyle content, and business ventures. His entrepreneurial efforts include his record label and ventures in boxing, making him a versatile influencer. However, Nyovest’s follower base will no doubt come under strain due to a recent scandal involving him.
- Boity Thulo
Boitumelo Thulo, better known as Boity, is a multi-talented media personality and entrepreneur with 6.4 million followers on Instagram. She frequently shares updates on her various projects, from beauty and fashion to music and business.
Boity is also known for her role as an advocate for women’s empowerment, using her platform to uplift and inspire her audience.
- Dean Schneider
Next up is Dean Schneider, a wildlife conservationist and social media sensation, has gained 11.1 million followers on Instagram.
His videos focus on wildlife conservation, offering a unique and personal connection to the animals he cares for. Schneider’s mission is to bridge the gap between humans and wildlife, and his compelling content attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
- Wian van den Berg
While he may not reveal his secrets, Wian van den Berg, a magician, has a whopping 16.8 million followers on TikTok.
Known for his mind-blowing magic tricks, he has become South Africa’s most-followed TikTok star, entertaining fans worldwide with his captivating performances. Van den Berg’s content appeals to all ages, blending humour and mystery, making him a viral sensation.
- AB de Villiers
Topping the list is South African cricket legend AB de Villiers, with an impressive 25.9 million followers on Instagram.
His account is filled with posts about cricket, family, and travel, and his humility and love for the sport make him a favourite among fans. De Villiers’ enduring legacy in cricket, paired with his down-to-earth social media presence, continues to inspire a global audience.
These seven South Africans continue to influence and inspire millions globally, each bringing their unique style and message to the digital world.
