Content Creator Awards Launch Free Creator Labs to Equip South Africa’s Next Generation of Creators

The Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, are taking their commitment to growing South Africa’s creator economy beyond the annual celebration of excellence, with the introduction of two free Creator Labs designed to educate, connect and equip creators with practical skills for building sustainable careers in the industry.

As a registered non-profit organisation, the Content Creator Awards reinvest sponsorship and partnership revenue into initiatives that create opportunities for creators and contribute to the development of the broader creator economy. The Creator Labs form part of this ongoing commitment, bringing creators together with leading platforms, brands, agencies and industry experts ahead of this year’s awards.

The first Creator Lab will take place on 2 September at Workshop17 in Sandton, followed by a second session on 11 September at Workshop17 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Both workshops will provide creators with access to practical insights across areas including content monetisation, technology, creativity, industry trends and the commercial opportunities available to creators.

Johannesburg Creator Lab speakers

In Johannesburg, sessions will include conversations from Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and One-eyed Jack, Lorraine Landon, Head of Advertising Products and Solutions at Google – SSA, Helen Nicholson, Founder & CEO of The Networking Compan, Casey Mantle, Head of Digital: Special Effects Media & member of the IAB SA Influencer Marketing Committee, Ndivhuwo Muhanelwa, Founder: Contentpreneur Africa, Ammarah Issuf, Founder & CEO: Social Influence Capital, Raé Hargreaves Head of Marketing: Samsung and Keitumetse Sesana, Chartered Tax Advisor &Tax Policy Specialist, Thabile TTO, Broadcaster & Content Creator, Ashley Cloete, Head of Product Training – SSA at Samsung, Inga Fundakubi, Social Media and Influencer Specialist at Telkom, Andile Khumalo, Entrepreneur, Pierre Cassuto, Global Chief Marketing Officer: Humanz, Lebogang Moerane, Head of Social & Influencer: Dentsu Creative, Marcel Swain, Managing Director: Dentsu Creative, Reece Meyer, Co-Founder: Ace Labs and Creator Club, content creators Rego & Dise and Emma Sadleir, Digital Law Expert.

Cape Town Creator Lab speakers

In Cape Town, attendees will hear from Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and One-eyed Jack, Ari Kruger & Julia Anastasopoulos (Suzelle DIY & Tali Babes) from Sketchbook, Lorraine Landon, Head of Advertising Products and Solutions at Google – SSA, Ashley Cloete, Head of Product Training – SSA at Samsung, Nadia Jaftha and Reece Meyer from Ace Labs and Creator Club, Gillian Attwood, Commercial Talent Manager and Inga Fundakubi, Social Media and Influencer Specialist at Telkom in conversation with Aisha Baker.

“Creators are redefining how stories are told, communities are built and ideas are brought to life. Through the Creator Labs, we’re excited to share how Samsung Galaxy’s mobile innovation and AI-powered tools can help creators turn everyday inspiration into meaningful, high-quality content—wherever they are,” Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience, Samsung South Africa, says.

The Creator Labs are designed not simply as educational workshops, but as spaces where creators can learn, connect and build relationships with the brands and industry professionals shaping the opportunities available to them.

“Recognition is important, but we believe our responsibility extends beyond the awards themselves,” says Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “The creator economy is evolving incredibly quickly, and creators need access to knowledge, networks and opportunities if they are going to build sustainable careers. The Creator Labs are about giving creators practical tools they can take into their businesses immediately, while creating a space where they can connect with the people and brands they may one day work with.”

Each Creator Lab will accommodate 150 creators, with attendance provided free of charge. Creators can apply to attend, with successful applicants selected through a lottery process.

“The most exciting part for us is that these workshops are not about talking at creators,” adds Dias de Deus. “They are about creating a genuine exchange of ideas. The people attending are already shaping culture, building communities and creating businesses, so there is an enormous amount of knowledge in the room. We want the Creator Labs to create the space for that knowledge to be shared.”

Creator economy context and applications

The initiative comes at a time when South Africa's creator economy is becoming increasingly influential across marketing, entertainment, media and commerce. As brands continue to recognise the value of creator-led storytelling and communities, the need for creators to understand the commercial side of the industry is becoming equally important.

For the Content Creator Awards, the Creator Labs represent an opportunity to ensure that the value generated by the awards ecosystem extends beyond the winners and nominees to the wider creator community.

Cape Town Applications and further information are available at www.contentcreatorawards.co.za.

Brands interested in partnering with the Content Creator Awards and supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth of South Africa's creator economy are encouraged to contact the organising team.

Creator Lab details

Johannesburg 2 September 2026 Workshop17, Sandton

08h30 Arrivals for 09h00 Start

Day ends at 16h30

Cape Town 11 September 2026 Workshop17, V&A Waterfront

08h30 Arrivals for 09h00 Start

Day ends at 16h30

Attendance: Free Applications: www.contentcreatorawards.co.za Places: 150 creators per workshop, with successful applicants selected through a lottery process

The Creator Labs take place ahead of the 2026 Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, with winners set to be announced at the awards ceremony on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.

Of course, no great event comes together without the support of great partners. A special thank you to Samsung Galaxy, YouTube, Telkom, 947, eVOD, Cars.co.za and The Creator Club for helping make it all possible.