07/09/2026
The Content Creator Awards Johannesburg Creator Lab brought creators together for a day of honest conversations, practical insights and lessons from the people shaping the creator economy.
From tax, AI and YouTube, to building a personal brand, working with agencies and brands, understanding your legal rights and turning creative skills into a sustainable business, the day was jam packed and all about giving creators the tools to professionalise their craft and build careers with intention.
A huge thank you to all our speakers. Your generosity in sharing your expertise helps strengthen the creator community and the industry as a whole.
And to our sponsors and partners, thank you. These opportunities to connect, learn and grow would not be possible without your support.
The creator economy is evolving. The more creators understand the business behind the craft, the stronger the industry becomes.
Andile Khumalo on the things nobody teaches you about starting a business from his new book ‘Things I wish I knew’.
Things I Wish I Knew
Ammarah Issufo from Social Influence Capital and Reece Meyer from The Creator Club on navigating brands, agencies, briefs and creative freedom.
Thank you to Manuela Dias De Deus from One-eyed Jack for guiding the day and creating the space for honest conversations, shared knowledge and meaningful connections.
Lorraine Landon from Google on the YouTube creator economy and why understanding your audience matters more than chasing an algorithm.
THABILE TTO 💎 from 947 on developing your skills, building a body of work and being intentional about the opportunities you pursue.
Rae Hargreaves and Ashley Cloete on how AI is rewriting the creator playbook.
Pierre Cassuto from Humanz South Africa on the creator economy data proving that getting the first brand deal is only the beginning.
Inga Fundakumi from TelkomSA alongside creators and Telkom ambassadors Rego & Dise on moving from paid talent to genuine brand partnerships.
The Creator Tax Wrap with Casey Mantle from IAB South Africa and Keitumetse Sesana Tax Advisor and Policy Specialist and Ndivhuwo | Contentpreneur Expert sharing some hard-earned lessons on getting your