Lasizwe calls on SARS to provide clarity and fairness in taxing influencers, highlighting the need for guidance, and open dialogue.
Reality TV star and TV host Lasizwe Dambuza has revealed that he wants to have a one-on-one with SARS.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently raised concern among content creators after announcing plans to target their earnings.
With the rise of digital marketing, where influencers earn money for creating content through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and more, SARS now wants them to declare their income.
Lasizwe recently took to X to voice his thoughts on the difficulties influencers may encounter with South Africa’s tax system.
He criticised those who claimed he doesn’t pay tax after initially speaking out against SARS’ plans to tax influencers.
“I want to be clear, I do pay tax. Mina, I’ve always contributed, and I believe in building this country,” he wrote.
The Awkward Dates host said the influencer industry is unconventional and often filled with blurred boundaries. He added that influencer earnings are complex and require better structure, education, and discussion rather than confusion or criticism.
“There are blurred lines between paid work, gifting, trade exchanges, and delayed payments, like some creators still wait months to be paid,” he explained.
“Yebo, creators are getting cars, campaigns, and visibility but the lines between income, trade, and gifting are still unclear. That’s why we need structure, education, and open dialogue, not shame or confusion,” Lasizwe added.
Lasizwe further said that he wants an open workshop with SARS to guide creators on fair, clear, and sustainable tax contributions.
“Mina, I’d genuinely welcome a workshop or sit down with abo SARS to discuss how creators can contribute in a way that’s fair, informed, and future proof. nithini nina?,” he wrote.
I want to be clear, I do pay tax. Mina I’ve always contributed and I believe in building this country.
But this industry isn’t traditional. There are blurred lines between paid work, gifting, trade exchanges, and delayed payments, like some creators still wait months to be paid.…
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) September 9, 2025
In a statement issued on Friday, 5 September 2025, SARS highlighted its goal to educate influencers on tax compliance and urged them to declare their earnings.
“It must be reiterated that it remains the social influencers’ legal obligation to declare all income received.
“Full voluntary disclosure is critical. No matter how social influencers are remunerated — whether with products, services, or travel — all of these are deemed as income (ITA) and must be taxed accordingly,” the statement read.
