Lasizwe urges SARS to implement fair tax rules for influencers amid crackdown on undeclared income
Bulelwa Hoala
South African social media influencer and TV personality, Lasizwe Dambuza has sparked a heated conversation about the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) plans to crack down on taxing influencers.
Lasizwe took to X on Tuesday evening to share his thoughts about the challenges influencers may face when navigating South Africa’s tax system.
“I want to be clear, I do pay tax. Mina I’ve always contributed and I believe in building this country.” he wrote.
However, Lasizwe pointed out that the industry isn’t traditional, and taxing influencers without understanding of how they work may be detrimental to their survival.
“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.
He further suggested that he would be open to a collaborative approach with SARS.
“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.
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) September 9, 2025
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.…
This comes after SARS recently announced its intention to crack down on social media influencers in South Africa.
In a statement released on Friday, 5 September 2025, SARS emphasised its aim to educate influencers on tax compliance and noted that it has prepared products and videos to help them meet their obligations.
“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.
Speaking to Sizwe Dhlomo on Business Update about the issue, Kaya Biz host Gugulethu Mfuphi said SARS has noted that many influencers fail to disclose endorsements and campaigns they participate in, rendering them non-compliant.
Revisit the full conversation on the podcast below:
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