The South African Social Media Awards (SASMA), an event recognising the country’s most influential digital creators, have announced their nominations for the Food Influencer of the year and the list has upset some fans.

Typically a time for celebration and excitement, this year’s nominations have sparked a wave of controversy instead.

While the spotlight usually shines on those who have been recognised, this time, it’s the absences that have everyone talking, specifically, the noticeable snub of fan favourite, Onezwa Mbola and the eyebrow raising inclusion of Nara Smith.

Social media has gone into overdrive with speculation, suggesting that the SASMA nominated Smith as part of a carefully calculated rage bait and that by choosing Smith, they knew they would stir up some outrage and, in the process, get everyone talking about the awards.

Some social media commentators have even said the organisation has stolen a page from the strategy working for Miss SA with the Chidimma Adetshina controversy, which saw them gain more viewership and engagements from the public.

Including Nara but excluding Onezwa on a SOUTH AFRICAN awards event is laughable.

They are scrambling for attention, they saw how it worked for the viewership on Miss SA. I really hope they don't get it.
— The BZA💙 (@BuhleTheFirst) August 17, 2024

Clearly they are rage baiting the people, why did they snub Onezwa? https://t.co/svbuUpYuvT
— Prosper 𝕏 (@qhamadlula_) August 17, 2024

The Bloemfontein-born Smith, who’s built her brand on aesthetically pleasing content and a knack for stirring the pot, managed to get a nomination despite the controversy.

Smith’s rise to fame has not been without bumps. The persistent accusations that she’s been allegedly stealing ideas from smaller creators came after Mbola used her Boba Tea video as an example to show that Smith has been posting similar content on her TikTok account a little while after Mbola does on her own page.

She was also accused of ‘’stealing’’ an idea for a Marc Jacobs ad from another creator who had previously used the idea on her page.

Given the conflict between the two, many were betting that Mbola would be a perfect fit for a nomination.

But when the list dropped, it was Smith who made the cut, leaving Mbola and her loyal fans out in the cold.

Smith was born in Bloem to a South African mom and her father is German. In terms of South African law, she qualifies for South African citizenship by birth.

Others have also questioned why she received a nomination from SASMA when she does not embrace her South African side.

Nara doesn’t even identify as a South African 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ https://t.co/ZDsSPGc33s
— Lola ( NALEDI NOW ON KICKSTARTER) (@ALMZ11_) August 17, 2024

Wait a minute Nara Smith doesn’t identify as a South African. Why did she make the list instead of Onezwa?
— Miss Sobahle (@YandisaSobahle) August 19, 2024

Neither Smith or Mbola have commented thus far.

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sa social media awards

Are the SA Social Media Awards stirring the pot with Nara Smith nomination and Onezwa Mbola omission?