Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
BULAWAYO social work student and content creator Samantha Moyo is steadily building a name for herself on TikTok, where she has amassed about 26 000 followers through lifestyle, entertainment and relatable content.
Known on the platform as @mangweomhle, Moyo said content creation started as a hobby driven by her love for creativity and entertaining people, but has since grown into a platform for personal expression and creating opportunities.
The Women’s University in Africa Social Work student said there was a time when she did not view
TikTok as a potential career or business opportunity.
“I started creating content because I genuinely enjoyed being creative and entertaining people. At first, I wasn’t necessarily thinking about becoming an influencer or building a brand. I was simply experimenting and having fun,” she said.
“As time went on, I realised that TikTok could be more than just entertainment. It could be a platform where I express myself, connect with people, support businesses and create opportunities for myself.”
Moyo produces lifestyle, entertainment and relatable content, while also creating promotional
content for businesses and events.
She said versatility was important to her because she did not want to restrict herself to one type of content.
“Sometimes I can be funny, sometimes informative, sometimes fashionable, and sometimes I’m simply sharing an experience. I think that variety is part of what makes my content authentic,” she said.
Her most successful content has largely been centred around humour and everyday experiences, which she believes allows audiences to see themselves in her videos.
“Social media is not always about having the most perfect content; sometimes people just want to see something they can relate to, laugh about or share with a friend,” she said.
Beyond entertainment, Moyo said she also finds fulfilment in using her platform to give small businesses exposure.
“I also really value the videos where I’ve been able to promote a small business or help someone get exposure. Knowing that my platform can contribute to someone else’s business makes content creation more meaningful to me,” she said.
However, the journey has not been without challenges.
Moyo said some people still do not take content creation seriously, despite the work that goes into producing content consistently.
“One of the biggest challenges is that sometimes people don’t take content creation seriously. There can be a perception that if you’re on TikTok, you’re simply playing around, when in reality content creation requires creativity, consistency, planning and a lot of work,” she said.
She also pointed to limited resources and opportunities as challenges faced by creators in Bulawayo.
“Bulawayo has incredibly talented people, but sometimes creators have to work harder to get the same opportunities available in bigger cities,” she said.
Moyo said dealing with criticism had also been part of her journey, adding that creators had to develop thick skins when operating in the public eye.
“Once you put yourself online, everyone has an opinion. You have to learn not to allow negative comments to determine your value,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she credits her supporters for keeping her motivated.
“When someone tells me, ‘I saw your video,’ or says that my content made them laugh or introduced them to a business they didn’t know about, it reminds me that what I’m doing has an impact,” she said.
Moyo said TikTok had also helped her become more confident and comfortable expressing herself publicly while exposing her to new people, businesses and opportunities.
She now hopes to expand her brand beyond the social media platform.
“TikTok is only one part of the bigger picture for me. I want to grow beyond just being known as a
TikTok creator. I see myself building a stronger personal brand around content creation, marketing and media,” she said.
At the same time, she intends to pursue her social work career, hoping to bring together her interests in social work, media, entrepreneurship and content creation.
“For me, the goal isn’t just to become famous. The goal is to build something that lasts,” she said.
