{"id":5225,"date":"2026-03-08T17:31:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T15:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=178849"},"modified":"2026-03-08T17:31:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T15:31:27","slug":"be-worth-following","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/be-worth-following\/","title":{"rendered":"Be Worth Following"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On Tuesday, 24 February, Sandton\u2019s Artistry \u2013 a three-level playground of food, culture, and city views at 22 Fredman Drive \u2013 transformed into the epicentre of South Africa\u2019s creator economy. The occasion? The Humanz Top 20 Awards 2026. The vibe? Equal parts celebration, validation, and a glimpse into the future of influence.
By Vanessa Rogers<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t just another influencer soir\u00e9e with good banter and even better outfits. It was an event dedicated to impact, ethics, and measurable results \u2013 a rare trifecta in the digital age.<\/p>\n

At the heart of it all was Humanz, the tech platform powering a new era of collaboration between brands and creators. Think of it as an operating system for the creator economy. Behind the scenes, Humanz connects brands with a global network of more than 250 000 vetted creators \u2013 streamlining everything from discovery and briefing, to creative ideation and performance tracking.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s where it gets interesting: there was no mention of vanity metrics. Through proprietary AI and real-time data, Humanz tracks the customer journey from a creator\u2019s post all the way to the final sale. Brands see real ROI. Creators prove real value. Payments are automated. Affiliate programmes are built in. Even paid media can run directly from a creator\u2019s profile \u2013 a strategy that often outperforms traditional brand-led ads. In short, it\u2019s influence \u2013 with receipts!<\/p>\n

The examined life is way more fun<\/p>\n

Socrates (c. 470\u2013399 BC), a foundational Greek philosopher from Athens known as the father of Western philosophy, said it best: \u201cThe unexamined life is not worth living.\u201d And yes, the Humanz Top 20 Awards 2026 was the embodiment of the platform\u2019s guiding philosophy: Be Worth Following. Notably, two major categories set the tone for the event.<\/p>\n

First, the Top 20 Creators Worth Following showcased a troop of digital leaders who\u2019ve set the benchmark for professionalism, trust, and entrepreneurial savvy. These are creators who don\u2019t just trend; they build businesses. Selected through a powerful blend of AI performance data and human review, they\u2019ve proven their ability to drive results while maintaining credibility.<\/p>\n

Next up was the Top 10 Up & Coming Creators, broadly understood as the industry\u2019s rising stars. Rapid growth, authentic engagement, and ethical storytelling defined this category. These creators are not just gaining followers; they\u2019re building communities with intention.<\/p>\n

Together, these 30 talented and courageous individuals represent a creator economy that is rapidly professionalising \u2013 one where consistency, strategy, and integrity matter just as much as creativity.<\/p>\n

Advice for the young at heart<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those hoping to join their ranks, the advice shared on the day (and across the Humanz community) was refreshingly grounded:<\/span><\/p>\n