Sweet Guluva Wins Most Popular Southern African Influencer at Africa Golden Awards 2026

Sweet Guluva Wins Most Popular Southern African Influencer at Africa Golden Awards 2026

  • Sweet Guluva, real name Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane, took home a major continental award at the Africa Golden Awards in Nairobi, Kenya
  • The Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 winner claimed the Most Popular Southern African Influencer title at the prestigious 2026 ceremony
  • Fans across the continent flooded social media with congratulatory messages after the announcement went viral
The award recognised the reality television star’s growing influence and popularity among audiences across Southern Africa
Sweet Guluva added another accolade to his growing entertainment career after winning Most Popular Southern African Influencer at the Africa Golden Awards 2026. Image: Sweet Guluva
Source: Instagram

Sweet Guluva is not slowing down. The South African creative and Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 winner has scooped another major accolade, this time on the continental stage, picking up the Most Popular Southern African Influencer award at the Africa Golden Awards 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Born Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane, Sweet Guluva has become one of the most recognisable young voices in African digital culture since his Big Brother Mzansi triumph. His authentic storytelling, infectious personality, and genuine connection with audiences have helped him build a following that stretches well beyond South Africa's borders.

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A continental stamp of approval

The Africa Golden Awards celebrated standout talent from across the continent, and Sweet Guluva's win signals just how far his influence has reached. The official Africa Golden Awards announcement on Instagram congratulated him, writing:

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"Your influence goes beyond borders, inspiring a generation and representing the vibrant spirit of South African talent. This is more than an award; it's a celebration of impact, culture, and African excellence."

The recognition arrives during an incredibly productive stretch for the young star. Alongside his work as a digital creator and influencer, he has been expanding into television acting, music, and high-profile brand partnerships, building a multi-platform presence that is hard to ignore.

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Fans celebrate the win

The African continent showed up for Sweet Guluva in the comments, with supporters pouring in their love and excitement.

@hlokz_maree wrote:

"🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Bhuti we country. 🍾🥂"

@judith__kamahlangu said:

"We are always winning. 🙌🙌🙌 See God."

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@charlieafrikka1 wrote:

"Ofcoz, Sweet congratulations only. 🎉🙌🏼"

@bobma.ps commented:

"Congratulations to our baby boy. 🤩😙💝💞💖"

@conniechego said:

"Congratulations. 🎉👏 Bhuti."

@linda_sebezo simply wrote:

"Love of my life. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️"

@pinkyberry91 called him:

"Umfana wengabadi. 🔥🙌🙌🙌"

Ashleigh Ogle slams comments on her son’s looks

Ashleigh Ogle filmed herself carrying her baby son and read a comment comparing the tot to Sweet Guluva.

Her unfiltered reaction to the "like father, like son" comment has peeps on X in stitches.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Gloria Masia avatar

Gloria Masia (Human interest editor) Gloria Masia is an Entertainment Writer at Briefly News. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA and a Diploma in Journalism from Rosebank College. With over 8 years of experience, Gloria has worked in digital marketing, online TV production, and radio. Email:gloria.masia@briefly.co.za