“Who Makes More Money”: Content Creators Clash Over Meta Earnings

• A public Facebook exchange between content creators sparked debate about money, competition, and online boundaries
• The situation highlighted growing pressure within South Africa’s creator economy, where income comparisons can quickly turn personal
• Social media users were split between the two content creators, as they both have a lot of followers

What started as content creation turned into a reminder that when money enters the chat, friendships and peace are often the first casualties.

South African content creators found themselves at the centre of online drama after a public fallout over Meta earnings spilt onto Facebook. Tsontso Zandile Ndlovu shared a post on her verified Facebook account on 27 January 2026, responding to claims made by fellow creator Makhi, also known as the Swappa Queen. In her post, Tsontso addressed accusations around money, competition, and public narratives, stating that she would not allow anyone to pretend to support her publicly while creating conflict behind the scenes. She also revealed that she had been blocked on her wedding day, which she said made the situation even more hurtful.

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The exchange has drawn attention to how monetisation through Meta platforms has changed the creator economy in South Africa. As more influencers earn directly from views, engagement, and brand partnerships, income comparisons have become sensitive. Meta payouts, often discussed privately, are increasingly becoming a point of tension when brought into public spaces, especially when success levels differ among creators in the same industry.

Social media income sparks public tension

This comes after Tsontso bought a car worth over R1 million, and social media was flooded with posts from netizens congratulating her. Makhi has also earned a name on social media for her comedic and relevant content. The posts quickly gained traction because they touched on issues many creators quietly deal with. Public competition, engagement chasing, and pressure to prove success online are realities of the digital economy. The mention of earnings and highest payouts added fuel to the discussion, making it relatable not only to creators but also to followers who often speculate about influencer income.

Public reaction was mixed, with some calling for maturity and privacy, while others felt the situation highlighted the darker side of online success. Many felt the disagreement should have stayed offline, while others saw it as an honest glimpse into how monetisation can strain relationships in the content creation space.

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Here's what Mzansi said

Sizakele Msimango

“People are weird, yhoo.”

Ngwanona Majita wrote:

“She should be the bigger person in every way, bars.”

SI SI Pho added:

“People move very funny, aibo.” Rapular Raps wrote:

“God is love. Forgiveness is key.”

Retshilisitswe Q Mbongo

“Haibo, weird if you ask me.”

Diana Thulisile Maphosa wrote:

“The house is on.”

Welmah Khoaele added:

“This is really diabolical. Wait, was she invited and then on the day of the wedding she blocked?”

Duduzile Skosana commented:

"That's very strange."

Clöüds Thëë Lësfëmmë shared:

“Ke jealous nana. Some people think they are the only ones who deserve great things. Rona, we love you, Zandi. ”

Ngwanona Majita wrote:

“I was also shocked when she said yena. She makes 180k. I was like, well, there is the competition naaa. She is shaking where she is.”

Nadiia Theechubby Hun said:

“Ahh, guys, I don't like this at all. Makhi and Tsontso are fighting. ”

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Check out the Facebook post below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about content creators

• A grandmother from rural KwaZulu-Natal became an internet sensation after sharing a day in her life during her pension grant payday.
• A young content creator from Soshanguve documented his journey from living at work to furnishing his own apartment, sharing every step along the way.
• A Port Elizabeth content creator broke down how he made over R350,000 in his first eight months of earning from content.

Source: Briefly News