TikTok has taken South Africa by storm, becoming more than a platform for viral dances and lip-syncing videos.
Image: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels
Cape Town recently played host to the second annual TikTok Online Safety Summit, a significant event that brought together policymakers, digital experts, and content creators to explore pressing issues surrounding online safety, cyberbullying, mental health, and the evolving digital landscape.
Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday, March 26, the summit was particularly resonant for many South Africans, including parents hoping to navigate the complexities of their children's digital interactions.
As a parent lifestyle enthusiast, and a low-key (okay, high-key) fangirl of some of South Africa’s top TikTok creators, this summit felt not only relevant but deeply personal.
Whether you’re a parent trying to figure out TikTok slang or someone scrolling through #ForYouPage for hours (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), this summit unpacked issues that hit close to home for South Africans.
It wasn’t just about the app, it was about the human stories behind the screen.
TikTok has taken SA by storm, becoming more than a platform for viral dances and lip-syncing videos.
It’s now a space where young creators, small businesses, and advocates are making their mark.
The app has democratised media in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.
At the summit, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, highlighted how the platform has amplified voices that might otherwise go unheard.
One standout was the story of Liam Jacobs, a local creator who started with political commentary on the app and transitioned into a meaningful career as a Member of Parliament.
"His journey speaks volumes about the platform's potential to drive real-world change," Matlatsi said.
But it’s not just politicians making waves.
South Africans like Kim Kyla or as my daughter calls her, “The Queen of Curls”, have turned their TikTok stardom into full-fledged business.
Sitting in the audience and hearing stakeholders talk about her brand Afro Curl, I couldn’t help but fangirl a little. She shared how the platform has allowed her to “tap into something more than I initially imagined.”
For my mini-me (and maybe even me), Kyla represents the modern South African woman: bold, creative, and unafraid to own her space. Her ability to balance content creation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy stood out in the summit’s larger conversation about digital opportunities and responsibilities.
TikTok’s vice president for Public Policy, Helena Lersch and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.
Image: Instagram
The rise of mental health awareness in the digital age
While TikTok is a space for fun, creativity, and connection, it’s also a platform where many encounter challenges like cyberbullying and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona.
Mental health emerged as a key topic during a roundtable discussion featuring TikTok’s vice president for Public Policy, Helena Lersch.
The conversation on mental well-being was particularly relevant for South Africans, where online spaces often reflect larger societal issues like body shaming, racism, and gender discrimination.
Kyla shared her personal experiences with cyberbullying, sharing her approach to dealing with negativity: “I don’t engage with negative comments, especially those directed at body shaming.”
Her words were a reminder that while social media can be empowering, it’s also crucial to protect your mental health by setting boundaries.
The summit also explored how the platform is creating tools to support users' mental health, including resources to help identify and combat online harassment.
This is part of the platform's broader #SaferTogether campaign, launched in collaboration with African digital advocacy groups to promote online safety and tackle misinformation.
Cyberbullying and the responsibility of social media platforms
Cyberbullying remains one of the most pressing issues in online spaces, especially for younger users.
According to a 2022 UNICEF SA study, approximately 64% of South African youth have experienced some form of online bullying. That’s a staggering number, and digital platforms must step up to address the problem.
TikTok has introduced stricter content moderation policies, aiming to filter out harmful or misleading content before it reaches users.
These efforts were highlighted at the summit, with Hernande emphasising how AI is being leveraged to identify abusive behaviour while still allowing creative freedom.
For parents like me, this was a comforting takeaway. Knowing that platforms like these are actively working to create safer environments for our children and teens gives hope for a healthier digital future.
In SA, where misinformation can have real-world consequences (think of the panic caused by false WhatsApp chain messages), this is a particularly important issue.
The summit emphasised the need for digital literacy, urging users to critically evaluate the content they consume and share.
TikTok’s role in shaping the future of online spaces
For South African creators, the platform represents endless possibilities.
Whether it’s building a business, raising awareness about social issues, or simply making people laugh, the app has become a space where anyone can shine.
But with great power comes great responsibility. As users, we have a role to play in maintaining a safe and ethical digital space.
From reporting harmful content to supporting creators who promote positivity, we can all contribute to a healthier online community.
The TikTok Online Safety Summit made it clear that social media is more than just an escape it’s a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and change.
But it’s also a space that requires collective responsibility.
Whether you’re a content creator, a parent, or just someone who loves a good TikTok scroll, there’s something to take away from this conversation.