Understanding South Africa’s shift to short-form video

Understanding South Africa’s shift to short-form video

Short-form video has rapidly transformed how people create and consume content in South Africa, driven by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. With millions of users accessing social media primarily through mobile devices, quick, engaging videos under 60 seconds have become the preferred format. With this shift, South African creators and brands have adapted by producing relatable, mobile-first, vertical content that resonates with local audiences. As a result, short-form video is not only reshaping storytelling but also creating new opportunities in the creative industry, from influencer marketing to educational “edutainment” content.

The power of visual storytelling

The power of visual storytelling

Visual storytelling is a powerful tool that brings stories to life by combining imagery, emotion, and movement to create meaningful connections. Through digital media, people are able to explore new places, experience different cultures, and see the world through someone else’s lens. From personal journeys to travel stories like those shared by South African creator Popi Sibiya, visual storytelling shows how real experiences can inspire, connect, and shape the way we understand the world around us.

AI misuse deepens grief after fatal school crash

AI misuse deepens grief after fatal school crash

This week, a heavy cloud fell over South Africa as a normal school day ended in tragedy. Fourteen young lives were lost when a taxi and a truck collided, leaving families and communities shattered. As the nation mourned, grief was deepened by the spread of a fake AI-generated image falsely claiming to show the victims. Instead of bringing comfort, the misuse of technology caused further pain, reminding us that in moments of loss, truth, respect, and compassion must always come before clicks and attention.

The Purple movement takes over South Africa

The Purple movement takes over South Africa

The recent Women For Change campaign is a powerful example of online activism in action. In response to the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, the movement launched a national call for GBVF to be declared a national disaster. Within a week, South Africans turned their social media profiles purple in solidarity, and more than one million people signed the petition urging the government to act. As part of its commitment to this cause, the fray group will provide free training to civil society organisations addressing GBVF and to journalists reporting on the issue, while also sharing advocacy resources to strengthen public engagement.