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The top most followed Politicians in South Africa 2025
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Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has emerged as South Africa’s most popular politician on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), boasting an impressive 4.2 million followers. In contrast, President Cyril Ramaphosa ranks as the most followed government official with 2.95 million followers, according to a new report by Decode Communications, titled South African Government Leaders on X.
This report evaluates how government and political leaders engage with citizens via X, highlighting their influence and engagement with the public. The study also tracks the social media presence of prominent political figures outside the government, including Malema, former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, former President Jacob Zuma, and MK Party Secretary Floyd Shivambu.
Leading Government Figures on X
The report details the social media followings of South Africa’s government leaders, with President Ramaphosa at the forefront, followed by Bantu Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence and UDM leader, with 683,000 followers. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi comes in third with 569,000 followers. Other notable figures in the top ten include:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa – 2.95 million followers
- Bantu Holomisa – 683,000 followers
- Panyaza Lesufi – 569,000 followers
- Gwede Mantashe (Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources) – 545,000 followers
- Gayton McKenzie (Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture) – 392,000 followers
The report also lists various cabinet ministers, showcasing the social media presence of South Africa’s political elite. The findings reveal that while Ramaphosa, Holomisa, and Lesufi dominate in terms of followers, many ministers’ online engagement remains relatively low.
Political Party Leaders on X
In the political party arena, Malema is the clear leader, with over 4 million followers. He is followed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula (3.1 million) and President Cyril Ramaphosa. The top ten political figures outside the government include:
- Julius Malema (EFF) – 4.2 million followers
- Fikile Mbalula (ANC) – 3.1 million followers
- Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC) – 2.95 million followers
- Mmusi Maimane (Build One South Africa) – 2.1 million followers
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (former EFF MP) – 1.9 million followers
The popularity of younger politicians, such as Malema, Fikile Mbalula, and Mmusi Maimane, stands out in the rankings, while older figures like Helen Zille and Dali Mpofu continue to command significant followings as well.
Social Media Engagement and Public Expectations
The report underscores the growing role of social media in South Africa’s political landscape. It reveals that crises and controversies typically drive more engagement than policy updates or service delivery reports. Despite more ministers joining X, engagement remains reactive, with leaders often responding to issues rather than proactively addressing them.
In terms of engagement growth, some newly appointed ministers, like Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, and Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, have seen significant increases in their followers, showcasing the public’s appetite for fresh voices in leadership.
The report also highlights a concerning trend: many cabinet ministers do not have verified accounts, which raises concerns about credibility in an era of misinformation. Additionally, several ministers have inactive accounts, including the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
A Call for More Proactive Leadership
The public’s expectations of government leaders on X are clear: citizens are looking for accountability, transparency, and genuine engagement. Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode Communications, emphasizes that leaders need to be more than just announcement-makers on social media. “X can’t just be used to push announcements and create an illusion of activity. South Africa deserves leadership that speaks not only to its challenges but to its hope and resilience,” she said.
Tshenkeng calls on leaders to embrace transparency, empathy, and a proactive approach to building trust and meaningful public discourse. The report serves as a strong reminder for South African leaders to view X as a strategic tool for nation-building, offering a platform for positive engagement and leadership that extends beyond political affiliations.
The Future of Social Media Leadership
The Decode Communications report highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion and political discourse in South Africa. With increasing digital engagement, it’s clear that the way leaders communicate with citizens will play an essential role in shaping the future of governance and accountability in the country.
As the social media landscape continues to evolve, South African leaders must adapt, using platforms like X to build stronger connections with their constituents, foster trust, and drive meaningful conversations. The call for a more transparent and engaged approach to leadership is louder than ever.
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