For Gen Z, influence is no longer measured only by follower counts. It is found in authenticity, vulnerability and the courage to show up as yourself, even when life gets complicated. Few embody that quite like Tefelo Mathabe.
Through beauty, lifestyle and heartfelt storytelling, the South African content creator has built a community that extends far beyond social media. Her platform is a reflection of a generation that is unafraid to have difficult conversations, celebrate individuality and redefine what success looks like on its own terms. Whether she is documenting personal milestones, sharing moments of joy or speaking openly about grief, growth and purpose, Tefelo represents a generation that is choosing honesty over perfection.
For Youth Month, Previdar caught up with Tefelo to talk about the realities of being young in South Africa today, the conversations shaping Gen Z, finding softness in a demanding world and the future she hopes her generation will leave behind.
What’s something people constantly get wrong about young people today? What’s the misconception you’re tired of hearing?
There’s an ongoing conversation about how young people are lazy and don’t care, which I heavily disagree with because we face a lot more unique challenges compared to previous generations, such as job uncertainty, constant comparison on social media and the rising cost of living.
I also think this generation of young people is a lot more aware of our social, mental and socioeconomic needs.
What does “making it” look like for your generation now? Is it money, peace, freedom, visibility, community… or something else?
I don’t think I can speak for every young person in this regard, but I’d assume that success, for most young people, would be money.
Looking at the content that trends on social media, there’s a constant reinforcement that having money equates to being successful.
If your current era had a title, what would it be? Think album name, YouTube vlog title, or fashion collection.
“Highly Blessed And Highly Favoured” would be the perfect way to describe my current era.
What’s one thing South African youth culture does better than anywhere else in the world? Put us on.
Nobody does fashion and music like us. Above all else, nobody unifies diversity, cultures and experiences quite like we do.
Which conversation do you think young people are finally having honestly? Could be mental health, identity, masculinity, money, burnout, relationships, anything.
Young people don’t shy away from having uncomfortable conversations surrounding mental health and identity. The youth isn’t afraid to be vulnerable about their shared experiences and differences. I love how open we are about expressing our personal and social identities through social media, events and movements like Pride.
What keeps you inspired when life, the country, or the industry feels exhausting? What keeps you going?
I’m a very driven human being who knows exactly what she wants out of life, so as much as I do face obstacles along the way, and I may cry here and there, the fear of not living the life that I have set out for myself is more than enough to keep me going. I always roll with the punches.
You get one tweet to describe the state of South African youth right now. What are you tweeting? Keep it real.
#WorriedAboutMyFuture
What’s the softest thing you’ve done for yourself this year? We love intentional living over here.
Haha, I’ve been dabbling a lot in massages and travelling this year. As someone who didn’t grow up travelling, seeing the world has been one of my lifelong dreams, so this has felt very soft for my inner child.
I also started being more intentional about my diet and working out. I lead a much more active lifestyle and because of that, my mental health has been great for the most part.
Which South African creative, movement, or moment feels important to this generation? Could be music, fashion, activism, sport, art, or internet culture.
I’d say currently, the World Cup has really unified a lot of us. One shared belief, one nation, one people.
What kind of future do you want young South Africans to inherit? Big dreams only.
A future where no child ever has to go to bed hungry, no family lives in poverty, every child has access to good quality education, everybody’s rights are respected, and most importantly, a future where women in my country can live safely and freely.
What’s one thing your younger self would be proud of today? A little reflection never hurt anybody.
I think my younger self is proud of the fact that as difficult and mentally challenging as life got after my dad’s passing in 2023, not only do I still dare to dream, but I consistently chase after my dreams.
My content creation journey has been one for the books as well and I’ve achieved so much in such a short span of time. I just know that younger me thinks I’m hella cool!
Previdar celebrates style, culture and impact. What do you think your generation’s legacy will be?
There will forever be a footprint of the things we’ve created and what we’ve left behind. We’ve impacted music by creating brand new genres, we’ve reshaped culture by challenging and changing the ways in which older generations think. I think our style speaks for itself, so dare I say, all three.
As South Africa continues to imagine its future through the voices of its youth, Tefelo believes her generation’s greatest strength lies in its willingness to question, evolve and create. From championing conversations around mental health and identity to celebrating culture through fashion, music and digital storytelling, Gen Z is leaving a legacy that stretches far beyond the screen. For Tefelo, the blueprint is simple: dream boldly, stay resilient, embrace who you are and never stop building the future you want to see.