The local landscape for the business of gaming & esports in South Africa

This is a special short series dissecting the Business of Gaming and Esports in South Africa. Hosted by Sam “Tech Girl” Wright, an esports broadcaster and desk host who was raised in South Africa but now works primarily in Europe on Counter-Strike events, the series targets agencies and business people looking to enter the gaming and esports space in South Africa. It is a unique and developing market littered with potholes - which Sam attempts to showcase and also help your business avoid. Episode 2’s guest is Kamza Mbatha. Kamza is a seasoned traditional broadcast professional. He started as a television host at a young age and has continued to work in the broadcasting industry on a host of shows. He is also a long standing MC and stage host for various gaming and esports events throughout South Africa. In this conversation, Sam and Kamza discuss the landscape of gaming and esports in South Africa. They touch on topics such as the history of gaming in the country, the challenges of online gaming because of data costs, the lack of diversity in the gaming industry, and the need for a more localised approach to gaming in South Africa. They also discuss the importance of cultivating a strong gaming community and the role of sponsors and brands in supporting the growth of the industry.