Last week, like most South Africans, I got to experience the new spectacular Netflix series Bad Influencer, and what a ride it took me on. From the storyline to the gripping performances by Joanne Reyneke and Cindy Mahlangu, and the many cameos by some of our favourite social media influencers like Lerato Nxumalo, Mihlali Ndimase, Mich Mazibuko, and scene-stealer Kamohelo Pule (better known as Kamo WW) the show was nothing short of exceptional.

I must admit that after watching the series, I was impressed with the bold choice that Gambit Films (Production company) took towards putting so many influencers on their production and I was reminded of a tweet from 2019 by Lerato Kganyago – the one that left Twitter buzzing and sparked a social media trend that still echoes in our entertainment circles today.

That tweet ignited a bigger conversation about the industry and whether gatekeeping was holding it back , whether those who’d “made it” were sending the elevator back down or simply keeping it parked at the top floor. The discussion opened up questions around opportunities, diversity, and the repetition of the same faces across every medium (acting, presenting, music, and influencing). The conversation was calling for change and simply asked that we #OpenUpTheIndustry.

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Now, I’m not sure which side of the fence you’re on, and to be honest, I’m quite comfortable sitting on it myself, but I do have a few thoughts to sprinkle around both sides.

Recently, actors like Linda Sokhulu and Dumisani Mbebe have voiced their frustrations about the growing number of social media influencers taking on TV roles, often based purely on their following. And yes it’s absolutely valid to call out situations where people are cast for clout rather than capability.

We’ve all seen moments where influencers, dazzling online, struggle to hold their own in front of seasoned actors. But what about the ones who can? The ones who not only rise to the occasion but bring something fresh, relatable, and current to the screen?

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It’s easy to paint all influencers with one brush: “They’re chasing the bag.” Well… isn’t everyone? “They just want to be famous.” Maybe. “They’re not talented.” Now here, I have to climb off the fence for a second because that’s simply not true.

Gatekeeping is a real thing, and in a world where a ring light and a cellphone can open doors that once seemed bolted shut, why not walk through them? As our very own Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi said: “Take up space.”

But taking up space shouldn’t mean taking space from others, it should mean expanding the room for everyone. Our young influencers are brimming with creativity, hunger, and a willingness to learn. They bring new energy to the industry, and with the right guidance, they could shape its future in remarkable ways.

Instead of shutting them out, established actors (the veterans, the storytellers, the ones with years of experience) could be passing on their craft, their wisdom, their treasure trove of knowledge. Collaboration, not competition, should be the bridge between generations. Because if the goal truly is to open up the industry, then the elevator doesn’t just need to come down — it needs to make room for everyone going up.