Johannesburg, 22 September 2026 | The Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, is where creativity, culture, brands and entertainment collide, and this year BYD South Africa joins the mix as an Official Partner and sponsor of the BYD People’s Choice Award.

It’s a partnership between two groups of builders. BYD has spent the past few years building its story in South Africa through New Energy Vehicle technology and mobility solutions, not just the vehicles themselves. South Africa’s creators have spent that same stretch of time building their own, turning content into careers, communities and businesses, often from nothing but an idea and consistency. BYD’s name literally stands for Build Your Dreams, and for the brand, this partnership is where that ethos meets the people already living it.

The BYD People’s Choice Award is one of the categories that gets audiences talking because there’s no judging panel deciding the winner. The public gets to have its say, voting for the creator they believe deserves to take home the trophy, a fitting category for BYD to back, given that the industry the winner works in is itself shaped by what audiences choose to watch, share and trust.

And this year, there’s a pretty special reason to vote. The winning creator will be given the opportunity to fly to China with BYD on an all-expenses-paid content trip, creating an opportunity to experience the brand, explore its innovation and tell their own story from the home of BYD.

For a creator, that’s a pretty serious passport stamp! “Content creators have played a real role in accelerating BYD’s visibility and credibility in South Africa, they’ve helped build the trust and the brand equity we have today, and we don’t take that lightly,” says Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD SA. “This industry has largely been built by self-generating entrepreneurs who created their own income streams from content and brand-building, entirely on their own terms. If that’s not a BYD story, I don’t know what is, our name means Build Your Dreams, and it’s more than a slogan for us. We back partnerships that live that ethos, and that’s exactly how I see the Content Creator Awards. This isn’t just about the vehicles we bring, it’s about showing up as a technology and mobility solutions partner for a community we genuinely respect.”

BYD will showcase its technology and mobility solutions at the event, including the ATTO 2 in both DM-i and EV offerings, while also providing VIP transport for the out-of -town guests and talent attending the main event. 

For Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of One-eyed Jack and the Content Creator Awards, the partnership is a great example of why the Awards are so deliberate about the brands they bring into the ecosystem.

“The Content Creator Awards simply wouldn’t exist without brands; it’s the support of our partners that allows us to keep the platform free for creators and create opportunities around it. But we’re very deliberate about the partnerships we bring into the ecosystem. Each partnership is carefully curated to bring real meaning and value to the awards and to the creators around them. BYD is a natural fit. They’re building their story in South Africa, our creators are building theirs, and both are looking towards what’s next. There’s something exciting about bringing those worlds together and then giving a creator the opportunity to go to China with BYD and tell that story for themselves. That makes it much bigger than a sponsorship.”

Founded in 2022, the Content Creator Awards is a Not for Profit company that was created to give South Africa’s creator community the recognition it deserves. Four years on, it has grown into a broader ecosystem connecting creators with brands, agencies, media, audiences and industry experts.

The Content Creator Awards sponsored by Samsung Galaxy takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at The Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg, bringing together hundreds of South Africa’s leading industry players for a night dedicated to giving creators their flowers.

And somewhere in that room will be this year’s BYD People’s Choice winner, trophy in hand and, potentially, a very interesting next destination on the horizon.

If you’d like a chance to win a ticket to the awards: Vote for your favourite nominee and you could win tickets to attend!

BYD People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza — SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622

Garfieldzar — SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622

Grace Mondlana — SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622

Olwethu Ncapayi — SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622

Tanaka Dube — SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622

And, of course, an awards platform like this doesn’t happen without brands willing to back the people shaping culture. A huge thank you to our 2026 partners Samsung Galaxy, BYD, Cars.co.za, Telkom, YouTube, Creator Club, eVOD, 947 and Ray-Ban, whose support makes the Content Creator Awards possible and helps us keep creating bigger, better opportunities for South Africa’s creator community.

The post BYD And South Africa’s Creators: Two Stories Built On The Same Dream appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Johannesburg, 9 July 2026 | As interest in new energy mobility continues to grow in South Africa, BYD Auto South Africa and Absa have elevated their collaboration through BYD Finance, a product of Absa, a strategic cooperation that builds on the relationship first established in 2025.

The cooperation reflects BYD’s commitment to building its presence in South Africa and supporting the next phase of new energy vehicle adoption by making ownership more accessible, more flexible and more achievable for customers, dealers and businesses.

As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of new energy vehicles, BYD brings global technology leadership, advanced battery expertise, product innovation and manufacturing capability to the local market. The extended cooperation with Absa strengthens the ownership ecosystem around the brand by supporting access to vehicle finance, dealer finance, insurance solutions and other value-added services.

Originally announced in 2025, the relationship brought together one of the world’s largest manufacturers of new energy vehicles and one of South Africa’s leading vehicle financiers. Through the extended cooperation, Absa will continue providing vehicle finance and broader banking solutions to support BYD’s dealer network and customers in South Africa, including wholesale finance for dealerships, vehicle finance for customers, insurance solutions and other value-added services.

“South Africa is an important market for BYD, and the pace of development we are seeing in the local new energy vehicle sector is encouraging,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa. “For BYD, this is about more than bringing world-leading vehicles to market. It is about building the ecosystem that helps more South Africans access them. Extending our cooperation with Absa allows us to support customers, dealers and businesses with the finance solutions needed to make new energy mobility more accessible and scalable.”

Between January and May 2026, Absa data shows new energy vehicle sales increased by 78.8% compared with the same period last year, driven by strong growth in both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), where volumes rose by 681% and 193% respectively. Over the same period, BYD ranked as the country’s second best-selling new energy vehicle brand, with 2,011 units sold year to date.  

“The growth we have seen in our own new energy vehicle finance portfolio over recent years suggests consumer attitudes are changing. While affordability and infrastructure are still important factors, there is growing acceptance of electric mobility, and extending our cooperation with BYD allows us to continue supporting customers as the market develops,” said Charl Potgieter, Managing Executive for Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance.

The cooperation currently supports a network of 52 dealerships nationwide, with BYD targeting 80 dealerships by the end of the year as it expands its dealer network in South Africa. It also creates scope for Absa to support BYD’s growth ambitions beyond South Africa by exploring financial solutions and business relationships in markets where BYD is already present, as well as countries where it may seek to establish a presence.

This aligns with Absa’s Pan-African ambition and the strength of its regional platform, with the bank represented in 14 countries across the continent, including banking licences in 11 markets and representative offices in three.  

While new energy vehicles still account for a relatively small share of South Africa’s overall vehicle market, adoption has accelerated in recent years as model availability has improved and consumers have become more familiar with the technology. BYD’s growing local presence has contributed to this trend, bringing a wider range of electric and new energy vehicle options to the South African market.

Founded in 1995 as a battery technology company, BYD sold more than 4.27 million new energy passenger vehicles globally in 2024 and has continued to expand its international footprint. In South Africa, the manufacturer now offers a range of electric vehicle models across different market segments.  

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Johannesburg, 11 December 2025 | BYD Auto South Africa is thrilled to announce that its innovative Dolphin Surf and Shark 6 models have been nominated for the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year Awards.

The nominations come fresh off the back of BYD’s massively successful launch of the Sealion 5, which has drawn national attention for its blend of performance, safety, and next-generation electric innovation. With demand surging across the country and consumers increasingly embracing new energy vehicles (NEVs), BYD has quickly distinguished itself as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing and most disruptive automotive brands.

In just a short time, BYD has made major waves in South Africa, expanding from a newcomer to a formidable player since arriving in the country in 2023. The company’s focus on affordable, sustainable NEVs has resonated with local consumers, driving record sales and positioning BYD as a leader in the shift toward electric and hybrid mobility amid South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.  

Why the BYD Shark 6 and BYD Dolphin Surf Are Turning Heads

BYD’s Shark 6, a super-hybrid that redefines versatility for adventure-seekers and professionals alike. Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo hybrid engine paired with the Blade Battery, it boasts an impressive 321 kW of power and robust torque for towing and off-road capabilities. As South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid pickup in its class, the Shark offers exceptional fuel efficiency, low ownership costs, and eco-friendly performance without compromising on rugged utility. Its innovative design includes sustainable materials and intelligent features like hyper-local navigation, making it a pioneer in blending traditional bakkie toughness with modern electrification, perfect for South Africa’s diverse terrains from urban streets to rural farms.

Meanwhile, the Dolphin Surf, BYD’s compact electric hatchback, stands out as a game-changer for urban commuters with its blend of efficiency, safety, and smart technology. Powered by BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery (38.88 kWh capacity), it delivers a driving range of up to 295 km on a single charge, with fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Key specs include 75 HP of power, 135 Nm of torque, a 0-50 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 130 km/h. Built on the e-Platform 3.0, it features advanced safety systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and Auto Hold. Its spacious interior offers a boot capacity of 316 litres (expandable to 1,037 litres), making it ideal for city living. Priced accessibly, the Dolphin Surf democratises EV ownership in South Africa, reducing running costs and emissions while appealing to tech-savvy drivers with features like voice search optimisation in multiple local languages.

These models build directly on the momentum of the Sealion 5, BYD’s plug-in hybrid SUV that launched in early December 2025 as the country’s most affordable PHEV, starting at R499,900. With a five-year/100,000 km warranty and class-leading specs like seamless hybrid transitions and advanced driver assistance, the Sealion 5 has already shaken up the hybrid market, attracting widespread acclaim for its value and performance.

“These nominations are a tremendous honour for BYD and a clear sign of how quickly South Africans are embracing the future of mobility,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa. “Coming off the incredible reception to the Sealion 5, we’re proud to be transforming the local automotive scene with vehicles that offer cutting-edge technology, affordability, and environmental benefits. Both the Dolphin Surf and the Shark represent BYD’s commitment to innovation, safety, and accessible electric technology. Their recognition at the Car of the Year Awards shows that South Africa is ready for smarter, cleaner, and more advanced vehicles, and we are proud to help lead that transition.”

BYD’s rapid growth in South Africa reflects its global leadership in new energy vehicles, now customised for local roads and lifestyles, delivering affordable, innovative mobility solutions that reduce emissions and fuel costs for everyday drivers. These nominations for the Dolphin Surf and Shark not only celebrate BYD’s engineering excellence but also highlight the brand’s transformative impact on the local automotive industry, accelerating the adoption of sustainable transport and empowering communities with reliable, eco-friendly options tailored to South Africa’s unique needs.

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