Cape Town – Former television presenter and media personality Nonhle Thema has sparked widespread debate on social media after claiming she introduced Twitter, now known as X, to South Africans.
Speaking during a recent interview on Thando Thabethe’s 947 radio show, the former O-Access and V-Entertainment presenter said she brought the platform to South Africa after discovering it during a visit to the United States.
Nonhle Thema on innovation, life and lessons!!!
In conversation on #YourStory #947DriveWithThando… press play pic.twitter.com/w8JeWcL76d
— Thando Thabethe (@Thando_Thabethe) July 17, 2026
Thema claimed South Africans joined Twitter in large numbers to follow her after she began using the platform.
She also said her family was among the first Black families to settle in the Johannesburg suburb of Bryanston in 1990.
Her remarks quickly divided social media users, with some dismissing the claims while others defended her influence during the height of her career.
@MVProJileka wrote: “Ama2000s think Nonhle Thema is lying when she says she used to be big and influenced a lot of Hollywood stars, including Rihanna! If only they knew how big that girl really was back in the day!”
Ama2000s think Nonhle Thema is lying when she says she used to be big and influenced a lot of Hollywood stars, including Rihanna! If only they knew how big that girl really was back in the day! pic.twitter.com/10y7GkdZLd
— Pro Jileka (@MVProJileka) July 19, 2026
@nomandlabobo said: “Just watched the 94.7 interview with Thando and Nonhle Thema. She hasn’t changed one bit. It’s still, ‘I was the first… I introduced South Africans to Twitter.’ How do you go all these years without any self-awareness or growth?”
Just watched the 94.7 interview with Thando and Nonhle Thema. She hasn’t changed one bit. It’s still, “I was the first… I introduced South Africans to Twitter.” How do you go all these years without any self-awareness or growth? pic.twitter.com/5gVJq5b9WV
— Nomandla Bobo (@nomandlabobo) July 18, 2026
Meanwhile, @mtugwams defended the former presenter, writing: “I don’t like how people are suddenly acting like Nonhle Thema isn’t the OG IT GIRL. Her delivery was definitely received a certain way but she told no lie. That woman was pressure.”
I don’t like how people are suddenly acting like Nonhle Thema isn’t the OG IT GIRL. Her delivery was definitely received a certain way but she told no lie. That woman was pressure. pic.twitter.com/MDtOY5uQOy
— Diva🫧💅🏼 (@mntungwa_ms) July 19, 2026
The interview has since generated widespread discussion online, with users debating Thema’s legacy and influence on South Africa’s entertainment and social media landscape.
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Picture: Instagram/ Nonhle Thema
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
