‘Off Camera, They Are Completely Unedited’: The Ma‑awu Twins’ Mom on Raising Stars

The twins’ day‑to‑day content includes adorable outfit showcases, dance clips, playful skits, spontaneous sibling banter and relatable family moments. That growing influence has now earned them a nomination at the South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs) for Social Media Child Influencer of the Year.

In addition, the pair has also gained recognition from household brands such as Foschini Kids, First Choice Dairy, Crazy Store, Caivil Kids Haircare, Game, Wimpy, Ackermans and Sompire Kids. These partnerships have cemented their place as rising stars in South Africa’s digital space.

Behind the content we see online, Ria and Zia are simply two young sisters growing up together. In this exclusive BabyYumYum interview, their mom, Nandipha “Nandi” Ma‑awu, opens up about their different personalities when the cameras are off, their rise on social media, the reality of raising young creators and the excitement of their SASMA recognition.

For those getting to know Ria and Zia for the first time, how would you describe each of their personalities?

Ria is energetic, bold and expressive, while Zia is more observant, grounded and quiet.

How do their different personalities complement each other as twins?

Ria is quick to act and loves being centre stage, while Zia is more cautious and prefers to think things through first.

What was the first moment that made you realise Ria and Zia had the kind of personalities that people would want to see and connect with?

Their expressiveness, confidence and fluency in Xhosa made them stand out. I shared their videos simply because people naturally connected with their energy.

You were initially hesitant to create a social media page for the girls. What made you change your mind?

My hesitation eventually gave way when it became clear that the page could be a joyful way to capture their childhood, as long as it remained manageable for us.

How do the twins come across in their natural element, just being sisters at home without the camera rolling?

Off camera, they are completely unfiltered. There is constant energy, lots of playing and honestly, quite a bit of fighting over everyday things like toys and attention.

What do they enjoy doing together when they aren’t creating content?

When they’re not arguing or creating content, they enjoy playing games, doing crafts and spending quality time outdoors together.

As their mother, what is one thing about each of them that you think people don’t get to see enough of on social media?

The biggest thing people do not see on social media is just how much they fight! They see the cute and coordinated moments, but behind the scenes, they clash like any typical pair of young twins, before making up five minutes later.

What do you think makes Ria and Zia’s content connect so strongly with people?

I think people love seeing the genuine dynamic between twins and the authentic, joyful energy of childhood. They are simply being themselves and I think that is what makes people connect with them.

Did you ever imagine that their page would grow into such a large community, with hundreds of thousands of people following their journey?

Not at all. The size of the audience is still surprising. Turning their everyday moments into a community of hundreds of thousands of people was never part of the original plan.

The girls have worked with several major brands over the years. What has been your approach to choosing partnerships that are right for them?

We choose partnerships based on whether the products fit into their actual lives and interests. It is important to me that the collaborations feel natural and authentic to who they are.

How do you make sure that creating content remains fun for the girls and doesn’t become something they feel pressured to do?

Filming only happens when both girls are in a good mood and willing to cooperate. If they start fighting or simply are not feeling it, the camera goes off. Their happiness comes first.

Raising twins comes with its own unique challenges. What has motherhood taught you about patience, balance and understanding your children’s individual needs?

Managing twin conflict has taught me endless patience. I am constantly learning how to mediate their arguments while also giving each girl the space to express her own needs and feelings.

You previously spoke about how much support your mother, Nondumiso, gave you during the early stages of motherhood. How important has your support system been in raising the girls?

Family support, especially from Nondumiso, has been incredibly important. Having that support system helps me stay grounded while keeping up with two very energetic personalities.

Looking back, what has been the biggest surprise about how their lives have changed, and how has content creation impacted your family?

I never expected it to blow up like this. The recognition has changed our lives completely and opened doors I never imagined.

Do Ria and Zia understand how many people know and follow them, and how do they react when someone recognises them in public?

They get it, but their reaction depends on their mood. They have no filter! If they’re overwhelmed or tired, I step in to protect them because they’re still only six years old.

As the girls become more recognised in public, how do you navigate their growing visibility while still protecting their childhood and privacy?

We maintain clear boundaries between what we share publicly and what we keep within our family. It is important that they still have the opportunity to grow up normally and enjoy their childhood despite having an online presence.

Congratulations on Ria and Zia’s SASMA nomination! What was your reaction when you found out they had been nominated?

It was such a proud and thrilling moment. Seeing their hard work and personalities recognised on a national level was incredibly special.

What would winning the award mean to you as their mother and what do you hope the nomination means for Ria and Zia as young South African creators?

Winning would be a validation of their journey and everything they have achieved so far. More importantly, I hope the nomination shows young South African creators that being authentic — flaws, squabbles and all — can lead to incredible opportunities.

Looking at everything Ria and Zia have experienced, what has this chapter taught you as their mother about raising children in the public eye?

It has taught me so much about being a mother. Ria and Zia have experienced things at such a young age that I never imagined, and watching them grow in the public eye has been both exciting and humbling. Their South African Social Media Awards nomination is a moment I’m especially proud of because it shows that the values and confidence I’m instilling in them are being recognised nationally. As a solo mom, I’m grateful that I get to guide, support and watch them become little girls who are confident enough to take up space.

What advice do you have for parents who are unsure about letting their kids step into the online creator space?

Take the leap, but protect your child first. Manage the negative side of social media, keep the content positive and always prioritise their well-being over followers.