Shadow economy: ‘Sex worker? No, I’m an adult content creator’

A University of Cape Town researcher, Phiwokazi Qoza, interviewed 17 South African OnlyFans creators for her research on African feminist studies.

• South African OnlyFans creators use 'boundary work' to distance themselves from the'sex worker' label.
• The creators distinguish themselves from street-based sex workers.
• OnlyFans creators emphasize their voluntary participation.
• The'sex worker' label is heavily stigmatized.
• The South African OnlyFans industry is a significant market, valued at R6bn.

The creators use 'boundary work' to distinguish themselves from the stigmatized'sex worker' label, often emphasizing their voluntary participation.