SA gaming industry growing rapidly, says Alberton gamer
Brackenhurst gamer Thabang Zulu is putting SAan stories on the global gaming map through his company, Glitch Portal, and inspiring local youth to follow their passions.
The fast growth and development of technology have led to the emergence of industries once unexpected. One such industry is gaming, which involves playing games on computers and other electronic devices.
The SA gaming industry generated approximately R5.14b in 2024, a 17% increase from the previous year.
The Alberton Record spoke to local gamer Thabang Zulu (28), a Brackenhurst-based enthusiast who cannot imagine doing anything else.
“Gaming has played a big role in my life since I was young. I realised SA had few game development studios back then, so I saw an opportunity to incorporate SA culture into gaming,” said Zulu.
Zulu’s passion for gaming led him to study related courses. He holds digital arts degrees from City Varsity and Wits University.
He describes himself as a level designer, 2D generalist, and all-around digital art enthusiast.
His hobbies include poetry, stand-up comedy and illustration.
Commenting on the growth of SA’s gaming sector, Zulu said, “The industry is definitely growing, and so are we at Glitch Portal. Many studios I know are doing amazing work and sharing their stories with the world.”
Making a name internationally
On January 14, 2021, Zulu and three fellow digital art enthusiasts founded Glitch Portal, an independent game development company that creates gaming experiences rooted in SA narratives and culture.
Today, Glitch Portal has a dedicated seven-member team working tirelessly to keep the company thriving.
“We’ve been on a remarkable global trajectory, showcasing African culture and innovation on international platforms. Recently, we reached key milestones, including an image award nomination at the Black in Gaming Awards in the USA and presenting our work at the Web Summit Rio 2025 in Brazil, where we were named one of the breakout start-ups,” said Zulu.
Zulu was also featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.
“These achievements reflect our growth, hard work and dedication to the craft. They inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and highlighting African innovation on the global stage,” he added.
Commenting on Glitch Portal’s makeup, Zulu said it reflects their commitment to inclusivity and youth empowerment.
“Glitch Portal is deeply committed to inclusivity and diversity. We are majority black-owned and majority women-led, which reflects our dedication to building a vibrant, representative team that drives innovation and positive change.”
Zulu hopes his story will inspire others in his community. “Chase your dreams, believe in yourself, and stay true to your passion. As a fellow Alberton resident, I’m proof that with hard work and determination, you can turn your dreams into reality and make a meaningful contribution to our country. Let’s uplift and inspire one another to build a brighter future for ourselves and our community.”
See what the Glitch Portal team is doing by clicking on Glitch Portal ZA or visit Big Zee Zulu.
