Hansjee, Anashree2025-02-182024Hansjee, Anashree. (2024). The influence of social media marketing on brand loyalty in the South African retail sector [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43908A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in the field of Digital Business to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024In the contemporary landscape, characterized by the burgeoning influence of social media, this research aims to rigorously examine the effects of social media marketing activities on brand loyalty within the grocery retail sector of South Africa. The study extends beyond a simple analysis of this relationship by exploring the critical function of brand trust as a mediating variable between social media marketing efforts and the development of brand loyalty. From a methodological perspective, the research utilized online surveys conducted via the Qualtrics platform to collect data, focusing on capturing the intricate dynamics that shape consumer perceptions in social media. The target demographic was comprised of individuals who follow leading grocery retailers in South Africa on social media platforms. The study adopted a comprehensive analytical approach, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling for multiple regression analysis. This multifaceted methodology facilitated a thorough examination of the identified variables. Key findings underscore the significant role of brand trust in bridging the impact of social media marketing on brand loyalty. Additionally, the research identified that certain aspects of social media marketing are more influential in shaping brand loyalty than others. By concentrating on the interplay between social media, brand trust, and brand loyalty, the research provides a deeper insight into the intricate network of factors influencing consumer perceptions in South Africa's grocery retail sector. The insights garnered from this study are intended to benefit both academic circles and industry practitioners, offering them valuable knowledge and practical strategies to enhance brand loyalty through effective social media marketing initiativesen© 2025 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Brand loyaltyBrand trustSocial media marketingUCTDSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg