The long-awaited South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs 19) lit up the industry over two dazzling nights on 13 and 14 March at the Gallagher Convention Centre. The glamorous ceremony celebrated the outstanding talent and creativity that have shaped South Africa’s film and television industry over the past 18 months.
Beginning with the Craft Awards, streamed live on the YouTube channel of the SAFTAs, the festivities culminated in the Main Awards broadcast simultaneously on SABC 2 and Mzansi Magic, with the ever-glamorous Red Carpet spectacle. Under the unifying theme “One Story. One Industry. One Future. – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together,” SAFTAs 19 delivered a captivating tribute to 50 years of South African television storytelling. From breathtaking décor and layered stage design to unforgettable fashion moments, the ceremony painted a vivid picture of an industry united in celebrating its past while shaping its future.
The event brought together a glittering mix of beloved actors, presenters, directors, producers, and behind-the-scenes professionals, highlighting the immense dedication required to produce world-class content. Celebrities, government dignitaries, and key industry players gathered to honour the creators who continue to elevate South Africa’s screen industry on the global stage.
Adding energy and humour to the main awards ceremony were the charismatic hosting duo Anele Mgudlwa and Simphiwe “Alphi” Mkhwanazi, whose playful banter kept audiences entertained throughout the evening. The Red Carpet show was hosted by rising talents Pamela Mtanga and Katleho “Kat” Sinivasan, who captured the fashion, excitement, and anticipation as celebrities arrived in style. Meanwhile, the Craft Awards ceremony was expertly led by Elana Afrika‑Bredenkamp and Moshe Ndiki, celebrating the often-unsung heroes behind the scenes who bring South African productions to life.
Tshedza Pictures dominates the South African Film and Television Awards
When it came to the SAFTAs 19 winners, Tshedza Pictures emerged as the biggest victor across both nights, scooping an impressive seven Golden Horn awards. Their critically acclaimed series iThonga led the charge with standout acting wins including Bonko Khoza – Best Actor in a Telenovela and Nelisiwe Sibiya – Best Actress in a Telenovela. Another notable win came from Gqeberha: The Empire, with Anele Matoti taking home Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela. Tshedza Pictures‘ first teen drama Youngins also enjoyed phenomenal wins, including Best Telenovela, Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela, Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Telenovela and Best Achievement in Editing. Showmax’s sci-fi feature film The Fix took home four awards, while Catch Me A Killer received three Golden Horns including Best Achievement in Directing – TV Drama and Jabulani Mthembu got Best Supporting Actor – TV Drama.
The awards also celebrated the success of School Ties and Chasing the Sun 2, both International Emmy nominees, with School Ties winning Best Made for TV Documentary Series and Chasing the Sun 2 taking home the award for Best Achievement in Editing for a TV Documentary Series.
The kykNET comedy Magda Louw delivered a strong showing on the nights, earning multiple awards in the TV Comedy category, including Best Actress for Desiré Gardner and Best Actor for Hannes van Wyk. Suidooster, which celebrated its 10‑year milestone last year, added further recognition with two wins. Veteran performers Frank Opperman (Nêrens, Noord‑Kaap Deel 2) and Tobie Cronjé (Pronk Primêr) – both recent recipients of Lifetime Achievement Awards – also took home top honours, each winning in their respective acting categories.
Quizzical Pictures and Wolflight Films also emerged as strong contenders, each taking home six Golden Horns, while Ochre Media followed closely with five awards. Quizzical Pictures celebrated major wins with Reyka Season 2 securing Best TV Drama, while White Lies also claimed multiple awards. Wolflight Films enjoyed success with the kykNET hit series Niggies, which earned two awards, alongside A Kind of Madness, which walked away with four Golden Horns. Meanwhile, Ochre Media’s victories were largely driven by Scandal!, which accounted for four of their five awards, including Best TV Soap, with standout performances recognised for Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane as Best Supporting Actor and Londeka Sishi as Best Actress. Gambit Films had four awards including Gail Mabalane who won Best Actress in a TV Drama for Netflix series Unseen, with Michelle Botes being awarded Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama for Netflix series Tuiskoms.
Mzansi’s loved telenovela and its star get recognition
The best highlight of the of this year’s South African Film and Television Awards winners list is Zenande Mfenyana, who won Best Actress in a Telenovela for her role in Inimba. Produced by The Milton Empire, Inimba has become one of the country’s most talked-about telenovelas and also secured The Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela Award (Public Vote). The recognition marked a clean sweep for Mzansi Magic productions in the telenovela acting categories, reinforcing the channel’s reputation for delivering iconic storytelling for more than a decade.
Zenande had this to say about winning her first ever Golden Horn:
After 19 years in the industry, I am finally holding my Golden Horn.
“Thank you to the SAFTAs, and to the NFVF for believing in me and my talent. It’s a great nod from the industry, and I’m truly honoured to finally hold this in my hands. Thank you to my family for always believing in me, and to my supporters, honestly, day in and day out, bayabukela Inimba (they watch Inimba). Thumeka wouldn’t be who she is without the love and support you give me. I can’t mention all of you, but ndinithanda ukufa (I love you so much). Mwah! Keep supporting Inimba at 8:30 PM on Mzansi Magic. Let’s go!”
Honouring industry legends
Beyond celebrating productions, SAFTAs 19 also honoured individuals whose contributions have shaped the industry. Veteran actor Magic Hlatshwayo received the Lifetime Achiever Award, recognising a career that has spanned decades. Known for his memorable role as Madlanduna in Kwakhala Nyonini, Hlatshwayo remains an inspiration to generations of performers. Bobby Heaney, a distinguished television, film, and stage producer and director, was honored as one of the two recipients of the Lifetime Achiever Award. He is renowned for his dedication to nurturing new talent and has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of filmmakers.
Another special recognition went to Erik Holm, who received the Outstanding Person with Disability Contributor Award. His nuanced portrayal of Rian Malherbe in Binnelanders has been widely celebrated for its authenticity and representation.
Full list of SAFTAs 19 winners
The complete SAFTAs 19 winners list highlights the extraordinary creativity and dedication driving South Africa’s film and television industry forward.
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND – DOCUMENTARY
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
Practitioners: Barry Donnelly, Corne Van Niekerk & Jabu Msomi
Production House: Water Creature Media
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – DOCUMENTARY
Chasing the Sun 2
Practitioner: Christiaan Scheepers
Production House: T+W
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – DOCUMENTARY
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
Practitioners: Steven Dover, Warren Smart & Gareth Thomas
Production House: Water Creature Media
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – DOCUMENTARY
Zef: The Story of Die Antwoord
Practitioner: Jon Day
Production House: Orange Films
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Mathonga Elizwe (Spirits of the Land)
Production House: Uhuru Productions
BEST MADE FOR TV DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES
School Ties
Production House: Idea Candy
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Zef: The Story of Die Antwoord
Production House: Orange Films
BEST CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME
Behind the Rainbow
Production House: Storytown Productions
BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
Ingono Yomsamo
Production House: Barleader TV
BEST FACTUAL PROGRAMME
Confessions of an Assassin, Why I killed Chris Hani – An Annika Larsen Special
Report
Production House: e.TV
BEST COMPETITION REALITY SHOW
Plaasjapie (Seisoen 2)
Production House: afrOkaans
BEST STRUCTURED SOAPIE REALITY SHOW
Young, Famous and African
Production House: Urban Brew Studios & APOP Media
BEST STRUCTURED OR DOCU-REALITY SHOW
UMkhonto Ogwazekhaya
Production House: Devandile Media
BEST YOUTH PROGRAMME
On The Base Roundtable
Production House: VIS Studios
BEST ONLINE CONTENT
Four Walls
Production House: Weldun Media
BEST LIFESTYLE PROGRAMME
Elders: Ligtoringroete
Production House: Bonanza Films
BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMME
Carte Blanche
Production House: Combined Artists
BEST MADE FOR TV MOVIE
Mr Easy Loo
Production House: Black Brain Pictures
BEST INTERNATIONAL FORMAT
Deal or No Deal Celebrity
Production House: HBC Broadcast Solution
BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME
Yash’ingoma S3
Production House: Skepe Entertainment and Urban Brew Studios
BEST VARIETY SHOW
UNFOLLOWED Season 2
Production House: Goat (Originals)
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING – TV COMEDY
How to Ruin Love Season 1
Practitioners: Bongi Mlotshwa
Production House: Burnt Onion Productions
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE – TV COMEDY
The Morning After
Practitioner: Mariechen Vosloo
Production House: Both Worlds Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND – TV COMEDY
How to Ruin Love Season 1
Practitioner: Guy Steer
Production House: Burnt Onion Productions
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION – TV COMEDY
The Morning After
Practitioner: Kate Van Der Merwe
Production House: Both Worlds Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – TV COMEDY
The Morning After
Practitioner: Björn Johansen & Gordon Midgley
Production House: Both Worlds Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING -TV COMEDY
Magda Louw
Practitioner: Desire Gardner
Production House: Homebrew Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY -TV COMEDY
Mabaso Family Reunion
Practitioner: Gaopalelwe Kabe
Production House: Black Brain Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – TV COMEDY
Magda Louw
Practitioner: Johannes Pieter Nel
Production House: Homebrew Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING – TV DRAMA
Reyka S2
Practitioners: Theola Booyens
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE – TV DRAMA
NIGGIES (COUSINS)
Practitioner: Mariechen Vosloo
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION – TV DRAMA
Catch Me A Killer
Practitioner: Warren Gray
Production House: Local Motion Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SPECIAL EFFECTS (SFX) IN HAIR AND MAKE-UP- TV
White Lies
Practitioner: Natasha du Toit
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND – TV DRAMA
White Lies
Practitioners: David Oosthuizen & Declyn Strydom
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/SCORE – TV DRAMA
NIGGIES (COUSINS)
Practitioner: Pierre Henri Wicomb
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG – TV DRAMA
White Lies
Practitioners: Edward George King & Charl-Johan Lingenfelder
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – TV DRAMA
GO!
Practitioner: Jeremy Briers
Production House: Ten30 Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS(VFX) – TV
Soon comes night
Practitioner: Shaun Hillary
Production House: Ochre Media
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – TV DRAMA
Reyka S2
Practitioner: Tom Marais
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – TV DRAMA
LAW, LOVE & BETRAYAL (LLB)
Practitioners: Alex Xolo, Lwazi Mvusi, Dorette Nel, Chisanga Kabinga & Oratile Mogoje
Production House: Ramathesele Media and Communications
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – TV DRAMA
Catch Me A Killer
Practitioners: Rene van Rooyen & Brett Michael Innes
Production House: Local Motion Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING – TV SOAP/TELENOVELA
Skemergrond
Practitioner: Waldemar van Rensburg
Production House: Penguin Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN WARDROBE – TV SOAP/TELENOVELA
Genesis S1
Practitioner: Sylvia Gegana
Production House: Singavision Productions
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION – TV SOAP/TELENOVELA
Suidooster
Practitioner: Beatrix van Zyl
Production House: Suidooster Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING –TELENOVELA
Youngins
Practitioners: SC Nhlumayo, Natalie Varoy, Siwelile Mbanjwa, Lubabalo Mayaba,
Nandi Mehlomakulu & Nonhlanhla Nxumalo
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/SCORE – TELENOVELA
Youngins
Practitioner: Brendan Jury
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG – TELENOVELA
Kelders Van Geheime
Practitioner: Loki Rothman
Production House: KFilms
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND – TV SOAP/ TELENOVELA
Blood Legacy
Practitioners: Lubabalo Bozo, Jade Hill, Simon Ratcliffe, Richard West, James Olivier,
Carl Roberts, Shreshtha Ramesar, Jack van Wyk, Siyabonga Sithole, Finn Esterhuizen & Sean Sutton
Production House: Gambit Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – TELENOVELA
Inimba
Practitioners: Siphosethu Tshapu, Kirsten Adams, Sacha-ann Stokes, Nombulelo Mcwerah, Khanyisa Jali, Vanishia Kisten, Sinethemba Keleku, Mpolokeng Hope Bogatsu
& Sibusiso Kumalo
Production House: The Milton Empire
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – TELENOVELA
Blood Legacy
Practitioner: Sunel Haasbroek
Production House: Gambit Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – TELENOVELA
Youngins
Practitioners: Nthabi Tau, Thembalethu Mfebe & Sandile Mdluli
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – TV SOAP
Suidooster
Practitioner: Pieter Francois Retief Scholtz
Production House: Suidooster Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – TV SOAP
Scandal!
Practitioners: Sithembiso Mathenjwa, ANTONY COLEMAN, Philasande Malunga, Sphamandla Ngcobo, Christo Davids & Mamohato Askew
Production House: Ochre Media
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING – FEATURE FILM
The Fix
Practitioner: Nicola Roodt
Production House: Crave Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN – FEATURE FILM
Just Now Jeffrey
Practitioner: Danielle Knox
Production House: Bioscope Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN – FEATURE FILM
Just Now Jeffrey
Practitioner: Kerry von Lillienfeld
Production House: Bioscope Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SPECIAL EFFECTS(SFX) IN HAIR AND MAKE-UP – FEATURE FILM
The Fix
Practitioners: Nicola Roodt & Clinton Aiden Smith
Production House: Crave Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND DESIGN – FEATURE FILM
The Fix
Practitioners: David Oosthuizen & Geoffrey Kock
Production House: Crave Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – FEATURE FILM
Death of a Whistleblower
Practitioner: Eva Du Preez
Production House: Known Associates Entertainment
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC/ SCORE – FEATURE FILM
A Kind of Madness
Practitioner: Loki Rothman
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN AN ORIGINAL SONG – FEATURE FILM
Sabbatical
Practitioners: Bokani Dyer & Siyabonga Mthembu
Production House: Diprente
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS(VFX) – FEATURE FILM
The Fix
Practitioners: Kelsey Egan, George Webster, Sam Alessandri, Charles Tait, Andre Steyn, Lee Gemmell, Phillip Keong, Randall Makhanya, Tristan Brown & Mike Louw
Production House: Crave Pictures
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY – FEATURE FILM
Death of a Whistleblower
Practitioner: Devin Toselli
Production House: Known Associates Entertainment
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – FEATURE FILM
A Kind of Madness
Practitioners: Christiaan Olwagen & Wessel Pretorius
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST STUDENT FILM
Leapt Niches
Institution: The Animation School
BEST ANIMATION
Jungle Beat 2 The Past
Production House: Sunrise Animation Studios
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP
Vele Manenje (Skeem Saam)
Production House: Peu
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV SOAP
Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane (Scandal!)
Production House: Ochre Media
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA
Zenande Mfenyana (Inimba S1)
Production House: The Milton Empire
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA
Anele Matoti (Gqeberha – The Empire)
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP
Londeka Sishi (Scandal!)
Production House: Ochre Media
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SOAP
Aubrey Poo (Generations: The legacy)
Production House: MMSV Productions
BEST ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA
Nelisiwe Sibiya (iThonga)
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA
Bonko Khoza (iThonga)
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST TV SOAP
Scandal!
Production House: Ochre Media
BEST TELENOVELA
Youngins
Production House: Tshedza Pictures
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA
Michelle Botes (Tuiskoms)
Production House: Infinity Films
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA
Jabulani Mthembu (Catch Me A Killer)
Production House: Local Motion Pictures
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA
Gail Mabalane (Unseen – Season 2)
Production House: Gambit Films
BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA
Frank Opperman (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap Deel 2)
Production House: Nagvlug Films
BEST TV DRAMA
Reyka 2
Production House: Quizzical Pictures
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV COMEDY
Shoki Mmola (How to Ruin Love Season 1)
Production House: Burnt Onion Productions
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY
Tobie Cronjé (Pronk Primêr)
Production House: Sonvelt Media
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV COMEDY
Desire Gardner (MAGDA LOUW SEASON 2)
Production House: Homebrew Films
BEST ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY
Hannes van Wyk (MAGDA LOUW SEASON 2)
Production House: Homebrew Films
BEST TV COMEDY
The Morning After
Production House: Both Worlds Pictures
BEST SHORT FILM
Why The Cattle Wait
Production House: Zarafa Pictures & Yellowbone Entertainment
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
June van Merch (Die Kwiksilwers (The Quicksilvers))
Production House: Sanktuary Films
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
Neels van Jaarsveld (Snake)
Production House: Known Associates Entertainment
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
Sandra Prinsloo (A Kind of Madness)
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
Ian Roberts (A Kind of Madness)
Production House: Wolflight Films
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – FEATURE FILM
Death of a Whistleblower
Practitioner: Ian Gabriel
Production House: Known Associates Entertainment
BEST FEATURE FILM
Death of a Whistleblower
Production House: Known Associates Entertainment
BEST NATURAL HISTORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME
Day of the Dragon
Production House: Earth Touch
BEST TV PRESENTER (PUBLIC VOTE)
Fezile Mkhize (Top Travel)
Production House: Cardova Productions
MOST POPULAR TV SOAP OR TELENOVELA (PUBLIC VOTE)
Inimba S1
Production House: The Milton Empire
LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD
Bobby Heany
Magic Hlatshwayo
YOUTH ACHIEVER AWARD
Sandulela Asanda Biyana
OUTSTANDING PROVINCIAL CONTRIBUTOR AWARD
KRAAL
EMERGING FILMMAKER AWARD
Ntokozo Mlaba
OUTSTANDING PERSON WITH DISABILITY CONTRIBUTOR AWARD
Erik Holm
