There’s something uniquely powerful about South African soapies and telenovelas, they don’t just entertain, they reflect who we are. Over the past decade, the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) have handed the power to the viewers through the Most Popular TV Soapie or Telenovela (Public Vote) category, celebrating the shows that truly captured the hearts of Mzansi.
From township tales to glossy family dynasties, here’s a nostalgic look at the productions that defined the past ten years. These shows have all won the Most Popular TV Soapie or Telenovela (Public Vote) category in the last ten years. From Inimba to Scandal! and Skeem Saam to name a few.
Inimba (2026)
The Milton Empire|SAFTAs19 Winner
A powerful new entrant into the television landscape, Inimba has quickly carved out a space as a culturally resonant drama that blends modern family tensions with deeply rooted traditions. The show explores the emotional complexities of identity, belonging, and generational conflict, anchored by a strong ensemble cast and layered storytelling. Its SAFTAs 19 win for Most Popular Soapie/Telenovela marked a major milestone for The Milton Empire, signalling the arrival of a new powerhouse in local production.
Beyond the public vote win, Inimba has also made waves across other SAFTA categories, earning recognition for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – Telenovela and Zenande Mfenyana bagged an award for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for her performance as Thumeka in Inimba. The new season of the fan-favourite telenovela is airing on Monday to Friday at 8:30PM on Mzansi Magic.
Scandal! (2024)
Ochre Media|SAFTAs18 Winner
Winning the public vote category back-to-back, Scandal! had became a household name in South Africa, captivating millions of viewers with powerful storylines, unforgettable characters, and performances that have consistently set new benchmarks in local television. For almost two decades, the series has reflected the complexities of everyday life, sparking conversations and providing entertainment of the highest standard. Its SAFTAs 18 public vote win was a testament to its continued dominance and ability to resonate with both loyal viewers and new audiences. This was the soapie’s win consecutively, having won it in 2023.
Other awards from Scandal! include Kabelo Thai who won Best Supporting Actor in a TV Soap, and over the years, the show has collected multiple SAFTA nominations and wins, particularly in acting categories, with several of its cast members becoming household names through standout performances. The popular soap opera will be concluding its broadcast on e.tv in June 2026, marking the conclusion of more than twenty years of continuous production and viewership.
Scandal! (2023)
Ochre Media|SAFTAs18 Winner
Fresh off the launch of its landmark 20th season, Scandal! has spent nearly two decades delivering some of the most relatable and authentic storytelling on South African television. Its continued excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, alongside winning Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela, the show also scooped awards for Best TV Soap, Melusi Mbele won Best Actor, and Scandal! also won Best Achievement in Scriptwriting. As a true powerhouse of local drama, Scandal! is set to take its final bow on e.tv in June 2026, closing the curtain on over 20 years of gripping, must-watch television.
Diep City (2022)
Black Brain Pictures|SAFTAs16 Winner
Set in the Johannesburg township of Diepsloot, DiepCity centres on “The Wrong Turns”, a group of disillusioned young women who were forced into crime while in high school, just to make ends meet. Created and directed by Mandla N, DiepCity was the joint most-awarded show overall that year at the SAFTAs. At the 2023 SAFTAs, the show also won Best Telenovela; Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela; Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling – TV Soap/Telenovela; and Best Achievement in Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela. Its storytelling broke new ground by centring female anti-heroes and tackling social issues head-on, making it one of the most talked-about dramas of its time.
Gomora (2021)
Seriti Films|SAFTAs15 Winner
Few shows have captured the socio-economic divide in South Africa as powerfully as Gomora. Set in Alexandra, the telenovela juxtaposed wealth and poverty through intertwined family stories, delivering emotionally charged narratives that resonated deeply with viewers. Its SAFTAs15 win was just one of many accolades, with Gomora also dominating acting categories thanks to standout performances from its cast, including Thulani Mtsweni who won Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela.
Imbewu: The Seed (2020)
Word of Mouth & Video Vision|SAFTAs14 Winner
The popular late-night e.tv drama Imbewu captivated audiences with its layered portrayal of the Bhengu family, weaving together themes of betrayal, legacy and redemption into a deeply compelling narrative. Its ability to balance emotional depth with gripping twists quickly cemented it as a viewer favourite. The show’s win at the 14th SAFTAs was a clear reflection of its widespread appeal, while multiple nominations across acting and production categories further underscored the strength of its performances and the consistency of its storytelling.
The River (2019)
Tshedza Pictures|SAFTAs13 Winner
A powerhouse of both viewer appeal and critical success, The River stood out for its slick production and gripping storytelling, driven by themes of greed, ambition and family conflict. The series not only earned an International Emmy nomination but also racked up an aggregate total of more than 30 SAFTA wins to date. Over and above winning Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela that year, it also dominated the awards by also taking home Best Telenovela, with acting honours for Moshidi Motshegwa, Presley Chweneyagae and Lawrence Maleka, alongside multiple technical awards for directing, scriptwriting, sound design, cinematography, make-up and hairstyling, and original score.
Uzalo (2018)
Stained Glass Productions|SAFTAs12 Winner
Uzalo remains a phenomenon in South African television, set in KwaMashu, the show explores crime, faith, and family dynamics. Its SAFTAs12 win came during a period when Uzalo was breaking viewership records, becoming the most-watched television show in the country. Its massive audience numbers and cultural impact solidified its place as one of the most successful soapies in South African history.
Isibaya (2017)
Bomb Shelter|SAFTAs11 Winner
Isibaya, Mzansi Magic’s first breakout telenovela hit in 2013, introduced viewers to unforgettable families like the Zungus and Ndlovus while turning its cast into household names, from Siyabonga Thwala’s commanding Mpiyakhe Zungu to Andile Mxakaza’s Fezile. Produced by Bomb Productions, the series was instrumental in bringing stories of traditional leadership and rural life into the mainstream, all while building an impressive legacy of more than 27 SAFTA wins to date.
A sweeping rural drama steeped in Zulu tradition, Isibaya told stories of love, power, and rivalry between influential families. Its rich cultural backdrop and epic storytelling earned it widespread acclaim and a loyal following.
Skeem Saam (2016)
PEU Communication Solutions|SAFTAs10 Winner
Blending education and entertainment, Skeem Saam focuses on the lives of young people in Turfloop as they navigate school, relationships, and societal pressures. Its relatable storytelling has made it a staple for viewers across generations. One of the show’s breakout stars include Clement Maosa as Kwaito, and Cornet Mamabolo as TBose. Its SAFTAs10 win highlighted its connection with audiences, while ongoing nominations and acting accolades over the years reflect its consistent quality. As one of the longest-running educational dramas, Skeem Saam continues to evolve while staying true to its core themes.
A decade later, these shows stand as more than just winners, they are cultural touchstones. Each one reflects a moment in time when South Africans saw themselves on screen and showed up to vote. From record-breaking viewership to award-winning performances, these soapies and telenovelas prove that local storytelling isn’t it’s thriving.
