The 18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs18) took place on 25 and 26 October 2024, celebrating the excellence of the South African film and television industry. The prestigious award ceremonies, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, paid tribute to the outstanding talent that has entertained and inspired audiences locally and globally.
Under the theme “Back to Basics, Celebrating Mzansi’s Golden Narratives”, the Craft awards were streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube page on 25 October 2024 where the Red Carpet and Main Awards shows were simulcast on SABC 2 (Channel 192) and Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) on 26 October 2024. SAFTAs18 were an exhilarating showcase of the brilliance of past film and TV genius during 30 years of South Africa’s democracy and the celebration of today’s talent.
The two-night star-studded affair brought together the nation’s favourite films, TV soaps, TV dramas, telenovelas, actors, presenters, behind-the-scenes talent and many more, recognising the hard work and dedication that goes into producing world-class content. A diverse mix of celebrities, government officials and key figures from the entertainment industry attended this highly anticipated event.
Hosting the Main Awards show was the charismatic duo, Lerato “LKG” Kganyago – Ndlala and Skhumba Hlophe. This was preceded by the Red Carpet show, hosted by Nomalanga Shozi and Katleho Sinivasan, where Kuhle Adams and Christopher Jaftha hosted the Craft awards ceremony.
Guests and viewers were treated to exceptional live performances, starting with an energetic opening act by Zola. Performances by Holly Rey, Brenda Mtambo and Pabi Cooper also added to the Main Award night’s entertainment. Acts who featured during the Craft Award show were familiar favourites KB, Clint Brink, Danny K, Karlien van Jaarsveld and content creator & amapiano artist, Khanyisa.
The SAFTAs extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, who were honoured with the iconic Golden Horn. Bomb Shelter scooped most wins across both nights with 13 awards, including multiple wins for the critically acclaimed series Shaka Ilembe, which secured awards for Best TV Drama, Best Achievement in Makeup and Styling, Best Achievement in Wardrobe, Best Achievement in Art Direction, and Best Achievement in Original Music/Score.
Tshedza Productions followed closely with 11 Golden Horns, including Best Telenovela for Outlaws. The critically acclaimed Music Is My Life – Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo won Best Achievement in Directing and Best Documentary Feature.
Here are the Key Award Winners:
- Best Feature Film: The Fragile King
- Best Documentary: !Aitsa
- Best TV Drama: Shaka iLembe
- Best TV Soap: Skeem Saam
- Best Telenovela: Outlaws
- Best TV Comedy: Yoh! Christmas
- Best Actress in a Feature Film: Antoinette Louw (The Fragile King)
- Best Actor in a Feature Film: Vusi Kunene (Seconds)
- Best Actress in a TV Drama: Shannon Esra (Lioness Season 2)
- Best Actor in a TV Drama: Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe)
- Best Actress in a Telenovela: Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire Season 1)
- Best Actor in a Telenovela: Presley Chweneyagae (The River)
- Best Actress in a TV Comedy: Marion Holm (Taktiek)
- Best Actor in a TV Comedy: Prev Reddy (Miseducation)
- Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film: Tristan Holmes (The Fragile King)
In the public vote categories, the Best TV Presenter award was won by Nonkanyiso “Laconco” Conco, and the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela award was, for the second time in a row, won by eTV’s Scandal.
The late Mpho Sebeng won the Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela award for his performance on S3’s The Estate.
The prestigious Lifetime Achiever Award was bestowed upon Arthur Molepo and Mfundi Vundla, two industry legends who have made significant contributions to the South African film and television landscape. Their careers have left an indelible mark, and their dedication to the craft continues to inspire.
Additionally, Kenneth Vuyani Mbalula was honoured with the Youth Achiever Award, and Josh Crickmay received the Emerging Filmmaker Award, marking the next generation of talent shaping the future of the industry.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the proud custodians of the SAFTAs, applauds the tireless efforts of the SAFTAs jury for their rigorous evaluation process, as well as the SAFTAs Committee for their thoughtful consideration of the discretionary award winners.
NFVF Acting CEO, Mr. Lebogang Mogoera, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are immensely proud of the calibre of talent showcased this year and the hard work of all those involved in bringing these stories to life. A big thank you to our long-standing broadcast partners Multichoice and SABC, whose support enabled us to bring the awards to all South Africans, Black Swan Media for implementing a brilliant production that intentionally highlighted the importance of how film and TV have helped archive our 30 years of democracy and of course our sponsors, the Durban Film Office and Icebolethu Group for their contribution to making this year’s SAFTAs a success.”
The full list of winners can be found on all SAFTAs social media platforms, the #SAFTAS18 hashtag and the NFVF website www.nfvf.co.za.
Congratulations to all the winners!
