The National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024: A night of celebrating talent, innovation, and creativity

November 11, 2024

The highly anticipated 2nd edition of the National Film and Television Awards took place on Saturday at the Opera House in Pretoria, delivering an unforgettable celebration of talent, innovation, and creativity. Hosted by renowned personalities Jordan Kensington, Lesedi Phala, and Nicole Watson (The Real Housewives of Johannesburg), the event attracted a star-studded audience and an enthusiastic crowd, marking a phenomenal success in South Africa’s entertainment calendar.

The awards ceremony began on a heartfelt note with an opening prayer, setting a reverent yet electric atmosphere that carried through the evening. This year, 3.7 million votes were received from the public, reflecting the enthusiasm and engagement of audiences across the country who supported their favorite talents in film, television, and digital media. As the biggest names in South African and African entertainment gathered, the room was filled with anticipation and excitement to honor the year’s outstanding contributions.

The night was filled with well-deserved wins as the best in South African and African talent took to the stage to accept their accolades.

Best Actress 2024: Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (Savage Beauty & Empini)

Nambitha said, “This role is incredibly emotional for me. First and foremost, I wouldn’t be here without the gift God has given me, which has become my why and my purpose in pouring myself so much into each character I take on”

She went on to add, “I want to reflect on a moment I had earlier this evening with a gentleman. I hope he’s here. He told me, ‘I’ve been inspired to take up MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) because of your role on Empini.’ And that is my why. My why when it gets hard to even get out of bed and show up at times, it’s because of you guys—it’s why I’m able to touch you, inspire you, impact you, and heal you. Thank you. Thank you to Showmax for giving me the platform to make history as the first Black female action hero.”

Best Actor 2024: Bonko Khoza (Red Ink)

In his acceptance speech, Bonko said: “First of all, I would like to thank God, my savior, the author and finisher of my story. Without my God-given talent, I wouldn’t be here today. Thanks to my beautiful wife, the most supportive person in my world of reality. To all my fellow nominees, I’m honoured to be mentioned alongside each of you in this category. This is amazing, guys.”

Bonko concluded by saying, “Thank you so much to Bomb Productions, to Showmax, and to Nqobile Nunu Khumalo… She’s the lead in Red Ink. Thanks to everyone who voted— we got one, baby! We got one!”

Best Actress in a TV Series 2024: Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire)

Best Newcomer 2024: Katlego Lebogang (Yoh! Christmas & Spinners)

Best Actor in a TV Series 2024: S’dumo Mtshali (My Brother’s Keeper)

Best Supporting Actress 2024: Lorcia Cooper (Red Ink)

Best Supporting Actor 2024: Vuyo Dabula (The Butcher’s Soul)

Vuyo Dabula as Saul in The Butcher's Soul

Vuyo Dabula, who had just made his comeback on screen, shared his thoughts on his win: “I’m nominated alongside some of the best in this country, and for my name to be mentioned among them blows my mind. This one goes to my mom. I know I’m not the easiest son, but your resilience and refusal to give up—raising four children on your own, three strong men and a woman—are why I’m here today. I didn’t give up, and I owe this to you. I look at my father, and I’ll never speak badly about him. Whatever I win in this world, I know you’re resting in peace. Whatever I win, you win too, Dad. Despite all the difficulties, you made me and everything I’ve experienced.”

He also thanked Leburugraphy for taking a chance on him: “Thank you so much to Leburugraphy. They fought so hard for me. Thank you for believing in me, and to Showmax for eventually saying yes. I appreciate it so much.”

Best TV Drama Series 2024: Skeem Saam

Best Male TV Personality 2024: Graeme Richards (Expresso Morning Show)

Best Female TV Personality 2024: Lethabo “Lejoy” (The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip)

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series 2024: Sannah Mchunu (Gomora)

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series 2024: Clement Maosa (Skeem Saam)

Best TV Presenter 2024: Devi Sankaree Govender (The Devi Show)

Best Comedian 2024: Tumi Morake

Best Competition TV Show 2024: Big Brother Mzansi

Best Entertainment Show 2024: The Masked Singer

Best Documentary 2024: Chasing The Sun 2

Outstanding Performance 2024: Deli Malinga (Umkhokha – The Curse)

Best Feature Film 2024: Heart of the Hunter

Best Director 2024: Mandla Dube (Heart of the Hunter)

Best Producer 2024: Simoné Pretorius & Dries Scholtz (Som van twee)

Best Production Company 2024: Quizzical Pictures

Best Television or Streaming Network 2024: Showmax

Best Non-Scripted TV Series 2024: The Mommy Club

Best Scripted TV Series 2024: Savage Beauty

Best Podcast 2024: Podcast and Chill by MacG

Best Afrikaans TV Series: Diepe Waters

Best Current News/Entertainment Programme 2024: Expresso Show (Graeme, Carissa, Ryle, Zanele, Ewan, Carl)

Best Reality TV Show 2024: The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip

Best International African Film 2024: A Soweto Love Story

Celebrity Personality of the Year 2024: Trevor Noah

With a rich 26-year history, the National Film Academy stands as one of the world’s largest film and television organizations, boasting a membership of over 7.5 million people globally. Known for its prestigious awards such as the National Film Awards UK, National Film & TV Awards USA, and the National Reality Television Awards, the Academy expanded its reach into South Africa last year, introducing the flagship National Film & TV Awards South Africa to celebrate African talent. The 2nd annual South African edition was an exciting continuation of this legacy, taking place at the State Theatre on November 9, 2024.