KZN Talent Shines Bright in 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards Nominations

The Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards have officially revealed their 2025 nominees, and it’s clear that KwaZulu-Natal is bursting with exceptional talent in film and television. The announcement was made on Wednesday, 11 June, during a special event held at the Hilton Hotel in Durban.

These awards, which aim to celebrate and honour outstanding achievement in the South African film and television industry—with a strong focus on KZN—will see actors, producers, directors, and technical crew members being recognised for their excellence. The grand awards ceremony will take place on 19 July at the Durban ICC, where stars will take centre stage and receive recognition for their incredible work.

Some of the most popular productions on South African television, including Uzalo, Scandal!, Smoke & Mirrors, Icala, and The Real Housewives of Durban, feature prominently among the nominees.

Here is a look at the nominees in some of the major categories:

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Best Supporting TV Actress

·       Duduzile Ngcobo – Uzalo

·       Mbali Primrose Cele – Smoke & Mirrors

·       Velile Makhoba – Icala Season 2

Best TV Actress

·       Nelisiwe Sibiya – iThonga

·       Nombulelo Mhlongo – Scandal!

·       Ngobile Magwaza – Smoke & Mirrors

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Best TV Actor

·       Herald Khumalo – Smoke & Mirrors

·       Kwenzo Ngcobo – Scandal!

·       Ruffus Yeni – Smoke & Mirrors

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Best Supporting TV Actor

·       Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo – Uzalo

·       Bandile Maphalala – Uzalo

·       Kennedy Stab – Icala Season 2

Best TV Production

·       Icala Season 2

·       The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5

·       Uthando Nesthembu Season 8

Best Newcomer (Actor & Actress)

·       Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo – Uzalo

·       Kaveshen Govindasamy – Locked Down

·       Sipho Luthuli – A Wesley South African Christmas

·       Avela Cele – Sent

·       Dineo Nxumalo – Sent

·       Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu – One Weeks

·       Edwin Chetty – Highway Sheila: Resurrection

The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards continue to be a powerful platform that uplifts local stars, both in front of and behind the camera. With so many familiar names and rising stars among the nominees, this year’s event promises to be a celebration of creativity, passion, and excellence in KZN’s entertainment industry.