Nay Maps to Host Prestigious Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards in Durban

Former Uzalo actor Nkosinathi Maphalala, better known as Nay Maps, is stepping into a new role — as the host of the 2024 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards. The event will take place this Saturday at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), marking the 12th edition of the ceremony.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KZN Tourism & Film – Film in KZN (@filminkzn)

Speaking to The Citizen, Maphalala shared his excitement about the opportunity: “I was chosen to host these awards and I was excited to do so as I believe in hosting such events that celebrate, acknowledge and honour the talent we have as a country and as a province.”

These awards are named after legendary South African actor and filmmaker Simon Mabhunu Sabela, who passed away in 1994. Though it’s been more than 30 years since his death, Sabela’s impact on the film and television industry in South Africa is still deeply felt.

Sabela was South Africa’s first black film director. He directed popular films such as Ikati Elimnyama and the comedy classic Ngaka, which featured Somizi Mhlongo’s father, Ndaba Mhlongo. He also directed the 1975 film u’Deliwe, which starred Cynthia Shange, the mother of television personality Nonhle Thema. In addition to directing, Sabela had an impressive acting career with roles in over 34 local and international films.

Maphalala said hosting the awards in honour of such a trailblazer means a lot to him, especially as a young black actor: “I am aware of uMkhulu Simon Sabela and the work he has done to contribute to this industry. He is South Africa’s first black director and this is quite significant as a young black actor and creative because this serves as an inspiration and reminder that we are great and capable of great things.”

Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, echoed this sentiment: “The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and uplift.”

The awards are also a celebration of the ongoing growth of KwaZulu-Natal’s film and TV industry. Maphalala, who is originally from Bergville, KZN, added that hosting this event hits close to home:

“With my roots and origins being from Bergville KZN, this is a true testament of how talented and blessed we are as a Zulu nation and how we as a nation have contributed immensely to the history of South Africa and Africa as a continent at large.”

Nominees for the 2024 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards were officially announced in June. The star-studded ceremony is expected to draw big names from across the South African entertainment industry.