Nelisiwe Sibiya Celebrates Award Win for Emandulo House

Award-winning actress and musician Nelisiwe Sibiya is celebrating a significant milestone after her cultural business, Emandulo House of Culture and Heritage, was named first runner-up in the Crafters category at the Durban Tourism Business Awards on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

Known for her passion for preserving and promoting African culture, Sibiya has expanded her influence beyond the entertainment industry through Emandulo House, a Durban-based business dedicated to cultural consultation, traditional styling, and heritage preservation. The company provides authentic imvunulo (traditional attire) for hire and sale, coordinates cultural ceremonies, and offers MC services for special events.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nelisiwe Sibiya (@nelisiwe_faith_sibiya)

Taking to Instagram, the actress shared her excitement and gratitude after receiving the prestigious recognition. Reflecting on the achievement, she wrote:

“Konke okudliwe isikhonyane kuzobuya kuphindiwe.” Joel 2:25

“When I tell you I am still in awe of God’s goodness, grace and anointing in my life. This is my 3rd award this and we only in June and this award from Durban Tourism hits so hard because it is for my dear baby Emandulo House. So yesterday Emandulo House won this price from Durban Tourism ! Winning this Being recognised as a young black female entrepreneur is such a blessing.”

She went on to explain the vision behind her business, highlighting its commitment to culture and heritage.

“Emandulo house is very broad as you see it’s a “House” we deal with every and anything about culture and heritage from consultation, co-ordinate and proving imvunulo. I am so excited about the future of @emandulo_house and the vision it has for isintu.”

Sibiya concluded her heartfelt message with a powerful declaration: “Lastly I say: As long as ngisaphila, isintu angeke size sife ~ Nelisiwe Faith Sibiya.”

The recognition is particularly meaningful for the actress, who has worked tirelessly to build the business from the ground up. Speaking to Drum Magazine, Sibiya admitted that the award came as a surprise.

“I was not expecting to win first runner-up. I still can’t believe it,” Sibiya told Drum.

She added: “When I heard that I was one of the winners, I just lost it. I became so emotional because Emandulo House is my baby. It’s been so hard to start and run a business without any help or funding. Seeing it already win an award felt like a tap on the shoulder, telling me that I am moving in the right direction.”