The 18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) dazzled audiences over the weekend, marking another milestone in recognizing the best of South African storytelling. Hosted at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre, the event was spread across two days, starting with Friday’s craft awards streamed live on YouTube. Saturday’s main awards ceremony was co-hosted by media personalities Lerato Kganyago and comedian Skhumba Hlophe, adding their unique flair to the evening. Meanwhile, Nomalanga Shozi and Kat Sinivasan brought the glitz to the red carpet, capturing each moment as stars arrived in style.
A standout of the evening was Shaka iLembe, which led the night with an impressive 12 awards, including Best TV Drama and Best Directing for Bomb Productions. The historical drama, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of South Africa’s rich heritage, took home top honours, celebrating the talent both in front of and behind the camera. In a category full of seasoned talent, Thembinkosi Mthembu claimed the Best Actor in a TV Drama award for his role in Shaka iLembe.
The SAFTAs18 also celebrated a wide range of talent across genres. Elizabeth Serunye took home Best Actress in a TV Soap for her beloved role in Skeem Saam, while Zikhona Sodlaka’s unforgettable portrayal in Gqeberha – The Empire earned her Best Actress in a Telenovela. Skeem Saam won the award for Best TV Soap, while Showmax’s Outlaws triumphed in the Best Telenovela category. The holiday-themed comedy Yoh! Christmas, streaming on Netflix, was a surprise winner, scooping up awards for Best TV Comedy and multiple acting accolades, bringing laughter to the awards floor.
In the film categories, veteran actor Vusi Kunene’s intense role in Seconds earned him Best Actor in a Feature Film, while Antoinette Louw’s performance in The Fragile King took home Best Actress in a Feature Film. Public choice also played a role, with Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco, beloved for her role in Forever Thina, winning Best TV Presenter.
The ceremony was graced by an array of South African talent, including beloved actresses Phumi Khomo, Shoki Mmola, Sophie Ndaba, and Helen Motsuki. Other celebrities on the red carpet included TV presenter Dineo Ranaka, actor Wiseman Ncube, and presenter Pearl Modiadie, each bringing glamour and excitement to the evening’s festivities.
From honouring veterans to spotlighting rising stars, SAFTAs18 was a reminder of the incredible talent fueling South Africa’s entertainment industry.
Picture: @saftassa
Laconco’s acceptance speech for winning the Best presenter category at the @SAFTAs_1 is pure gold! Kwande ntokazi yaka Zulu! #saftas18 @nfvfsa pic.twitter.com/5wETjmSvGS
— Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) October 26, 2024Skeemsaam Scopes the Best TV Show Award at the #SAFTAS18@SkeemSaam3 plays on @Official_SABC1
#Skeemsaam @SAFTAs_1 pic.twitter.com/RN1A6GS4Mz
— Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) October 26, 2024Thembinkosi Mthembu acceptance speech at the @SAFTAs_1 x @nfvfsa #SAFTAs18 pic.twitter.com/EhXRy0RQhG
— Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) October 26, 2024Lerato Kganyago on Standby waiting for her next link… @SAFTAs_1 @nfvfsa #SAFTAs18 pic.twitter.com/12OFuO8wCo
— Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) October 26, 2024Phuthi Khomo at the red carpet for the @nfvfsa @SAFTAs_1 #SAFTAs18 pic.twitter.com/EGzwan1kOe
— Entertainment (@TvblogbyMLU) October 26, 2024
