Culture Craze
Saftas 2026: Highlights from South Africa’s top film and TV awards
There is something about the Saftas that feels bigger than just awards. It is a snapshot of where South African storytelling stands right now. And on Saturday night at the Gallagher Convention Centre, that picture looked bold, emotional, and proudly local.
The 19th South African Film and Television Awards brought together the faces we watch every week and the names working behind the scenes. From red carpet glamour to emotional acceptance speeches, the atmosphere carried that familiar mix of celebration and quiet validation that only comes when an industry recognises its own.
A stage set for celebration
Hosted by Anele Mgudlwa and Alphi Mkhwanazi, the main ceremony balanced humour with heartfelt moments, while Pamela Mntanga and Katleho Sinivasan kept the red carpet buzzing. The energy peaked early when Kamo Mpela opened the night, turning the formal setting into something closer to a Jozi party with her performance of Partii.
It felt intentional. This was not just about trophies. It was about culture, identity, and the way South Africans tell their stories.
Tshedza Pictures steals the spotlight
If there was one name on everyone’s lips by the end of the weekend, it was Tshedza Pictures. The production house walked away with seven Golden Horns across the two-night event, a clear sign of its growing influence in local television.
Its telenovela iThonga delivered big wins, with Bonko Khoza and Nelisiwe Sibiya taking top acting honours. Another standout was Gqeberha: The Empire, which secured a supporting actor award for Anele Matoti before its run ended earlier this year.
In an industry often shaped by consistency, Tshedza’s sweep felt like a shift, not just a moment.
The shows that defined the year
Some titles came into the night with momentum and left with even more.
Youngins dominated the telenovela space, winning Best Telenovela along with directing, editing, and music accolades. Reyka season two continued its strong run by taking Best TV Drama, while Scandal! reminded everyone why it remains a staple, winning Best TV Soap.
On the film side, Death of a Whistleblower claimed Best Feature Film, standing out in a category that continues to grow in quality year after year.
Gail Mabalane’s full-circle moment
One of the most talked-about wins of the night belonged to Gail Mabalane. After more than a decade in the industry, she earned her first Saftas nomination and win for Unseen season two.
It was the kind of moment that landed beyond the room. On social media, fans called it long overdue. For many, it was a reminder that persistence in the South African entertainment space does not always follow a straight line, but when recognition comes, it carries weight.
Zenande Mfenyana also celebrated a first, winning Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for Inimba. Meanwhile, Vele Manenje added another trophy to her collection, becoming a two-time Saftas winner for her role in Skeem Saam.
The public has its say
The audience had its moment too. Fezile Mkhize was voted Best TV Presenter, while Inimba secured the title of Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela. These categories often reflect what people are actually watching at home, and this year’s results showed just how strong local productions remain.
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Honouring legends of the screen
Beyond the wins and performances, the ceremony paused to honour two veterans. Magic Hlatshwayo and Bobby Heaney received Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising decades of contribution to South African television.
These moments tend to be quieter, but they carry a different kind of importance. They remind the industry and the audience that today’s success stands on years of groundwork.
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Key winners at a glance
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Death of a Whistleblower |
| Best TV Drama | Reyka season 2 |
| Best TV Soap | Scandal! |
| Best Telenovela | Youngins |
| Best TV Comedy | The Morning After |
| Best Actress TV Drama | Gail Mabalane |
| Best Actor Telenovela | Bonko Khoza |
| Most Popular Soap or Telenovela | Inimba |
| Best TV Presenter | Fezile Mkhize |
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A reflection of where SA storytelling is heading
The Saftas have always been a mirror. This year, that reflection showed an industry leaning into stronger writing, more confident performances, and stories that resonate both locally and beyond.
There is also a clear shift towards younger audiences, with shows like Youngins leading the charge, while long-running favourites continue to hold their ground.
If anything, Saftas 2026 felt less like a routine awards night and more like a marker of growth. South African television and film are not just surviving. They are evolving, and audiences are paying attention.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: eiiGhana Africa
