Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela honoured with lifetime award

South African comedian Leon Schuster has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA), alongside his longtime collaborator Alfred Ntombela.

The pair were recognised at the awards ceremony held at Sun City over the weekend for their contribution to South Africa’s entertainment industry.

#NACA2026 | A LIFETIME OF LAUGHTER. A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON.

For decades, his films, characters and unmistakable humour have brought South Africans together, creating moments that have become part of our shared cultural memory.

Congratulations to Leon Schuster, recipient of the… pic.twitter.com/1hqbLLX4qX

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 22, 2026

The honour was presented as part of the ministerial awards by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. According to The Citizen, Schuster was unable to attend the ceremony and sent a video message to accept the award.

Schuster described the recognition as a humbling moment after decades in the South African entertainment industry. Ntombela accepted his award in person and paid tribute to Schuster, reflecting on the role the comedian played in his career.

The duo have worked together for decades and became household names through films including Sweet ’n Short, Mr Bones, Mama Jack and Frank and Fearless. Their partnership has become a familiar part of South African comedy, with Ntombela frequently appearing alongside Schuster on screen.

The Lifetime Achievement Award formed part of this year’s National Arts and Culture Awards, which recognised several prominent figures across the country’s creative industries.

Who else was recognised at the NACA Awards?

The 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards also recognised 20 winners across six competitive categories: Heritage, Visual Arts and Craft, Design, Performing Arts, Audio Visual and Literary.

Media Statement

DSAC announces NACA 2026 winners as South Africa celebrates creative excellence
Twenty awards presented across six disciplines as South Africa’s artists, creatives and cultural institutions are recognised at Sun City

PRETORIA, 22 August 2026 – The Department of… pic.twitter.com/P4UhvqELgL

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 23, 2026

Among the winners were Gallery MOMO, which received the Outstanding Art Gallery Award, fashion designer David Tlale, who won Outstanding Fashion/Textile Designer and actor Themba Ndaba, who received the Outstanding Actor in Theatre Award.

Other winners included musician Sisa Benjamin Zako, poet Koleka Putuma, dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma, actress Zenande Mfenyana and publisher Jacana Media.

The competitive awards were separate from the Ministerial Awards, which recognised Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, Dr Rebecca Malope, Alec Khaoli, Dr Miriam Makeba, Mduduzi Tshabalala, Don Mattera and Nkosinathi Maphumulo for their contributions to South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape.

The recognition comes as Schuster continues to be celebrated for his long-running contribution to South African film and comedy.