Culture Craze
National Arts and Culture Awards 2025: South Africa’s Cultural Pride on Stage
A night where South Africa’s imagination took centre stage
The Sun City stage lit up with more than just lights this past weekend. It pulsed with the rhythm and colour of South Africa as the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards celebrated the voices and visions that continue to shape the nation’s identity. Broadcast live on SABC 1, the event was not just about winners but about honouring a community of artists who carry the country’s stories into the future.
From heritage to literature
The awards recognised the depth of South Africa’s heritage and creativity. Freedom Park Heritage Site Museum was named Outstanding Cultural Landscape, while the William Humphreys Art Gallery received Outstanding Museum. In literature, Barbara Boswell’s The Comrade’s Wife won Outstanding Fiction, Lebogang Seale’s 100 Years of Dispossession took Outstanding Non-Fiction, and Yamkela Tywakadi’s Sanda Makes Some Money was awarded Outstanding Children’s Fiction. Vhakololo Press, founded by Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho, was celebrated as Outstanding Publisher.
Design and innovation recognised
The creative industries shone brightly. Asher Zachary Marcus was named Outstanding Architecture and Interior Designer, while Mzukisi Mbane earned Outstanding Fashion and Textile Designer, reflecting South Africa’s rising global influence in fashion and design.
Stage, music, and movement
Performance categories carried the heartbeat of South African storytelling. Tshireletso Nkoane won Outstanding Actor in Theatre, and Obett Motaung’s A Street Taxi Named Desire was crowned Outstanding Theatre Production. Moeketsi Koena’s INGOMA took Outstanding Dance Production. Musician Mphumelelo Dlamini and poet Napo Masheane were honoured for their contributions, while the visual arts spotlight fell on Majolandile Samuel Dyalvane (Outstanding Crafter), Nontobeko Ntombela (Outstanding Curator), and Malebogo Naticia Molokoane (Outstanding Visual Artist).
Film and screen excellence
Cinema and television were also celebrated. Jacintha de Nobrega’s London Recruits won Outstanding Documentary Film, Xoliswa Sithole’s Free At Last received Outstanding Documentary Series, and Catharina Weinek’s Old Righteous Blues earned Outstanding Film Fiction.
Legends and lifetime achievements
The Ministerial Awards delivered some of the most moving moments. Jonathan Butler was recognised for his international achievements in music, Helen Sibidi received the Lifetime Achievement Award to rapturous applause, and Babsy Mlangeni was honoured as Artist Living With Disability, reinforcing the inclusivity of the event.
Why these awards matter
South Africa’s cultural story is one of resilience, transformation, and imagination. From township stages to global platforms, artists reflect who we are and who we want to be. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture reminded the nation that creativity is not only entertainment but also a force that preserves history, opens dialogue, and inspires the future.
Social media lit up with pride throughout the broadcast, with viewers celebrating the balance between tradition and innovation. For those at Sun City and those watching at home, the evening was more than a show. It was a mirror of South Africa’s cultural heartbeat.
Also read: Lwando Dlamini Paints Survival and Spirit on a Global Stage
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Good Things Guy
