South African film and TV talented celebrated at South African Film and Television Awards over the weekend
By CityLIfe Arts Writer
Hosted by one of South Africa’s finest broadcast personalities Khutso Theledi, comedian and TV personality Mpho Popps & the dashing actor and TV presenter Ryle De Morny, the 16th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), themed “Frame the Future”, were once again virtually executed through an outstanding production!
Leading the tally this year, MultiChoice Group (MCG) scooped a total of 54 awards, across both the Craft Show, held on 2 September 2022 on the SAFTAs YouTube page and the Main Show held on Mzansi Magic and S3 on 3 September, up from 47 last year. These wins boasted a mixed bag across various categories such as “Best TV Soap” for kykNET’s Suidooster, “Best Telenovela” for Mzansi Magic’s DiepCity, “Best Achievement In Directing – TV Soap” for Binnelanders and “Best Achievement In Scriptwriting – Telenovela” for Legacy.
The broadcast giant’s streaming platform, Showmax boasted 17 wins from shows such as Tali’s Baby Diary, the much-loved popular telenovela, The Wife and TV Drama, DAM to name a few. The public’s favourite on-screen brothers from Showmax’s The Wife, “Mqhele Zulu” and “Nqoba Zulu”, played by Bonko Khoza and Abdul Khoza won for “Best Actor in a Telenovela” and Best Supporting Actor in Telenovela” respectively. Veteran actress Nthati Moshesh walked away with “Best Actress in a Telenovela” for her role as “Mother Mary” in Isono onBET Africa. The late, great Shaleen Surtie Richards remembered for her role as nurse Muriel Foster, received the “Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela” award for kykNET’s Arendsvlei.
The SABC achieved 9 wins, some of which were SABC 2’s hit reality show Taste Masters SA, winning ”Best Competition Reality Show”, while SABC 1’s The Braai Show with Cassper received “Best Variety Show” and seasoned actress, Manaka Ranaka was awarded, “Best Actress in a TV Soap for Generations: The Legacy” for her role as “Lucy”. S3’s acclaimed documentary Murder In Paris won the “Best Achievement in Sound Documentary”, while “Best Entertainment Programme” was scooped up by SABC 2’s Musiek Roulette.
Popular streaming platform, Netflix walked away with 7 awards in various categories for its two feature films, I Am All Girls and Angeliena, and hit TV comedy How To Ruin Christmas- Season 2.
E-TV’s House of Zwide received 4 wins at the Craft Awards and Scandal scooped the best supporting actor and actress roles in a TV Soap. The broadcast platform overall won 11 awards where “Best Actor in a TV Soap” was scooped up by Thabo Malema for his portrayal of “Bohang” in Scandal.
The public had their say in the coveted Public Vote categories where Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo was voted as the “Best TV Presenter” for her stellar performance as the host of Old Mutual’s Amazing Voices and DiepCity was voted as the Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela.
This year’s accolade for the Lifetime Achievement Award went to the legendary Mme Connie Chiume for her 45 years of dedicated service to the South African television industry and broader global film industry. Receiving a notable mention from the Honourable Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture during the broadcast, Mme Chiume joins an illustrious list of previous Lifetime Achievers including Thoko Ntshiga, Thembi Mtshali and Lydia Mokgokoloshi.
Both the Craft and Main Shows included stellar performances from the likes of Zoë Modiga, Goodluck, Samthing Soweto, Langa Mavuso, Jesse Clegg and Hush SA, to name a few.