South Africa’s screen industry is still buzzing after the 19th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs19), held on 13 and 14 March at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre. Fans, creatives, and industry insiders are all celebrating the country’s top talent in film, television, and digital content.
This year’s theme, “One Story. One Industry. One Future,” marked 50 years of South African television storytelling, reflecting on the past while shining a spotlight on the next generation of screen talent.
Main Features from the Nights
Live performances set the tone for both nights, featuring Thebe, Mdu, Early B, and Kamo Mphela, while a moving gospel tribute by Hle honoured industry members who passed away.
The hosting duties were in the hands of Anele Mgudlwa and Simphiwe “Alphi” Mkhwanazi for the main show, with Pamela Mntanga and Katleho “Kat” Sinivasan leading the Red Carpet, and Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp and Moshe Ndiki hosting the Craft Awards.
Who Left with the Golden Horns?
Some of the night’s top winners included:
- Best Feature Film:Death of a Whistleblower
- Best TV Drama:Reyka 2
- Best TV Soap:SCANDAL!
- Best Telenovela:Youngins
- Best Actor (Telenovela): Bonko Khoza (iThonga)
- Best Actress (Telenovela): Nelisiwe Sibiya (iThonga)
- Best Actor (TV Drama): Frank Opperman (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap Deel 2)
- Best Actress (TV Drama): Gail Mabalane (Unseen – Season 2)
- Best Supporting Actor (TV Soap): Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane
Accepting his Golden Horn, Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane gave appreciation to his family, his mother, sisters, brother and everyone who supported him. “I’m not just taking home this horn tonight: I’m taking with me the title of Best Kid Actor in South Africa,” he said, beaming with joy and pride.
Fan favourites also made their mark: Fezile Mkhize won the public-vote Best TV Presenter, and the newcomer telenovela The Milton Empires’ Inimba S1 claimed the Most Popular TV Soap/Telenovela award.
Production companies dominated the awards: Tshedza Pictures led with seven wins for iThonga, while Quizzical Pictures and Wolflight Films won six each, and Ochre Media took home five.
Giving Flowers to Icons and Rising Stars
- Lifetime Achiever Awards: Bobby Heaney and Magic Hlatshwayo
- Outstanding Person with Disability Contributor: Erik Holm
- Youth Achiever Award: Sandulela Biyana
- Emerging Filmmaker Award: Ntokozo Mlaba
Fans are still talking about standout moments from the night, mostly the wins for iThonga and Youngins, emphasising the growing impact of South African productions both on television and streaming platforms.
The two-night celebration was a confirmation that South Africa’s film and television industry is not only producing award-winning content, but it also creates a space where emerging talent can shine alongside industry veterans. The 19th SAFTAs were a celebration of passion, creativity, and the diversity that continues to define South African screen entertainment.
By Sinentlahla Mbokwe
#SAPositiveNews
