By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image:Instagram/@leratokganyago.
South African series Shaka iLembe reigned supreme at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards, clinching 12 awards at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg.
Hosted by Lerato Kganyago and Skhumba Hlophe, celebrating South Africa’s film and television talent under the theme “Back to Basics.”
The event, held over two nights, 25 and 26 October, saw both the craft and main awards ceremonies reveal an exciting mix of productions.
The biggest winner of the evening was Shaka iLembe, a sweeping historical drama, which scooped an incredible 12 awards, including Best TV Drama.
Yoh!, Christmas pushed kykNET’s Taktiek (with just one win) out of the way to grab eight Golden Horns, including for Best TV comedy. Outlaws won eight awards, including for Best Telenovela.
The SABC won 12 categories for various content on the South African public broadcaster. eMedia’s e.tv won just four categories.
SABC1’s Skeem Saam won Best TV soap, while Best Documentary went to !Aitsa. The late Mpho Sebeng won Best Supporting Actor in a telenovela for his role in SABC3’s The Estate.
Scandal took the honour of Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela.
The wins were dominated by MultiChoice and M-Net’s stable of TV channels on DStv, which took home a total of 46 awards.
Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice’s CEO for general entertainment, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the winners.
“This weekend highlighted the rich diversity and powerful storytelling that our creative industry offers viewers. As the leading investor in local content across Africa, MultiChoice is dedicated to supporting and expanding the continent’s film and television landscape, “she said.
The SAFTAs awarded Lifetime achiever awards to Generations creator Mfundi Vundla and actor and sculptor Arthur Molepo.