19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) Celebrate Industry Excellence

Johannesburg recently rolled out the red carpet for the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs19), a spectacular two-night affair that cemented its status as a pinnacle of screen excellence on the continent. Held on March 13 and 14, 2026, at the illustrious Gallagher Convention Centre, this year's ceremony resonated with the unifying theme, “One Story. One Industry. One Future. – Celebrating South Africa's Screen Legacy, Together,” a poignant tribute to five decades of South African television storytelling.

The SAFTAs19, postponed from their original 2025 schedule due to organisational adjustments within the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), returned with renewed vigour, showcasing a vibrant industry resilient in its pursuit of narrative brilliance and technical mastery. The event was meticulously structured, with the Craft Awards streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube channel on the first night, followed by the Red Carpet and Main Awards shows, which captivated audiences simultaneously on SABC 2 and Mzansi Magic (channel 161).

The star-studded evenings saw renowned personalities grace the stage, with the charismatic duo Anele Mgudlwa and Simphiwe “Alphi” Mkhwanazi steering the Main Awards Show. Pamela Mntanga and Katleho “Kat” Sinivasan brought glamour to the Red Carpet, while Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp and Moshe Ndiki hosted the crucial Craft Awards.

Tshedza Pictures emerged as the undeniable powerhouse of SAFTAs19, sweeping an impressive seven Golden Horns across both nights, underscoring their consistent creative prowess in the industry. Their critically acclaimed series, iThonga, was a standout, securing multiple wins, notably for Best Actor in a Telenovela, awarded to Bonko Khoza, and Best Actress in a Telenovela, which went to Nelisiwe Sibiya. Another Tshedza Pictures production, Youngins, also celebrated significant victories, taking home Best Telenovela, Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela, Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Telenovela, and Best Achievement in Editing. Close contenders, Quizzical Pictures and Wolflight Films, each garnered six Golden Horns, while Ochre Media proudly collected five.

Other notable winners in key categories included Death of a Whistleblower for Best Feature Film, Reyka 2 for Best TV Drama, SCANDAL! for Best TV Soap, and The Morning After for Best TV Comedy. The Lifetime Achiever Awards, celebrating profound contributions to the industry, were bestowed upon veterans Bobby Heaney and Magic Hlatshwayo, acknowledging their enduring impact and mentorship. The public also had their say, with Fezile Mkhize winning the Flight Centre-sponsored Best TV Presenter award, which included an all-inclusive 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise valued at R160,000, and The Milton Empires' Inimba S1 clinching the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela award.

Data Analysis: The Economic Engine of South African Screen

The 19th SAFTAs not only celebrated artistic merit but also highlighted the significant economic contribution of South Africa's burgeoning film and television sector. The eligibility period for this year's awards, spanning from January 2024 to June 2025, captured a period of remarkable growth and investment. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) reported a substantial increase in submissions, with 471 entries received for SAFTAs19, and 434 deemed compliant – a significant leap from the 347 compliant entries for SAFTAs18.

Foreign investment continues to be a crucial driver, with foreign-owned production houses injecting R2.52 billion into South Africa's film sector between November 2023 and June 2024. Projections indicate this figure will surpass R5 billion by October 2025, demonstrating strong international confidence in the local industry's capabilities and allure. This investment has a powerful multiplier effect; for every rand spent on film production, an estimated R2.50 is generated in the local economy, creating a ripple effect that benefits numerous ancillary sectors. The hospitality industry alone reaped nearly R148 million from over 59,000 hotel bed nights booked by international production crews between November 2023 and August 2024, at an average spend of R2,500 per night. This burgeoning activity also translated into job creation, with the film industry supporting 26,573 jobs as of November 2024.

The broader entertainment and media (E&M) sector in South Africa, the largest on the continent, recorded a robust 6.2% growth in 2024. Projections by PwC indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% through 2029, with the market value expected to reach an impressive $17.4 billion (approximately R321.2 billion). This growth, while slower than Nigeria's (11.2% in 2024, 7.2% CAGR) and Kenya's (7.1% in 2024, 5.2% CAGR), reflects a mature and diversified media landscape, showcasing its stability and significant scale.

Digital transformation continues to reshape the industry, with streaming platforms playing an increasingly pivotal role. MultiChoice, through DStv and Showmax, secured a remarkable 225 nominations, with 142 from DStv-owned channels and 66 from Showmax Originals. Major streaming giants like Netflix and Showmax also made a substantial impact, receiving 59 and 55 nominations respectively. The Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming market in South Africa is flourishing, projected to add 1.4 million new subscribers by 2029. The OTT market's consumer revenue is set to grow at a 6% CAGR, from an estimated $226 million (R4.2 billion) in 2024 to $302 million (R5.6 billion) by 2029. However, the recent announcement of Showmax's shutdown underscores the dynamic and sometimes challenging nature of the digital content landscape, representing a significant loss for the continent's creative economy and an important source of funding for local filmmakers.

Overall, the 19th Annual SAFTAs serve as a powerful affirmation of South Africa's thriving screen industry. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards highlight a sector that is not only creatively vibrant but also a significant contributor to the nation's economy, poised for continued evolution and growth in the digital age. The commitment to local storytelling, coupled with strategic investments and a growing appetite for diverse content, paints a promising picture for the future of South African film and television.