Shaka iLembe dominated the 18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs18) on 25 and 26 October, taking home 12 awards. Hosted by Lerato Kganyago-Ndlala and Skhumba Hlophe, the main ceremony was held at Gallagher Convention Centre, celebrating South Africa’s film and television talent under the theme “Back to Basics.” The Craft Awards were streamed live on YouTube on 25 October, with the Red Carpet and Main Awards simulcast on SABC 2 and Mzansi Magic on 26 October.
Production company Bomb Shelter led with 13 awards, largely due to Shaka iLembe ‘s multiple wins, including Best TV Drama, Best Achievement in Makeup and Styling, and Best Original Music/Score. Tshedza Productions followed closely with 11 awards, including Best Telenovela for Outlaws . ALSO READ: Shaka Ilembe’s Nomzamo Mbatha and Sheli Masondo shine at Septimius Awards in Amsterdam SAFTAs18 key winners Among the key winners, The Fragile King took home the Best Feature Film award, and !Aitsa was recognised as Best Documentary.
Television highlights included Shaka iLembe claiming Best TV Drama, while the popular Skeem Saam was crowned Best TV Soap. In the Telenovela category, Outlaws won Best Telenovela, and Yoh! Christmas was awarded Best TV Comedy. Antoinette Louw won Best Actress in a Feature Film for The Fragile King , while Vusi Kunene took Best Actor in a Feature Film for Seconds .
In television drama, Shannon Esra shone as Best Actress for her role in Lioness Season 2, with Thembinkos.
