Trevor Noah, Katlego Lebogang, and Others Honored at the Star-Studded National Film & TV Awards SA 2024

The National Film & TV Awards South Africa (NFTVAs) 2024, held on 9 November at Pretoria’s State Theatre, was a glittering celebration of the country’s finest entertainment talent. The second edition of the prestigious event saw 3.7 million public votes cast, highlighting the widespread public engagement with the awards and their importance in the South African entertainment landscape.

Hosted by Jordan Kensington, Lesedi Phala, and Nicole Watson, the evening honored the standout performances and productions in South Africa’s film and television industry. The event was marked by a spirit of gratitude and joy, as winners expressed their heartfelt thanks for the recognition.

The NFTVAs are part of a global network of awards under the umbrella of the National Film Academy, which boasts over 7.5 million members worldwide. The Academy is known for its renowned awards, such as the National Film Awards UK, National Film & TV Awards USA, and the National Reality Television Awards. Last year, the Academy expanded into Africa, introducing the National Film & TV Awards South Africa to celebrate African talent on a global scale.

Celebrating South African Talent

Among the evening’s big winners was actress Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, who took home the award for Best Actress 2024 for her role in Savage Beauty and Empini. In an emotional post on social media, Ben-Mazwi said, “A moment ordained by God. I am overwhelmed with love, and filled with gratitude. We did it, my loves – we brought it home.”

Deli Malinga, who won Outstanding Performance 2024 for her role in Umkhokha – The Curse, also shared a heartfelt message, thanking her supporters. “God is amazing. He is good all the time. You get on stage, and lose every word, but thanks for the love and support once more,” Malinga wrote.

Other notable winners included Best Actor 2024 Bonko Khoza, who was recognized for his role in Red Ink, and Best Newcomer 2024 Katlego Lebogang, celebrated for his performances in Yoh! Christmas and Spinners.

The awards also recognized outstanding contributions from TV personalities, with Best Male TV Personality 2024 going to Graeme Richards of Expresso Morning Show, and Best Female TV Personality 2024 awarded to Lethabo “Lejoy” for her work on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.

Film and TV Excellence

The event also acknowledged the best in South African film and television production, with Heart of the Hunter winning Best Feature Film 2024. The film’s director, Mandla Dube, was named Best Director 2024 for his exceptional work on the project. Meanwhile, Best Producer 2024 went to Simoné Pretorius and Dries Scholtz for their work on Som van twee, and Best Production Company 2024 was awarded to Quizzical Pictures.

The entertainment world saw the recognition of several popular TV shows, with Skeem Saam taking home the award for Best TV Drama Series 2024. The Masked Singer was celebrated as Best Entertainment Show 2024, while Big Brother Mzansi won Best Competition TV Show 2024. In the non-scripted category, The Mommy Club was named Best Non-Scripted TV Series 2024, and The Devi Show earned the title of Best TV Presenter 2024 for Devi Sankaree Govender.

Recognizing South African Talent Globally

The evening also paid tribute to South African talent making waves internationally, with A Soweto Love Story winning Best International African Film 2024. Trevor Noah, whose global influence continues to grow, was awarded Celebrity Personality of the Year 2024. Noah’s achievements in both comedy and television have made him a household name around the world, and his win was a testament to his impact both locally and globally.

In the podcasting world, Podcast and Chill by MacG was awarded Best Podcast 2024, cementing the show’s place as one of South Africa’s most influential digital platforms.

A Night to Remember

The National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024 not only showcased the incredible talent within the industry but also highlighted the country’s growing influence on the global entertainment stage. With categories spanning everything from acting and directing to reality TV and podcasts, the event highlighted the diverse and dynamic talent shaping South Africa’s entertainment industry.

As the evening concluded, it was clear that the National Film & TV Awards South Africa has solidified its place as a key event in the country’s cultural calendar. The awards serve as an important reminder of the immense talent South Africa has to offer, and the continued growth of its entertainment industry.

Complete List of Winners:

• Best Actress 2024: Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (Savage Beauty / Empini)
• Best Actor 2024: Bonko Khoza (Red Ink)
• Best Actress in a TV Series 2024: Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire)
• Best Newcomer 2024: Katlego Lebogang (Yoh! Christmas and Spinners)
• Best Actor in a TV Series 2024: S’dumo Mtshali (My Brother’s Keeper)
• Best Supporting Actress 2024: Lorcia Cooper Khumalo (Red Ink)
• Best Supporting Actor 2024: Vuyo Dabula (The Butcher’s Soul)
• Best TV Drama Series 2024: Skeem Saam
• Best Male TV Personality 2024: Graeme Richards (Expresso Morning Show)
• Best Female TV Personality 2024: Lethabo “Lejoy” (The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip)
• Best Documentary 2024: Chasing The Sun 2
• Outstanding Performance 2024: Deli Malinga (Umkhokha – The Curse)
• Best Feature Film 2024: Heart of the Hunter
• Best Director 2024: Mandla Dube (Heart of the Hunter)
• Best Podcast 2024: Podcast and Chill by MacG
• Celebrity Personality of the Year 2024: Trevor Noah.