If you were looking for the patriciate of the film and television industry, you simply had to look around the room at the 10th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg last night (20 March 2016).
The second night of the SAFTAs kicked off with an amazing and lively performance from Maboe, JSomething and Fifi Cooper.
The excellence and magic of SA’s film and television were celebrated in fitting style and grandeur.

One of the highlights of the evening was the spirited standing ovation to honour the legendary Nomhle Nkonyeni who was given the Golden Horn as the 2016 Lifetime Achiever Recipient. Nomhle’s contribution to the industry spans four decades as a stage, screen and television Actor and Director.

With charm and humour, the 74 year old told guests how she’s still very much active in the production of TV and theatre shows and the training of young talent.
Rhulani Baloyi was honoured as the 2016 Person with Disability Recipient. Her remarkable role as presenter of SABC 1’s Shift has contributed towards the reexamination of the abilities of people with disabilities, and a worthy first recipient of this new category.

This year the awards were proudly sponsored by McCafe, and Sechaba Motsieloa, Corporate Affairs Director at McDonald’s SA explained their involvement “We are proud to be associated with SAFTAs. We celebrate with the NFVF the extraordinary talent of film and television practitioners in South Africa. As supporters of the Youth Film Category this year, we are excited to be able to emphasise the importance and prestige of the youth filmmakers voice in South Africa. Congratulations to nominees and winners.”
The second night of the SAFTAs had a lot to live up to after the excitement of the first awards night on Friday 18 March, and there was no disappointment. Audience favourite and newcomer Umlilo continued its winning streak with honours for Best TV Drama. The only other Golden Horn not voted for by the judges was presented to Skeem Saam. TV fans voted for the Best TV Soap Award via SMS and Skeem Saam’s win is a testament to the show’s continued dominance.

The gripping Afrikaans drama Dis ek, Anna won the night’s biggest award, with a Golden Horn for Best Feature Film. Internationally acclaimed Ayanda received its first local honours as Fulu Mughovani took home the Golden Horn for Best Actress in a Lead Role – Feature Film.
In closing Zama Mkosi Chief Executive Officer of NFVF said, “If this year is anything to go by, I can confidently say that our industry is poised for phenomenal growth and more exciting stories. For the last 10 years, we’ve committed to not only invest in productions but also to grow and celebrate the people who make a life and a living in film and television production. I look forward to the next decade and I cannot wait to be constantly surprised and entertained. Thank you to everyone involved in the production of the two shows and congratulations to all the winners and nominees.”
*please see attached for the full list of winners for Night 2.
The SAFTAs are proudly sponsored by McCafe brought to you by McDonald’s and Jeep.