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Nominees for the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards have been unveiled
HERMAN GIBBS
24 October, 2026 – The countdown to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most celebrated cultural events has officially begun.
The 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards will honour the region’s cinematic talent, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
The highly anticipated nominees, announced in an online event by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, feature an impressive array of both established and emerging talents across 29 competitive categories.
This year’s standout productions, Shaka iLembe Season 2, Lucky Fish, and Meet the Khumalos, have each secured nominations in nine categories, making them fierce contenders for the top honours. Their selections will undoubtedly fuel excitement as fans and industry experts alike eagerly await the results.
Scheduled to take place at The Playhouse in Durban on Saturday, 21 November 2026, the awards ceremony promises an evening filled with glamour and performances. It will celebrate the creativity and innovation within the KZN film and television landscape.
Not only will it be a night for recognition, but also a platform for inspiring new voices in the industry—showcasing everything from narrative filmmaking to technical excellence.
From major television dramas and feature films to independent filmmaking, isiZulu storytelling and student productions, this year’s nominations showcase the breadth of creative talent contributing to South Africa’s audiovisual industry.
Watch the full 2026 nominees announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYkiRmHsG20
KZN’s screen industry takes centre stage
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority interim CEO, Sibusiso Gumbi, said the nominations represented far more than individual recognition, reflecting the province’s contribution to South Africa’s creative economy and its ambitions to strengthen the film and television sector.
“The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards are not simply about recognising outstanding performances or productions. They are about recognising an industry that creates employment, develops skills, supports businesses and tells stories that connect South Africans with their history, culture and identity.
“When we celebrate the people appearing on our screens, we must also recognise the writers, directors, production teams, costume designers, editors, technicians and many others whose work makes these productions possible.
Every successful production represents a wider network of creative and economic activity.
“KwaZulu-Natal has exceptional creative talent, compelling stories and locations that offer enormous opportunities for filmmakers.
“Our responsibility as an Authority is to help translate that potential into sustainable industry growth, greater participation and meaningful opportunities for emerging filmmakers,” said Gumbi.
He added that the diversity of nominations demonstrated why continued investment in filmmaking, skills development and industry partnerships remained important.
“We want young filmmakers to see these awards and recognise that there is a place for them in this industry.
“Whether they are producing a student film, working on a micro-budget project or contributing to a major television production, their talent deserves an opportunity to develop and compete.
“These awards must continue to inspire the next generation of South African storytellers.”