On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Durban ICC, the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards celebrated the best of South African cinematic and television talent.
Talented Sibongiseni Shezi, clinched the prestigious Best Actress in Film award for her captivating performance in “Umjolo: The Gone Girl.” This marks Shezi’s second Simon Sabela Award, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. An alumna of AFDA, her win is a testament to her dedication and the thriving talent emerging from KZN.
A Look at Sibongiseni Shezi’s Journey:
Shezi’s career has seen a remarkable ascent:
- Early Beginnings: Her “semi-professional” debut was in 2007, playing an orphan in “Annie” at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
- Formal Training: She honed her craft at the University of Cape Town (BMUS Dance) and AFDA (BA Live Performance).
- Breakthrough & Recognition:
- 2018-2024: Rose from supporting to lead roles in the popular SABC 1 show “Uzalo.”
- 2019: Bagged her first Simon Sabela Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film for “Run.”
- Versatile Performer: Featured in Netflix’s “Jiva” (2020), “Tokoloshe: An African Curse” (2020), “Dark Beauty” (2021), and “The Castle” (2022), alongside various short films.
- “Umjolo” Success: Her lead role as Lethu in the “Umjolo” film series on Netflix, including “Umjolo: Day Ones” and the award-winning “Umjolo: The Gone Girl,” has cemented her leading lady status. Upcoming “Umjolo” titles include “My Beginning, My End!” and “There Is No Cure.”
“Disaster Holiday” Dominates, Angus Gibson Honoured!
The night also saw “Disaster Holiday,” produced by Rethabile Ramaphakela, sweep an impressive four major awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Pan African Film, Best Production Design, and Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location.
The legendary filmmaker Angus Gibson, known for his iconic work on “Yizo Yizo” and “Shaka iLembe,” was rightfully presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to South African storytelling.
Other Key Winners of the Night:
Film Category Highlights:
- Best Actor (Film): Ntando Mncube for “Themba”
- Best Supporting Actor (Film): Mbuso Khoza for “Masinga the Calling”
- Best Supporting Actress (Film): Zola Mhlongo for “Sent”
- Best Newcomer Actress (Film): Dineo Nxumalo for “Sent”
- Best Director (Film): Mark Engels for “Masinga: The Calling”
- Best Screenplay: Mark Engels for “Masinga: The Calling”
- Best isiZulu Film: Portia Ncwane for “Tales of a Zulu Folk Dancer: Igida Ngoma”
- Best Documentary Feature Film: Lindani Mbense for “Dr Mbongeni Ngema: This Is My Story”
Television Category Highlights:
- Best Actor (TV): Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo for “Scandal”
- Best Actress (TV): Nqobile Magwaza for “Smoke and Mirrors”
- Best Supporting Actor (TV): Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo (“Uzalo”)
- Best Supporting Actress (TV): Duduzile Ngcobo (“Uzalo”)
- Best Newcomer Actor (TV): Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo (“Uzalo”)
- Best TV Production: “The Real Housewives of Durban” (Season 4)
- Best Use of Cinematography (TV): “The Real Housewives of Durban” (Season 4)
Co-hosted by the dynamic duo Nay Maps and Hope Mbhele, the 12th Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards truly underscored the depth of talent and the thriving creative landscape within South Africa’s film and television industry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!
