The 18th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) dazzled on Saturday, 26 October, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Hosted by award-winning presenter Lerato Kganyago and comedian Skhumba, the star-studded event honoured the finest talent and creative minds shaping the future of South African film and television.
From red carpet splendour to emotional acceptance speeches, the SAFTAs 2024 celebrated excellence at every turn, leaving a lasting mark on the industry.
One of the biggest moments of the night belonged to Shaka iLembe, a sweeping historical drama that dominated with 12 wins, including the coveted Best TV Drama award. Acclaimed actor Thembinkosi Mthembu scooped the Best Actor in a TV Drama award for his role in the popular production. Following closely behind, Netflix’s Yoh! Christmas and Showmax’s Outlaws each earned eight Golden Horns, solidifying their places among South Africa’s most celebrated productions.
Held across two nights—25 and 26 October—the event showcased a diverse mix of productions, with MultiChoice and M-Net’s channels on DStv emerging as the top network winners, racking up a total of 46 awards.
Highlights from SAFTAs 2024:
•Best Competition Reality Show: Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam (kykNET)
•Best Structured Soapie Reality Show: Young, Famous & African S2 (Netflix)
•Best Online Content: The Adventures of Noko Mashaba – Struggles of SA Youth (YouTube/Facebook)
•Best Current Affairs Programme: Checkpoint (eNCA)
•Best International Format: The Masked Singer SA (SABC3)
•Best Entertainment Programme: Koppestamp (kykNET)
•Best Variety Show: Sport@10 (SABC1)
The feature film category was headlined by The Fragile King, which won Best Feature Film, with Antoinette Louw taking home Best Actress and Tristan Holmes receiving Best Achievement in Directing.
Other notable awards included:
•Best TV Soap: Skeem Saam (SABC1)
•Best Telenovela: Outlaws (Showmax)
•Best TV Comedy: Yoh! Christmas (Netflix)
•Best Actor in a Feature Film: Vusi Kunene (Seconds)
Audience favourite Scandal! earned the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela award, while industry legends Arthur Molepo and Mfundi Vundla were honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achiever Award.
The SAFTAs 2024 showcased not only exceptional talent but also the evolving brilliance of South Africa’s entertainment industry, setting the stage for even greater achievements to come.
Below, some of the glitz and glamour from the film extravaganza’s red carpet.
