In 2017, DSTVintroduced us to the first-ever DSTV Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards, and since their inception, they have become a big hit with fans and celebrities alike.
The first edition of the awards was hosted by Bonang Matheba at the Sandton Convention Centre and since then, the awards have gotten bigger. After Bonang hosted the first and second annual awards, the master of ceremonies duty was handed over to Minnie Dlamini who took on the reigns in 2020, however, the awards were placed on hold in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.
Fresh from his Big Brother Mzansi hosting duties, it was announced that Lawrence Maleka will be the third host of the popular awards that will be held at Sun Arena in Pretoria on the 25th of June.
According to the presser, the awards will also be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161). 'Voted for by the South African public, the DMVCA will honour top achievers over the past two years in television, radio, music, sports and comedy.'
This year, the awards feature 13 categories which will include special awards for individuals who have made an impact in their respective industries. Here are the official nominees who will battle it out in their respective categories:
FAVOURITE TV PRESENTER
Motshidisi Mohono
Lawrence Maleka
Leanne Manas
Thembekile Mrototo
Thuso Motaung
FAVOURITE COMEDIAN
Skhumba Hlophe
Mpho Popps
Celeste Ntuli
Nina Hastie
Mashabela
FAVOURITE SONG
Zakes Bantwini & Kasango – Osama
Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa ft Ami Faku – Asibe Happy
Young Stunna ft Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa – Adiwele
Makhadzi ft Prince Benza – Ghanama
Big Zulu ft Intaba Yase Dubai & Riky Rick – Imali Eningi
FAVOURITE RISING STAR
Hope Mbhele
Young Stunna
Uncle Vinny
Daliwonga
Kwenzo Ngcobo
FAVOURITE RADIO PERSONALITY
Thomas Msengana & Skhumba
Selby “Selbeyonce” Mkhize
Lerato Kganyago
Thando Thabethe
Sphectacula & DJ Naves
FAVOURITE ACTOR
Abdul Khoza
Zolisa Xaluva
Thapelo Sebogodi
Bonko Khoza
Vusi Kunene
FAVOURITE MUSIC ARTIST/GROUP
Makhadzi
Hle
Zakes Bantwini
Big Zulu
Scorpion Kings
FAVOURITE PERSONALITY
Makhadzi
Shauwn Mkhize
Connie Ferguson
DBN Gogo
LaSizwe
FAVOURITE ACTRESS
Sannah Mchunu
Zikhona Sodlaka
Deli Malinga
Shoki Mmola
Thembi Seete
FAVOURITE DJ
Scorpion Kings
DBN Gogo
Major League DJz
De Mthuda
DJ Shimza
FAVOURITE SPORTS PERSONALITY
Rassie Erasmsus
Ntando Mahlangu
Pitso Mosimane
Temba Bavuma
Benni McCarthy
In 2017, Thembisa Mdoda won the big award of the night when she won the Ultimate Viewers' Choice award, before her big win, she had also won in the Favourite Presenter category. At the time, over 1 million votes were cast for 50 nominees in 10 categories and the former Our Perfect Wedding host managed to beat everyone.
In the following year, Thembise Matu who became a superstar when she landed a role in The Queen was the big winner of the night when she walked away with the Favourite Actress award and the most anticipated prize of the night,
In her acceptance speech, a shocked Themsbie thanked everyone who supported her throughout her journey, "thank you to everyone who voted and those who wanted to vote and could not. I thank you for your love," she said.
