The 5th Annual Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela Film and Television Awards took place this past Saturday (21 July) at the Durban Playhouse and Durban's own Uzalo won big at the ceremony.
Named after Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela, a renowned actor who originated from Kwa Zulu Natal, the annual ceremony celebrates and honours outstanding work in the Kwa Zulu Natal film and TV industry.
Three of the SABC1 TV drama's most prominent actors took home trophies in their respective categories, namely; Baby Cele (Best Actress), Simphiwe Majozi (Best Supporting Actor) and Nokuthula Mabika (Best Supporting Actress).
According to the show's production house, Stained Glass TV, these latest awards come as part of an incredibly successful year Uzalo, which took home the 'Most Popular TV Soap' at the SA Film & TV Awards in February and 'Coolest Local TV Soap' at the Sunday Times Generation Next awards in June.
“As always, we are humbled by the acknowledgement from the awards, and send out sincere congratulations to our hard-working cast – Kwa Zulu Natal has incredible talent, and the competition in each category was stiff!" said Uzalo’s head writer, Bongi Ndaba, in a statement.
“The awards also affirm our commitment to unearthing and promoting home-grown Kwa Zulu Natal talent, and we’re thrilled that the Awards have recognized us in this way,” added Ndaba.
Other Simon Sabela winners include the likes of Isibaya's Sdumo Mtshali, Isithembiso's Deka Mchunu, Pearl Thusi and the film 'Beyond The River.'
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Main image credit: Supplied