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The late Mpho Sebeng won Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela for his role on ‘The Estate.South Africa’s most expensive TV show to date earned its hefty price tag with the first season of Shaka iLembe, which won 12 awards at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), while Netflix’s Yoh!, Christmas and Showmax’s Outlaws both netted eight Golden Horns each in second place.

Over the two-night craft and main awards ceremonies on Friday and Saturday night – again held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg – MultiChoice and M-Net’s set of TV channels on DStv scooped 46 wins in total.

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon Prime Video surprisingly grabbed seven trophies, five of which were for The Fragile King, also winning Best Feature Film. The wins are both painful and ironic since Amazon Studios shocked and dismayed the local film industry when it abruptly decided to exit South African original production earlier this year.

The SABC won 12 categories for various content on the South African public broadcaster. eMedia’s e.tv won just four categories, although it included a second consecutive year’s win for Ochre Media’s Scandal! in the most popular soap category, which is a public vote.

The 18th SAFTAs primarily belonged to three shows: MultiChoice and M-Net’s first season of the Shaka iLembe drama series from Bomb Shelter seen on Mzansi Magic, Netflix South Africa’s Yoh!, Christmas comedy series from BBZEE Films, as well as the Outlaws telenovela on Showmax from Tshedza Pictures.

Shaka iLembe won 12 categories, including Best TV Drama.
Best TV Drama winner Shaka iLembe. (Supplied/Spany
Best TV Drama winner Shaka iLembe. (Supplied/Spanya Ndala)

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, said: “This weekend highlighted the rich diversity and powerful storytelling that our creative industry offers viewers. As the leading investor in local content across Africa, MultiChoice is dedicated to supporting and expanding the continent’s film and television landscape. Congratulations to all the winners and to the teams who poured their talent and hard work into bringing these stories to life.”

Zikhona Sodlaka. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)Meanwhile, Yoh!, Christmas pushed kykNET’s Taktiek (with just one win) out of the way to grab eight Golden Horns, including for Best TV comedy. Outlaws won eight awards, including for Best Telenovela.

SABC1’s Skeem Saam won Best TV soap, while Best Documentary went to !Aitsa. The late Mpho Sebeng won Best Supporting Actor in a telenovela for his role in SABC3’s The Estate.

The SAFTAs awarded Lifetime achiever awards to Generations creator Mfundi Vundla and actor and sculptor Arthur Molepo.

Lebogang Mogoera, acting CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), said the SAFTAs is “immensely proud of the calibre of talent showcased this year and the hard work of all those involved in bringing these stories to life”.

“A big thank you to our long-standing broadcast partners MultiChoice and SABC, whose support enabled us to bring the awards to all South Africans.”
See the full list of winners here:

BEST COMPETITION REALITY SHOW

Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam | Homebrew Films, kykNET

BEST STRUCTURED SOAPIE REALITY SHOW

Young, Famous and African S2 | Urban Brew Studios & A Pop Media, Netflix

BEST ONLINE CONTENT

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba – Struggles of SA Youth | Rams Comics, YouTube/Facebook

BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMME

Checkpoint | eNCA

BEST INTERNATIONAL FORMAT

The Masked Singer SA | Rose and Oaks Media, SABC3
Best International Format winner The Masked Singer
Best International Format winner The Masked Singer. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

Koppestamp | Just Ad Production, kykNET

BEST VARIETY SHOW

Sport@10 | SABC Sport, SABC1

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SCRIPTWRITING – FEATURE FILM

The Fragile King | Tristan Holmes, The Ergo Company, Amazon Prime Video

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Marlee van der Merwe (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Kabelo Thai (Scandal!) | Ochre Media, e.tv

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Mmarona Motsegoa (Redemption) | Burnt Onion Productions & Seriti Films, BET Africa

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Mpho Sebeng (The Estate) | Clive Morris Productions, SABC3

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SOAP

Elizabeth Serunye (Skeem Saam) | Peu, SABC1

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SOAP

Germandt Geldenhuys (Binnelanders) | Stark Films, kykNET

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA

Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire) | Tshedza Pictures, Mzansi MagicBEST ACTOR IN A TELENOVELA

Presley Chweneyagae (The River) |Tshedza Pictures, 1Magic

BEST TV SOAP

Skeem Saam | Peu, SABC1

BEST TELENOVELA

Outlaws | Tshedza Pictures, Showmax

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Natasha Sutherland (Lioness S2) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Nat Ramabulana (Fatal Seduction) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, Netflix

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA

Shannon Esra (Lioness S2) | Ochre Media ADO Arena Holdings, M-Net

BEST ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe) | Bomb Shelter, Mzansi Magic
Best Actor in a TV Drama winner Thembinkosi Mthemb
Best Actor in a TV Drama winner Thembinkosi Mthembu. (Supplied/Andile Mthembu)
Best Actress in a TV Drama winner Shannon Esra. (S

Sindiswa Dlathu (born January 4, 1974)[1] is a South A🇿🇦frican actress and musician. She is well known for portraying Thandaza[2] Mokoena on Muvhango, a role she played from the show’s inception in 1997 until her departure in 2017.
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2020
Dlathu left Muvhango to play a leading role in the telenovela The River, where she plays the role of Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana, a fierce woman who would do anything to protect her wealth and maintain her lavish lifestyle.
Career
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Dlathu was cast as the lead role’s understudy in the stage version of Sarafina!. In the screen version, she worked alongside Whoopi Goldberg and was commissioned as an assistant choreographer to Michael Peters. In 1988, with the second cast led by Seipati Sothoane whom Sindi understudied. When the play went on tour, she stayed behind and did Township fever in 1989–1990 touring the US with the play for a year.
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Dlathu then returned to school after four years of being with Mbongeni Ngema’s committed artists. She completed her matric in 1996, and then went back to performing arts, stage plays in 1997 she was in the FNB Vita Award-winning Game, where she performed with Mary Twala, Abigail Kubeka, and the late Nomhle Nkonyeni.
She won the award for favourite actress at the 2020 DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Dlathu, as Lindiwe Dlamini-Dikana from The River, appeared in a crossover episode of The Queen as the friend of the lead female character, Harriet Khoza – Sebata.
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In 2021, she won SAFTA award in Best Actress category for her role of Lindiwe in The River.

Sicelo Buthelezi opens up about his Skeem Saam character.

SKEEM Saam actor Sicelo “Seekay” Buthelezi is not worried about people’s perceptions of him.

He’s more focused on his character development than the storyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sicelo, who joined the popular SABC1 telenovela earlier this year, made his debut on 2 April playing Tobias (Toby) Maswahla, a bad boy university student.

His journey on the show begins after he’s expelled from school in Joburg for misbehaviour, forcing him to relocate to Turfloop.

Recently, Sicelo’s character was involved in a sensitive plot addressing rape and consent, alongside Lethabo Mekoa, who plays Ntswaki Rathoka.

In the storyline, Toby is sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for raping his girlfriend, Ntswaki and the whole storyline divided TV viewers across Mzansi.

Speaking to Daily Sun, the 25-year-old Thembisa-born actor said since he landed the role at the beginning of the year, he made it clear to himself that his focus would be on building the character.

“Creating this character and making it different from what I’m known for is my main focus. While I understood the gravity and intensity of the storyline, my attention, as an actor, was solely on shaping the character,” Sicelo said.

He said his training at the Market Theatre taught him how to separate himself from the characters he portrays.

“I graduated from the Market Theatre, and they did an excellent job in teaching us how to put on a character and take it off when needed. Thanks to that training, I don’t have to worry about bringing a character home with me. When I’m at work, I know what I need to do, and when I’m home, I leave the character behind,” he said.

He further explained that without any training, he felt actors should know how to distinguish their real selves from the characters they portray.

“It doesn’t have to be so deep that you carry the character’s burden beyond the set. At the end of the day, it’s just acting.”

In addition to his acting career, Sicelo revealed that he’s also working on new music, and fans can expect new releases from him soon.

South African musicians Makhadzi and Babes Wodumo have smoked the peace pipe following their tiff in 2021.
MAKHADZI AND BABES WODUMO RELEASE A SONG TOGETHER

The two artists are said to have reconciled following their public feud, during which Babes claimed that the Limpopo star was pursuing her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.

Last week, Babes Wodumo took to social media to endorse Makhadzi’s new album, Miracle Child, which features a collaboration with her. She urged her fans to download the song and mentioned the importance of forgiveness in the caption.

 
“There is nothing more important than forgiveness, especially when we’re women,” she said.
FROM ENEMIES TO FRIENDS

Makhadzi’s manager, Maphuti “Perez” Mothapo, told TshisaLIVE that talented artists have become friends and collaborated on a new song and music video.

“Babes Wodumo is featured Not Available. Makhadzi went to Babes Wodumo’s home in Durban and they recorded the song. Babes came to Johannesburg to shoot the music video. All I know is they worked well together on the song and it’s a hit,” Mothapo said.
INSIDE BABES AND MAKHADZI’S FEUD

In 2021, Makhadzi became a trending topic on Twitter following Babes Wodumo’s viral Instagram Live video in which she accused her of pursuing her husband.

The Matorokisi hitmaker addressed the claims on Instagram Live. In the video, she said that Babes should have respected her decision to remain silent about an incident that transpired at their studio.

Makhadzi said that Babes was opposed to Mampintsha collaborating with her and they had a fight at the studio.

She even said that it was not her responsibility that Mampintsha couldn’t control himself in her presence.

Rachel and Siya Kolisi’s divorce has seen social media unearth skeletons from the Springbok captain’s past. And one included his 2019 DMs drama with influencer and fitness model, Marike Botha.SIYA KOLISI SLID INTO MY DMS’

Before jetting off to Japan ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Siya Kolisi would make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

 

 

 
In March of that year, the Springbok’s wife, Rachel, trended on social media after she named and shamed Marike Botha, whom she accused of “sliding” into his DMs.

“Just wondering what her a** is doing in my husband’s DMs?” she shared alongside a pic of the woman wearing a thong.

She added: “In case you haven’t heard, I don’t like being disrespected.”

“My face is so red because I am so angry. But I just want to finish off this situation saying this, that the days of women having to take sh*t and deal with sand do nothing about it – are over!”

According to Marike, Rachel jumped to the wrong conclusion.

She shared in a series of Instagram Stories. “Siya Kolisi slid into my DM’s. Sends me the post that I posted on IG. His wife sees this and makes it look like I’m sending him my a**. The post is on my IG!”.

According to Marike, Siya approached her about wearing one of his favourite swimwear and underwear brands, Franklees.

Marike then demanded an apology from Rachel after she claimed she was “slut-shamed” by the public. She also alleged that she had received alarming threats and had to utilise a bodyguard.Rachel – who deleted her Twitter account and temporarily disabled her Instagram – did not respond to social media storm.
WHERE IS MARIKE BOTHA NOW?

Fast forward to 2024, and Marike Botha has managed to stay out of the spotlight. She’s also had several new personal life milestones, including getting married to a software engineer named Len Van Zyl.

Last year, the fitness star welcomed a baby boy. Earlier this year, she revealed she was expecting her second child, a baby girl.

On Tuesday, 22 October, South Africa’s beloved couple, Siya and Rachel Kolisi, shocked fans by announcing their separation and impending divorce. The news was shared through a joint statement on their Instagram accounts, leaving many fans and followers around the world stunned and speculating about the reasons behind the split.

Following the announcement, Rachel Kolisi notably updated her Instagram bio, removing the title of “wife,” which many have taken as a confirmation of the couple’s plans to part ways.A Love Story and Family Legacy

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story began in 2012. They married years later and have since welcomed two children, Nicholas and Keziah, into their family. The Kolisis also adopted Siya’s younger siblings, Liyema and Liphelo, showcasing their commitment to family values.
The Kolisi Fortune: Millions at Stake?

 

 

 

 

 

The couple’s high-profile separation has brought their multimillion-rand fortune under the spotlight. Siya, renowned for his successful career as the Springboks captain, has built a substantial net worth through contracts and endorsement deals. He is one of the highest-paid rugby players in South Africa and internationally. Rachel, too, has amassed wealth through her own business ventures and projects, which she reportedly manages independently.
Properties and Lifestyle

Their lifestyle has long attracted attention, with reports of luxury homes and a notable car collection. Allegedly, the Kolisis own two mansions in South Africa, one in Cape Town and another on the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Recently, exclusive photos of their lavish home in Ballito surfaced, sparking renewed interest in their real estate holdings. The Cape Town mansion, however, remains shrouded in mystery, as the couple has neither confirmed nor denied its ownership.
Flashiest Rides in the Kolisi Garage

Siya’s car collection, which reportedly includes a Range Rover Sport, two Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and a G-Wagon, has been a talking point, particularly as he serves as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Rachel, meanwhile, has been seen in a Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and GLC Coupe, adding to their impressive collection.

In the past, the couple made headlines over rumors of their car fleet being worth R20 million, which they later dismissed as false.
Navigating the Spotlight

Throughout their marriage, Siya and Rachel Kolisi maintained a mostly private life despite their public status, a choice they may continue as they navigate this difficult time. The news of their divorce has left fans with lingering questions, and all eyes remain on how the couple will handle their high-profile split.

Rachel Kolisi has officially removed “wife” from her Instagram bio, and for many, this comes as a sign that her marriage to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is, indeed, over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Africa’s favourite couple announced that they had separated and were awaiting a divorce. What led to the shock announcement is unclear.

RACHEL KOLISI DROPS ‘WIFE’ FROM IG BIO
On her Instagram account, her followers were quick to point out that Rachel Kolisi’s bio now reads: “Student, Mom, Speaker and Director.” The glaring omission of “wife” was a bitter pill to swallow for many fans of the couple.Siya Kolisi was a busy man in 2019, even off the field 👀
Rachel called out Marike Botha, thinking she was a thirsty baddie out to get her hubby at the height of his career.
The fitness guru clapped back and has since moved on with her life while Rachel and Siya are headed for splitsville.Siya and Rachel Kolisi made a life-changing decision early in their marriage when they chose to adopt Siya’s two younger siblings, Liphelo and Liyema. At the time, their own first child was just three months old, yet they embraced the challenge of raising four children together. Since Rachel was 24 years old, the couple had been raising their biological children alongside their adopted family.
However, after eight years of marriage, the Kolisis announced their divorce yesterday, bringing an emotional end to a partnership that had inspired millions across the country and the world at large.
The news has left the whole country sad and heartbroken as the family’s journey had touched countless hearts.

Mia Le Roux set to represent SA at the Miss Universe pageant

Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux had an unforgettable experience at her farewell event at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton on Thursday, ahead of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.

The 28-year-old is making history as the first-ever deaf contestant at Miss Universe, where Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will crown her successor on 16 November in Mexico City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The Miss South African Organisation team and I have been working on every aspect so I can be an elevated version of myself,” Mia said at the farwell ceremony.

“I feel incredibly proud and honoured by this opportunity and privilege that has been entrusted to me. I cannot wait to highlight the beautiful diversity of our country and show that it is our biggest strength.”

Le Roux says her powerful story is her advantage, which stands as victory for her.

“I feel incredibly proud and honoured by this opportunity and privilege that has been entrusted to me. I cannot wait to highlight the beautiful diversity of our country and show that it is our biggest strength,” she added.

See photos from the ceremony below:
As you embark on this incredible journey to the Miss Universe stage, I want to share just how deeply inspiring it has been to watch your rise from a young model to being crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
From our very first photo shoot, your strength and grace touched my heart and the hearts of countless others who have crossed your path. You’ve not only redefined what’s possible but have boldly broken barriers, proving that dreams can grow beyond limits.
Being the first differently abled Miss South Africa is an achievement that speaks to the courage, resilience, and authenticity that defines you. You’re carrying the dreams and aspirations of an entire country, paving the way for others to dream just as big and fearlessly as you have.
As you take the stage in Mexico, know that you’ve already claimed the crown in our hearts. You’ve ignited a new generation of believers who now see that magic lies in embracing who we are. Soak up every moment, share that incredible Mia magic, and remember that all of us stand proudly behind you, cheering you on with every step.
With all my admiration and support,

Bonang Matheba celebrates her lover’s birthday

Bonang Matheba recently celebrated her boyfriend’s birthday with a sweet shout-out on Twitter.

She wrote, “Hbd to the LOML! ❤️❤️❤️🥰

 

 

 

 

Fans eagerly jumped into the comments to send their well-wishes, with many curious about the mystery man who has captured the heart of the beloved media personality.

While Queen B has yet to officially reveal her partner’s identity, signs strongly point to David Phume as her significant other.

This isn’t the first time Bonang and David’s relationship has stirred excitement online. Bonang marked her own 37th birthday with an extravagant dinner party that finally confirmed the rumors swirling around her relationship.

Photos and posts from the night introduced David Phume, an innovator in robotics, who reportedly gifted Bonang a luxury watch valued at over R280,000.

The couple’s bond, according to ZiMoja, blossomed in 2023 after being introduced by mutual friends, and last October, they took a romantic vacation in Italy, adding even more buzz to their relationship status.

Friends close to the couple say this relationship is more than just a fling. They’ve met each other’s families, and David is reportedly serious about his future with Bonang.

“Bonang wouldn’t go public if she wasn’t serious,” a friend shared, adding that her family fully supports the union.

Fan laments about SA hip-hop to late AKA

Late Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes’ grave was visited by a fan of hip-hop music.

The man whose video has gone viral on social media is seen talking to the late rap star about the state of SA hip hop.

 

 

 

He expressed his disappointment about the condition of the genre and declared that SA hip-hop is dead.

The video sparked mixed emotions on social media, with a majority being irked by the man’s behaviour.

“Is this what we’re doing for clout now?? Did he confront the Forbes family before even doing this?? The level of disrespect in this is really annoying me. Wtf is really going on??” an X user reacted.

“This is wrong in so many ways,” another user wrote.

“Come on, this is wrong … How will the family feel? This thing of a “Content” makes people desperate to trend…. Its unAfrican visiting a grave and praat kak like this dreadlocks mentality impaired being….”

Watch the video below: