The period drama series Shaka iLembe, which chronicles the life of AmaZulu monarch King Shaka, swept the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) this weekend, claiming 12 out of the 17 categories it was nominated in. This monumental achievement further cements the series as a landmark in South African television.
Shaka iLembe, widely regarded as the country’s most expensive television production to date, premiered in 2023 to unprecedented viewership numbers and has since captivated audiences with its high production value and gripping storyline. The show’s standout wins included Best Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Cinematography, and Best Achievement in Directing. Thembinkosi Mthembu, who portrays King Dingiswayo, took home the Best Actor award, applauded for his powerful portrayal.
Reflecting on the series’ impact, Mthembu shared that he believes Shaka iLembe resonates because it “speaks to our roots.” He expressed pride in the show being delivered in IsiZulu, noting, “Our kids will grow up watching this show again and again. When they want to learn about the history of Shaka Zulu, they’ll turn to this show.”
In addition to Shaka iLembe, other productions also made a strong showing at the two-day SAFTAs event. Netflix’s Yoh! Christmas took home accolades in categories including Best TV Comedy, while Showmax’s Outlaws triumphed in Best Telenovela and Best Achievement in Cinematography. Both shows ended the night with eight awards each.
Prime Video, which briefly entered the South African market before its recent exit, won seven awards, five of which went to its film The Fragile King. This feature earned top honors, including Best Feature Film and Best Achievement in Scriptwriting.
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Notable individual winners included Presley Chweneyagae, who clinched Best Actor in a Telenovela for The River, beating out Mthembu in a highly competitive category. Documentaries were also celebrated, with The Siya Kolisi Story winning Best Achievement in Editing, and Rosemary’s Hitlist, a chilling documentary about ex-cop and serial killer Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu, taking home Best Achievement in Cinematography — Documentary.
The event concluded on a heartfelt note as the late Mpho Sebeng was posthumously honored with Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela for his role in The Estate. Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to industry veterans Arthur Molepo and Mfundi Vundla for their invaluable contributions to South African film and television.
As Shaka iLembe prepares for a second season, its sweeping success at the SAFTAs reinforces the series’ cultural significance and its potential to inspire future generations in South Africa.
