Actress Nqobile Magwaza who scooped the Best Actress TV for her role in Smoke & Mirrors in the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards.
The countdown is on for filmmakers hoping to compete in the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards, with organisers reporting a strong response ahead of the 10 July entry deadline.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) said submissions from across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa indicate that this year's awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions since the event's inception.
Approximately 34 categories are open for entry, celebrating excellence across the film and television industry. Organisers said they have already received submissions across all categories, with particularly strong participation in television productions, short films, documentaries and student projects.
This year's awards introduce eight new categories aimed at recognising the growing technical and creative expertise within the industry. The additions include Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, Best Makeup, Best Wardrobe, Best Director (TV), Best Telenovela/Soapie, Best Made for TV Film and Best Drama Series.
