'Disaster Holiday' wins big at the 12th Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards

Mzansi film and TV stars shone bright on Saturday, July 19, at the 12th Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.

The annual celebration took place at the Durban ICC under the theme “Africa’s Giants of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages”, a fitting homage to a night steeped in heritage, creativity and excellence.

This year marked a milestone for the awards as they recognised talent across 25 competitive categories. 

Leading the pack of winners was the film "Disaster Holiday", produced by Rethabile Ramaphakela, which secured an impressive four accolades: Best Pan African Film, Best Feature Film, Best Production Design, and Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location. 

"Masinga the Calling" followed closely behind with three awards. Mbuso Khoza picked up Best Supporting Actor in a Film, while Mark Engels took home Best Director and Best Screenplay. 

Best Supporting Actress in a Film went to Zola Mhlongo, and Best Newcomer Actress to Dineo Nxumalo for the movie "Sent". 

On the TV front, Kwenzo Ngcobo clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in "Scandal", while Nqobile Magwaza was recognised as Best Actress for her work in "Smoke and Mirrors".

Meanwhile, Best Actor and Actress in a Film went to Ntando Mncube for "Themba" and Sibongiseni Shezi for "Umjolo: The Gone Girl", respectively.

A standout moment of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was bestowed upon renowned filmmaker Angus Gibson. 

"It was a night that affirmed the power of African storytelling. From newcomers to legends, our creatives are shaping culture and inspiring futures," said Jackie Motsepe, chief operations officer at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.

"We’re proud to see KZN emerging as a strong player on the African and global film map," she said. 

Full list of winners below: 

Best Actor TV:  Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo - "Scandal"

Best Actress TV:  Nqobile Magwaza - "Smoke and Mirrors"

Best Supporting Actor TV:  Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo - "Uzalo"

Best Supporting Actress TV: Duduzile Ngcobo - "Uzalo"

Best TV Production:  Lee Thomas Doig - "The Real Housewives of Durban" season 4

Best Actor Film:  Ntando Mncube - "Themba"

Best Actress Film:  Sibongiseni Shezi - "Umjolo: The Gone Girl"

Best Supporting Actor Film:  Mbuso Khoza - "Masinga the Calling"

Best Supporting Actress Film:  Zola Mhlongo - "Sent"

Best Director:  Mark Engels - "Masinga the Calling"

Best Pan African Film:  Rethabile Ramaphakela - "Disaster Holiday"

Best isiZulu Film:  Portia Ncwane - "Tales of a Zulu Folk Dancer: Igida Ngoma"

Best Micro Budget Film:  Nobulali Kama - "Entabeni"

Best Feature Film: Rethabile Ramaphakela - "Disaster Holiday"

Best Short Film: Nobulali Kama - "Entabeni"

Best Screenplay:  Mark Engels - "Masinga the Calling"

Best Student Film: Wilson Mzelemu - "Mbali"

Best Newcomer Actor:  Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo - "Uzalo" season 10

Best Newcomer Actress: Dineo Nxumalo - "Sent"

Best Use of Cinematography: Lee Thomas Doig - "Real Housewives of Durban" season 4

Best Production Design:  Kagiso Malefano - "Disaster Holiday"

Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location:  Burnt Onion Productions - "Disaster Holiday"

Best Documentary Short Film: Elihle September - "Daughters of Lost Fathers"

Best Documentary Feature Film: Lindani Mbense - Dr Mbongeni Ngema "This Is My Story"

Lifetime Achievement Award:  Angus Gibson