Pretoria, South Africa – The National Film & TV Awards South Africa returned to the Opera Theatre in Pretoria for its 3rd annual edition, delivering an unforgettable night honouring the icons, trailblazers, and rising stars shaping the future of South African entertainment. The ceremony was broadcast live on VooVix TV and hosted by acclaimed television personality Samkelo, featuring electrifying performances, guest presenters, and surprise appearances that lit up the evening.
The most emotional and defining moment of the night was the presentation of the NFTA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 to the legendary Dr John Kani. A titan of theatre, film, and global storytelling, Dr Kani received a standing ovation as he delivered one of the most powerful acceptance speeches ever heard on an NFTA stage. He said:
“This is one of the greatest honours of my life. I thank the National Film and TV Awards for recognising this journey and dedicating this award to me as a reminder that every young actor rising in our nation carries the potential to change the world. May this inspire all who are on their way up to keep going, keep creating, and keep believing.”
The awards also celebrated four other giants of South African film and television who received Outstanding Contribution to Film & TV Awards:
Leon Schuster, Alfred Ntombela, Sello Maake KaNcube, and Dr Jerry Mofokeng, each honoured for their decades of influence, cultural impact, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
This year’s National Film & TV Awards were proudly supported by an exceptional roster of sponsors whose partnership elevated the ceremony to world-class standards: Kryolan South Africa, The African Penguin Guesthouse & Conference Centre, MondayRepublic.com, Dechavel Watches, Rekorderlig Cider, Cape Brewing Company, 0861 Africa, Mentos South Africa, REVIVE, Tempest Car Hire, George & Manana Wines, J’adore Collection, Château Gâteaux, Native Child, and Lola Lee Beauty, Cartel Events and Catering, Beryl Digital Concepts, and NomaYini Projects.
FULL LIST OF NFTA 2025 WINNERS
Best Actress in a TV Series 2025 (Sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
Zenande Mfenyana – Inimba (Season 1)
Best Supporting Actor in a Film 2025
(Sponsored by The African Penguin Guesthouse & Conference Centre)
Francois Jacobs — Khaki Fever
Best Newcomer 2025 (Sponsored by MondayRepublic.com)
Thandolwethu Zondi – GO! (Season 1)
Best Scripted TV Series 2025 (Sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
Shaka iLembe (Mzansi Magic, Season 2)
Best Female TV Personality 2025 (Sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider)
Londie London – The Real Housewives of Durban
Best TV Presenter 2025 (Sponsored by Dechavel Watches)
Devi Govender – The Devi Show
Best Comedian 2025
Celeste Ntuli
Best Competition Show 2025 (Sponsored by 0861 Africa)
Big Brother Mzansi (Season 5)
Best Entertainment Show 2025
Real Housewives of Durban (Season 5)
Outstanding Performance 2025 (Sponsored by Mentos South Africa)
Wiseman Mncube – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Zamani Mbatha – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Best Feature Film 2025 (Sponsored by REVIVE)
The Heart is Muscle
Best Producer 2025 (Sponsored by Tempest Car Hire)
Desiree Markgraaff & Nomzamo Mbatha – Shaka iLembe
Celebrity Personality of the Year 2025 (Sponsored by George & Manana Wines)
Lawrence Maleka
Best Production Company 2025 (Sponsored by Tempest Car Hire)
Quizzical Pictures
Best Television / Streaming Network 2025
Showmax
Best Non-Scripted TV Series 2025
Young, Famous & African
Best Documentary 2025
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
Best TV Drama Series 2025
Skeem Saam
Best Afrikaans TV Series 2025
Binnelanders
Best Podcast 2025 (Sponsored by J’adore Collection)
Open Chats
Best Current News Program 2025
Expresso Show – Graeme Richards, Carissa Cupido, Ryle, Zanele, Ewan, Carl
Best Actor in a TV Series 2025 (Sponsored by Château Gâteaux)
Clint Brink – Kings of Jo’burg (Season 3)
Best Supporting Actress in a Film 2025 (Sponsored by Native Child)
Loren Loubser – The Heart Is a Muscle
Best Actress in a Film 2025 (Sponsored by Kryolan South Africa)
Anel Alexander – Semi-Soeter
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series 2025 (Sponsored by Lola Lee Beauty)
Angela Sithole – Empini
Best Director 2025
Angus Gibson – Shaka iLembe (Season 2)
Best Male TV Personality 2025
Sweet Guluva
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series 2025
Sphamandla Dhludhlu – Marked (Season 1)
Best Actor in a Film 2025
Keenan Arrison – The Heart Is A Muscle
Best African International Film 2025
Meet the Khumalos (South Africa, Netflix)
Special Honours
NFTA – Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Dr John Kani
NFTA – Outstanding Contribution to Film & TV Award 2025
Leon Schuster
Alfred Ntombela
Sello Maake KaNcube
Dr Jerry Mofokeng
About the National Film & TV Awards South Africa
The National Film & TV Awards celebrate excellence, creativity, and achievement across the South African entertainment landscape. With millions of fans engaging nationwide, the NFTAs continue to spotlight the power of storytelling and the artists who elevate the nation’s cultural identity.
