a day ago
Lifetime Achiever Award
Veteran filmmaker Angus Gibson stands proudly at the Umhlanga pier, holding his Lifetime Achiever Award received at the prestigious Simon Sabela Awards ceremony — a tribute to his enduring impact on South African storytelling and cinema.
KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmaker Angus Gibson, one of South Africa's most influential and enduring cinematic voices, was honoured with the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Lifetime Achiever Award, capping off a decades-long career that has helped shape the nation's visual storytelling landscape.
Gibson was presented the award at a glittering event yesterday evening at Durban's International Convention Centre.
Presented by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the awards are KwaZulu-Natal's premier celebration of excellence in film and television.
Now in their 11th year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across more than 20 categories, including best feature film, best director, best actor/actress, best documentary and best student film - all with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal talent and productions filmed in the province.
Gibson has been the director behind Yizo Yizo, Mandela, Isibaya, and Shaka iLembe. He was honoured not just for his artistic achievements, but for his contribution to the cultural and historical record of South Africa.
'I first lived in a house with a sea view that stretched from the Bluff to Umhlanga. What I did not see was KwaMashu not far behind my Durban North house, or the traditional Zulu world beyond those canefields. I became curious about the spaces I did not see and in a way I have ended up telling the stories of the spaces that were shut out from my view as a young person.'
'The cane cutters on the weekend would beat their drums virtually the whole night… the sound was enigmatic and made me curious about the Zulu world and culture,'he recalled.
For Gibson, receiving the province's top film honour was not just aprofessional milestone - it was personal.
'For the last 12 years, with both Isibaya and Shaka iLembe, we have been immersed in a Zulu world, so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
