19-07-2025
Netflix's Disaster Holiday wins big at Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards
Proudly South African road trip comedy film, Disaster Holiday, was the biggest winner at the 12th annual Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday evening.
Created by the Ramphakela siblings, Rethabile, Katleho and Tshepo, of Burnt Onion Productions, the creative geniuses behind the How To Ruin Christmas franchise, the film scooped awards in the Best Pan African Film, Best Feature Film, Best Production Design and Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location categories.
'Winning four awards at the Sabelas is such a humbling moment. It's not just a win for us – it's a win for the entire team, for the storytellers behind the scenes and for the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which gave us such a beautiful canvas to work on,' one-third of the sibling trio, Rethabile, said.
'As the writer and director of the film, I have fond memories, as a Joburger, of driving to Durban for a holiday - the midlands and the beaches. But the highlight for me was shooting in Mtwalume - so beautiful and so untouched. A real KZN gem. I think we truly captured the magic of KZN in the film, and that's why it ended up trending globally on Netflix.'
Another highlight from the glittering ceremony was renowned filmmaker Angus Gibson, of Bomb Productions, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the growth and depth of South African storytelling.
Among other notable productions Gibson worked on were Yizo Yizo, Isibaya, and, more recently, Shaka iLembe.
'As Bomb, whenever we tell a story, we want the characters we depict to recognise themselves. 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,' he said.
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Back at the awards, the red carpet was nothing short of dazzling, with attendees arriving in bold, royal and legendary outfits, reflecting the evening's theme of Africa's Giants of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages.
The ceremony was hosted by Umkhokha: The Curse couple Nay Mays and Hope Mbhele, with fellow House of Zwide actor Khaya Dladla hosting the red carpet.
Beaming with pride over the night's success, KZN Tourism and Film Authority COO Jackie Motsepe said the evening 'affirmed the power of African storytelling'.
'From newcomers to legends, our creatives are shaping culture and inspiring futures. We're proud to see KZN emerging as a strong player on the African global film map. The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards continue to honour excellence while driving the industry forward,' she said.
See the full list of winners here:
