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News24
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
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. READ | From 6 000 G-strings to 15K jobs and 100K handsewn beads: Shaka iLembe returns for S2 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:
News24
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Multi-lingual and relatable: 10 memorable roles played by late Meme Ditshego
The death of veteran actor Meme Ditshego left the country in a sombre mood on Thursday as many, in tribute, spoke of her kind heart and her ability to bring relatable characters to life. The actor died on the evening of 25 June 2025, aged 60. Like many of the stars of her generation in the acting industry, Ditshego started her career in township theatre. Born in 1965, the actor paid her dues on theatre stages in plays such as Antigone in the 80's and participated in school theatre outreach programmes. Her TV debut arrived in 1997 through SABC 2's Afrikaans drama series Sterk Skemer, where she played the role of Elsie. The actor would go on to deliver performances that transcended language, race or culture. Though many may know Ditshego for her role as overbearing mother Josephine Ratau on SABC 2's Ga Re Dumele, the actor has also appeared in multiple popular productions that aired on SABC, Netflix, Showmax, DsTV, Etv, and many other platforms. Ditshego played Josephine for six years, earning her a Best Actress Golden Horn trophy at the South African Film and TV Awards (Saftas) in 2012 and a nomination for a Safta in the same category in 2014. The multilingual thespian is among the actors who were well-rounded in their skills because though Ditshego excelled in comedic roles, thanks to her great comedic timing and natural delivery of punchlines, she delivered in an equally believable manner when bringing more serious characters to life. The actor lived a relatively private life but never failed to bring her A-game regarding her craft. Even if Josephine, her super popular character, failed to grab your attention, you've probably seen Ditshego in her element as one or two of the roles below: Here are her top 10 roles played by Ditshego - in no particular order: Josephine in Ga Re Dumele Joyce Mlambo in The Coconuts Ma Thandi in Soul Buddyz Elsie in Sterk Skemer Gladys in Jozi-H Ausi Ntsoaki in Muvhango Patricia on Skeem Saam Evelina in 7de Laan Dr Machaka in Broken Vows Mam' Daphne in Love, Sex and 30 Candles.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Presley Chweneyagae: South Africans remember acting 'icon' who died age 40
South Africans are paying tribute to actor Presley Chweneyagae, who has died at the age of a statement announcing his death, his agency described him as a "South African icon" and one of the country's "most gifted and beloved actors".The South African government published a post on X describing him as "a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts".Chweneyagae, who was born in 1984 in South Africa's North-West Province, got his big international break after starring in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which earned the country its first Oscar for best foreign language film. Tsotsi, a powerful crime film in which Chweneyagae plays the lead role, explores gang life in a South African township. Chweneyagae also starred in the Nelson Mandela biopic Long Walk to Freedom in 2013, as well as acting in various theatre productions. The South African Film and Television Awards described him as a "true legend of South African cinema" and a "powerhouse performer".The Ministry of Sports, Art and Culture released a statement highlighting his role in the popular South African series River and Cobrizzi."The Department of Sports, Art and Culture, mourns the loss of a true trailblazer - a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft," Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said in the statement. More about African film from the BBC: Trailblazing African film-maker and Cannes winner diesIdris Elba: Why I'm planning a move to AfricaTeenage actress takes on child marriage in role mirroring real life Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Presley Chweneyagae, star of Oscar-winning drama Tsotsi, dies aged 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won South Africa's first ever Oscar for best foreign language film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its 'most gifted and beloved actors'. 'His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,' the MLA CEO, Nina Morris Lee, said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television and film. His award-winning performance in Tsotsi, based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's pre-eminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. 'The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,' the government said in a post on X. 'Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.' The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as Safta, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a 'true legend of South African Cinema' on X. 'Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' Safta posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a 'giant of South African film and theatre'. 'His legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' Mbalula said.
Mail & Guardian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi. South Africa is mourning the death of Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi . He died on 27 May 2025, at the age of 40, exactly two decades after the film's release. A statement from his agency Moonyeenn Lee Associates read: 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40.' Born on 19 October 1984, in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae's journey into acting began in his youth. Encouraged by his mother, he honed his craft at a drama school led by renowned playwright Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he was cast as David, known as Tsotsi, in Gavin Hood's adaptation of Athol Fugard's novel. The film, set in Johannesburg's Alexandra township, tells the story of a hardened gang leader who undergoes a profound transformation after inadvertently kidnapping a baby. Chweneyagae's performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity. Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for South African cinema. In addition, Chweneyagae received the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. His portrayal resonated globally, earning him recognition at various international film festivals. Following his success in Tsotsi , Chweneyagae continued to build a diverse career in both film and television. He appeared in notable theatre performances, such as Hamlet , Julius Caesar and Beautiful Things . On television, he gained acclaim for his role in the telenovela The River as Cobra , where his portrayal earned him a Golden Horn at the South African Film and Television Awards. Condolences from the people in the industry and government are pouring in, with Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane saying: 'On behalf of the people of Gauteng, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chweneyagae family, friends and the entire performing arts industry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.' Chweneyagae's death is a profound loss to the South African entertainment industry and the global arts community. His legacy endures through his memorable performances and his dedication to social causes. As we reflect on his contributions, we remember a talented actor who used his platform to tell compelling stories and inspire the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of Tsotsi , we honour Presley Chweneyagae's memory and the indelible mark he left on the world of cinema.
