Sabela Awards change four nominations and drop TV production category

The organisers of this year’s Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards have changed their list of nominees after members of the public questioned some of the selections, IOL reported. The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority admitted in a statement that it should have spotted certain problems before the nominations were released in October.

A fresh check was carried out by the senior judging panel together with auditors. It led to four nominees being replaced and one category being dropped completely.

Who was replaced

The check measured each entry against the qualifying window, which ran from 29 March 2025 to 28 March 2026. These are the changes:

• Best Sound Design: N3 for “Solum” makes way for Siduduzo Vezi for “Uzalo”. “Solum” was not shown within the qualifying dates.
• Best Screenplay: Mxolisi Mbhele’s nomination for “Kayise” goes to Zigizendoda Yeni for “Izenzo Zami”. “Kayise” failed the qualifying-period requirement.
• Best Actress Film: Noxolo Mathula, also nominated for “Kayise”, is replaced by Thembi Mtshali Jones for “Izenzo Zami”.
• Best Feature Film: “The Trek” is swapped for “Amathambo”, represented by Sabelo Ndlovu. This followed a second look at the judging considerations linked to KwaZulu-Natal.

Television production category scrapped

The Best Television Production category has been dropped. Nominations connected to Sah Zungu for “Isigodlo Samatshitshi” and Enhle Selesho for “Inkosinathi” were taken out. According to the Authority, “Isigodlo Samatshitshi” was not a television production, and “Inkosinathi” was broadcast outside the qualifying dates.

The judges then decided to remove the category altogether. They also took into account that the one eligible entry is still recognised in other categories.

What organisers said

Chief Judge Jack Esterhuyzen said the review was needed so that every entrant is measured against the same standards. He said the panel agreed on corrections wherever discrepancies were confirmed, to protect the integrity of the awards.

Interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi conceded that the problems ideally should have been dealt with before the public announcement. He said that “the credibility of that recognition is fundamental”. Gumbi added that the Authority wants the corrections properly verified and communicated, and plans safeguards to strengthen the process in future.

What happens next

The ceremony is still set for Saturday 21 November at The Playhouse in Durban. It honours actors, filmmakers, production teams and other creative professionals working in the province’s film and television industry.

Anyone following the nominees should check the revised list rather than the one published in October. Several categories, including Best Actress Television and Best Director Television, were not affected by the changes.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.