Hosted by comedian, Mpho Popps and TV presenter, Nomalanga Shozi, the awards ceremony was held at the Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane.
The Skeem Saam cast and crew were unhappy after one of their actors was shown as the winner of the Outstanding Newcomer Award, but it was a mistake.
They kept chanting: “Skeem Saam” and Mpho Popps had to clear the confusion.
“There was a clip-on screen but the person who won, which is actress Nefisa Mkhabela is the correct one who was announced. We would like to apologise for the technical glitch,” he said.
The Skeem Saam team were very upset, but their disappointment died when one of their own was awarded the Viewer’s Choice Award in the Best Female Actress category.
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Actor Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Trevor Kunene
The team went on stage in a large number and celebrated with Lethabo Mekoa.
Crying on stage, Lethabo said: “I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity today. I’ve been through a lot as young as I am.”
The audience was taken down memory lane with performances by musicians such as Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane and Zola 7.
Legendary actor, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and filmmaker and producer, Duma Ndlovu were also recognised.
Duma thanked Winnie Ntshaba for founding the awards.
“Looking back to when this started, I don’t think the industry understood what she was trying to do. I think a lot of people thought she was biting what she could chew.
“I think actors appreciate these awards because this is the time they get awards exclusively. You have done well and we give you a big hand,” he said.
Jerry also thanked Winnie.
“Winnie, thank you for being a visionary, for coming up with these awards, to be recognised in your own country. One of the things I thank Winnie for is that people don’t understand how hard acting is,” he said.
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Motlatsi Mafatshe was awarded the Outstanding Lead Actor Award. Photo by Trevor Kunene
Other actors who walked away with awards include Zikhona Sodlaka, who was awarded the Outstanding Lead Actress Award.
“When I take myself to when I was 19 years and I left the Eastern Cape, this is another show for us, a province that has never had a show there but has produced legends and in 2022 we created a soapie,” she said.
Motlatsi Mafatshe from House of Zwide was awarded the Outstanding Lead Actor Award.
“To all the artists follow your dreams. God will make it work. Let’s push passion and let us be professionals at work. This thing of you being superstars and not working doesn’t work,” he said.