The wait is finally over. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has officially pulled back the curtain on the nominees for the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs 19). Under the powerful new theme, “One Story. One Industry. One Future,” this year’s awards are set to celebrate the resilience and creative brilliance of South Africa’s screen legends.
The Heavyweights Lead the Pack
In what is shaping up to be a clash of the titans, South Africa’s most beloved long-running shows are once again proving why they dominate our living rooms.
Generations: The Legacy (MMSV Productions): A powerhouse in the industry, the show has secured an impressive 7 nominations, including a nod for Best Achievement in Directing.
Skeem Saam (Peu Communications): Following closely, the SABC1 favorite earned 5 nominations, notably appearing in the Best TV Soap and Best Achievement in Scriptwriting categories.
Uzalo (Stained Glass TV): The KwaMashu-based drama remains a fan favorite, pulling in 4 nominations.
While the "legacy" shows are making waves, Tshedza Pictures is the numeric leader of the year with a staggering 24 nominations across its various productions (including iThonga and Youngins), followed by Quizzical Pictures with 22.
Streaming Giants vs. Local Broadcasters
The landscape of South African entertainment is shifting, and the SAFTAs 19 nominations reflect the growing influence of digital platforms. Showmax and Netflix are going head-to-head with 59 and 55 nominations respectively, highlighting a golden age for local streaming content.
Public Voting: Have Your Say!
The SAFTAs aren't just for the critics—they are for the fans. Public voting for the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela and Best TV Presenter officially opens on February 19, 2026.
How to Vote: Keep an eye on the official SAFTAs social media pages and the NFVF website. Voting remains open until March 11, 2026.
What to Expect in March
For the first time in several years, the SAFTAs are returning to their original March timeline. This strategic shift aligns the South African awards with the global "awards season," placing our local talent on the same calendar as the Oscars and the BAFTAs.
The Main Event: Scheduled for mid-March 2026.
The Theme: “One Story. One Industry. One Future”—a tribute to the unity of the South African film community.
The Talent: Expect to see icons like Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Zenande Mfenyana, and Vusi Kunene gracing the red carpet
Why This Matters for African Culture
At EIIAFRICA, we believe that African stories are the heartbeat of the continent. The SAFTAs 19 represent more than just trophies; they represent the growth of a billion-rand industry that provides jobs, preserves our history, and exports our unique "Mzansi Magic" to the rest of the world.
Stay tuned to EIIAFRICA for exclusive red-carpet coverage and the full winners' list next month!