Former students from the Drama and Production Studies programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are in the spotlight, competing for top honours at the prestigious 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Among the nominees are celebrated actors Thembinkosi Mthembu, Sdumo Mtshali and Wiseman Mncube, who have been recognised in various categories at the country’s premier awards for the film and television industry, hosted by the National Film and Video Foundation.
Wiseman Mncube.
Mthembu who recently held umembeso (pre-wedding traditional ceremony) to the mother of his child and longtime girlfriend a month ago, is a standout nominee with a staggering four nominations in three categories. He is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela for his role in The River, Best Actor in a Telenovela for The Outlaws, and twice for Best Actor in a TV Drama for Adulting and Shaka iLembe, respectively.
Earlier this year, Mthembu won Best Actor at the Simon Mabhunu Sable Film and Television Awards for his role on Shaka Ilembe.
In an interview with Sowetan Live, Mthembu expressed his surprise and excitement, stating, “I’m still shocked but excited at the same time. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve put in the work for over five years, and these nominations are just affirmations that I’m on the right track when it comes to my craft.”
Multi-award-winning actor, Wiseman Mncube, is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for his portrayal of Zwide in Mzansi Magic’s Shaka iLembe.
Sdumo Mtshali.
Should Mncube walk away with a trophy at this year’s ceremony, it will be his second SAFTA win. In 2020, Mncube won a SAFTA in the Best Actor in a TV Drama category for the of Jama in EHostela.
Mtshali is up for Best Actor in a Feature Film for his performance in iNumber Number: Jozi Gold. Over the years, a significant number of Drama & Production Studies graduates have won big at the SAFTAs. Last year, Luthando Mngomezulu, a Drama & Production Studies graduate won his first Golden Horn in the Best Achievement in Directing for a Telenovela category.
The SAFTA’s Craft show will be streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube page and across social media platforms on 25 October 2024. The main awards show will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and SABC3 on 26 October 2024.
Pictured: DUT Drama and Production Studies alumnus, Thembinkosi Mthembu who has four nominations in the SAFTAs. Images: Mzansi Magic and Facebook.
Andile Dube and Sthembile Ndlovu
