THE prestigious Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards have been rocked by shocking drama.
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The awards organisers have replaced four nominations and withdrawn the Best Television Production category after discovering eligibility blunders and discrepancies weeks after announcing nominees.
These bombshell changes followed a review that uncovered serious issues with how the awards’ eligibility requirements were applied.
The review focused on the qualifying screening and broadcast period from 29 March 2025 to 28 March 2026.
The awards, which honour KZN’s top film and TV talent, are organised by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority. They’ll be held at The Playhouse in Durban on Saturday, 21 November 2026.
MISTAKES ADMITTED
The Authority admitted the discrepancies should’ve been picked up during the initial screening and verification process, before nominations were announced.
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Jack Esterhuyzen, chief judge of the awards, said their responsibility is to ensure every nomination meets the published requirements and that all entrants are assessed fairly.
“Following concerns raised, we revisited the affected nominations, examined eligibility information and reviewed relevant judging scores.
“Where discrepancies were confirmed, the panel agreed on the necessary corrections. These decisions were taken to uphold the integrity of the awards and ensure the same standards apply to every entrant.”
CREDIBILITY AT STAKE
KZN Tourism and Film Authority interim CEO, Mr Sibusiso Gumbi, said the awards exist to recognise excellence in KZN’s film and TV industry, and that credibility is key.
“Where discrepancies have been identified, we have a responsibility to address them openly and ensure the published criteria are applied consistently.
“We recognise that these matters should ideally have been resolved before the nominations were announced. Our priority is to ensure the necessary corrections are properly verified, communicated transparently and supported by appropriate safeguards to strengthen the process going forward.”
THE CHANGES:
The following changes have been made to the nomination list:
• Best Sound Design: N3 for Solum has been replaced by Siduduzo Vezi for Uzalo. The review found that Solum had not been screened during the qualifying period.
• Best Screenplay: Mxolisi Mbhele for Kayise has been replaced by Zigizendoda Yeni for Izenzo Zami. The review found that the production did not satisfy the qualifying-period requirements.
• Best Actress Film: Noxolo Mathula for Kayise has been replaced by Thembi Mtshali-Jones for Izenzo Zami, following the same eligibility review.
• Best Feature Film: The Trek has been replaced by Amathambo, represented by Sabelo Ndlovu, following a reassessment of the category’s KZN-related judging considerations.
• Best Television Production: The category has been withdrawn following the removal of nominations associated with Sah Zungu for Isigodlo Samatshitshi and Enhle Selesho for Inkosinathi.
The review found that the former didn’t qualify as a TV production, while the latter had been screened outside the qualifying period. The panel decided to withdraw the category, as the only remaining eligible entry is already recognised in other categories.
