PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ NOMBULELO MHLONGO
The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards takes time to recognise outstanding achievements and excellence within the South African Film and Television industry, with a special focus on KwaZulu-Natal.
The recognition varies from actors, actresses, producers, directors and various film and television technicians.
Entertainment commentator, Phil Mphela took to his X (former Twitter) page to release some of the nominated thespians. Under the category of Best Newcomer are Mangaliso Mthembu, for a role she portrayed on One Weeks. Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo also received a nod for a role he played on Uzalo.
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST NEWCOMER (Actor & Actress) are:
• Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo – Uzalo
• Kaveshen Govindasamy – Locked Down
• Sipho Luthuli – A Wesley South African Christmas
• Avela Cele – Sent
• Dineo Nxumalo -… pic.twitter.com/iwkaQT66GY— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
Andile also appears on the nominations list of Best Supporting Actor, competing with his co-worker Bandile Maphalala and Kennedy Stab from Icala.
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR TV are:
• Andile Zamokuhle Mtambo – Uzalo
• Bandile Maphalala – Uzalo
• Kennedy Stab – Icala 2#KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/uWM36uQ5qN— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
Duduzile Ngcobo received a nod for a role she played on Uzalo, locking heads with Mbali Primrose Cele from Smoke and Mirrors and Velile Makhoba from Icala.
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST SUPPORTING TV ACTRESS are:
• Duduzile Ngcobo – Uzalo
• Mbali Primrose Cele – Smoke & Mirrors
• Velile Makhoba – Icala S2 #KgopoloReports #KZNFilm pic.twitter.com/kiq5enXbdC— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
Award-winning, Kwenzo Ngcobo goes head to head with Herald Khumalo and Ruffus Yeni both from Smoke & Mirrors. Kwenzo is recognised for his role as Nhloso Gasa on Scandal!
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST ACTOR TV are:
• Herald Khumalo – Smoke and Mirrors
• Kwenzo Ngcobo – Scandal
• Ruffus Yeni – Smoke and Mirrors#KgopoloReports #KZNFilm pic.twitter.com/cxYQfwCG64— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
iThonga receives it’s first recognition since its inception. This is through a role of Zamahlobo Ntanzi played by Nelisiwe Sibiya. Nombulelo Mhlongo receives a nod for a character she plays on Scandal! while Nqobile Magwaza is nominated for a role on Smoke & Mirrors.
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST TV ACTRESS are:
• Nelisiwe Sibiya – iThonga
• Nombulelo Mhlongo – Scandal
• Nqobile Magwaza – Smoke & Mirrors #KgopoloReports #KZNFilm pic.twitter.com/Hcsa5BfQp1— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
Uthando Nesthembu also receives a nomination under the category of Best TV Production, competing with The Real Housewives of Durban and Icala.
AWARDS:
2025 Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees for BEST TV PRODUCTION are:
• Icala S2
• The Real Housewives of Durban S5
• Uthando Nesthembu S8 #KgopoloReports #KZNFilm pic.twitter.com/rbgjW5bgcZ— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 11, 2025
Here are more nominees:
Also see: List of the 2024 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards winners
