THE organisers of the 2026 Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards confirmed changes to the nominations following a review that identified challenges in the application of the awards’ eligibility requirements.

“Following deliberations by the awards’ judging chairpersons panel, with the involvement of the auditors, four nominations have been replaced and the Best Television Production category withdrawn,” organisers said in a statement.

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Best Sound Design: N3 for Solum has been replaced by Siduduzo Vezi for Uzalo.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 established 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Best Screenplay: Mxolisi Mbhele for Kayise has been replaced by Zigizendoda Yeni for Izenzo Zami.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Best Actress Film: Noxolo Mathula for Kayise has been replaced by Thembi Mtshali Jones for Izenzo Zami, following the same eligibility review.

Best Feature Film: The Trek has been replaced by Amathambo, represented by Sabelo Ndlovu, following a reassessment of the category’s KZN-related judging considerations.

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Best Television Production: The category has been withdrawn following the removal of nominations associated with Sah Zungu for Isigodlo Samatshitshi and Enhle Selesho for Inkosinathi.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 did not qualify as a television production, while the latter had been screened outside the qualifying period. The panel determined that the category should be withdrawn after considering that the eligible entry is recognised in other similar remaining categories.

Jack Esterhuyzen, chief judge of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards, said, “Our responsibility as judges is to ensure that every nomination meets the published requirements and that all entrants are assessed fairly. Following the concerns raised, we revisited the affected nominations, examined the eligibility information and reviewed the relevant judging scores.”

The awards event will take place on Saturday, November 21, at The Playhouse.

For the full list of nominees visit https://visitkzn-sa.com/

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