The awards acknowledge individuals who empower young men working as partners against gender-based violence and femicide He has been nominated in the Arts and Culture category for his work at FatherFigureZA (an NPO) and for being consistent in speaking Xitsonga in the mainstream media. At 41 he has made a mark in the Xitsonga film and television industry with countless short stories and movies that he has created, produced, directed and acted in.

In 2015, Shilubana co-wrote, produced and directed Khomelela, shot in rural Limpopo and in Nkowankowa to introduce Xitsonga films to a broader audience. In 2020 he produced and directed Mafanato season 1 for the streaming service Ritevac TV and Showmax. He had roles in Soul City, Isidingo, Generations and also starred alongside Charlize Theron, Sean Penn and Javier Bardem.

He is currently playing Vukosi on Giyani Land of Blood, the first Xitsonga telenovela which is currently on SABC 2 Mondays to Wednesdays at 21:30. It is set in the fictional village of Risinga in Giyani and brings to life the conflict of two families (Mudau and Baloyi) who are locked in a bitter decades long squabble over a contested piece of fertile land and the banana plantation on it.

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“For a long time our people have been complaining that Xitsonga is not well represented on television and now a door has been opened for us, but for it to work they need to support us for more opportunities to arise,” explained Shiluvana. He was also nominated for the role he plays with his NPO, FatherFigureZA, which strives to integrate men back into the family unit. The initiative inspires, empowers and creates a platform for men to become the best father figures to their children and children in their communities, including those whose fathers have passed away.

They believe that social ills would be drastically limited if men played their part of being a mentor, provider and protector to their children. “Young men and women often lack male role models and as a result, they turn to crime and drugs. The girl child who was not raised by her dad grows up having daddy issues, resentment, anger and trust issues, which greatly affects their relationships in adult life,” he said.

FatherFigureZA stands by a Frederick Douglas quote which states: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”, he said. They host seminars, playdad dates, bond walks and family picnics and other events to promote this vital relationship. Due to Covid restrictions, FatherFigureZA has recently started to host a talk show on Twitter Spaces, co-hosting with Rivoningo Maphophe and Tinyiko Sithole, where they discuss topics on parenthood.

The sessions take place every second Friday from 19:00 – 21:30 and their next one will be on Friday, November 19. Follow him on social media platforms, Twitter: @FumaniShilubana or @FatherFigure_ZA, Facebook: Fumani N Shilubana or Father Figure SA and on Instagram: @FumaniNShilubana or @FatherFigureSA.