Babsy Mlangeni Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at NACA 2025
Renowned musician Babsy Mlangeni was presented with a prestigious lifetime achievement award at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) held at Sun City’s Super Bowl this past weekend. Hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in collaboration with the SABC, the event celebrated Mlangeni’s outstanding contribution to the music industry.
Having already received a lifetime achievement award at the South African Music Awards in 2017, Mlangeni expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It shows that I’ve been in the industry for 58 years and I’m still relevant. I really feel honored,” he shared with The Citizen.
Financial Challenges Despite Recognition
Despite his numerous accolades, Mlangeni acknowledged the financial struggles that musicians face in today’s digital age. He highlighted the shift from physical sales of CDs, cassettes, and vinyl to digital platforms, which has impacted artists’ ability to make a living.
Securing bookings has also become increasingly difficult for Mlangeni, even for government-sponsored events commemorating national holidays. He emphasized the challenges faced by both established and emerging artists in accessing opportunities and exposure.
Celebrating South Africa’s Creative Talent
The National Arts and Culture Awards aim to recognize and celebrate excellence across various creative industries in South Africa, including performance, visual arts, literature, design, film, and cultural heritage. Dr. Cynthia Ntombifuthi Khumalo, Director-General of DSAC, highlighted the importance of honoring legacy, uplifting trailblazers, and inspiring the next generation of artists.
NACA 2025 Winners
Heritage
- Outstanding Cultural Landscape: Freedom Park Heritage Site Museum
- Outstanding Museum: William Humphreys Art Gallery
Literature
- Outstanding Book, Fiction: The Comrade’s Wife (Barbara Boswell)
- Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction: 100 Years of Dispossession (Lebogang Seale)
- Outstanding Children’s Fiction: Sanda Makes Some Money (Yamkela Tywakadi)
- Outstanding Publisher: Vhakololo Press (Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho)
Design
- Outstanding Architecture/Interior Designer: Asher Zachary Marcus
- Outstanding Fashion/Textile Designer: Mzukisi Mbane
Visual Arts
- Outstanding Crafter: Majolandile Samuel Dyalvane
- Outstanding Curator: Nontobeko Ntombela
- Outstanding Visual Artist: Malebogo Naticia Molokoane
Performing Arts
- Outstanding Musician: Mphumelelo Dlamini
- Outstanding Actor in Theatre: Tshireletso Nkoane
- Outstanding Theatre Production: A Street Taxi Named Desire (Obett Motaung)
- Outstanding Dance Production: INGOMA (Moeketsi Koena)
- Outstanding Poet Performance: Napo Masheane
Audio Visual
- Outstanding Documentary Film: London Recruits (Jacintha de Nobrega)
- Outstanding Documentary Series: Free At Last (Xoliswa Sithole)
- Outstanding Film Fiction: Old Righteous Blues (Catharina Weinek)
