Netflix’s ‘Umjolo’ Series Dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and TV Awards
The dating scene is always a hot topic, and this was evident in the nominations received by Netflix’s ‘Umjolo’ series at this year’s Simon Mabhunu Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and TV Awards. The series of films revolving around the theme of dating received a total of eight nominations at the prestigious awards ceremony.
The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards celebrate the exceptional talent and creativity in KwaZulu-Natal’s film and television industry. This year, ‘Umjolo’ took center stage with four films released over four months, each exploring different aspects of dating and relationships.
The four films in the ‘Umjolo’ series are: ‘Umjolo: The Gone Girl’, ‘Umjolo: Day Ones’, ‘Umjolo: My Beginning, My End’, and ‘Umjolo: There is No Cure’.
Actor Nkanyiso Makhanya, who starred in ‘Umjolo: My Beginning, My End’, received a nomination for Best Actor in a film. Actresses Shezi Sibongiseni and Sibusisiwe Jili were nominated for Best Actress in a film for their roles in ‘Umjolo: The Gone Girl’ and ‘Umjolo: Day Ones’ respectively.
Other nominees from the ‘Umjolo’ series include actors Menzi Biyela and Ntando Mncube, who are competing for the Best Supporting Actor in a film category. Director Mthunzi Dubazana of ‘Umjolo: There is No Cure’ also received a nomination for Best Director.
The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards showcase over 30 categories, recognizing excellence in various aspects of the film and television industry. From Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location to Best Documentary, the awards celebrate a diverse range of creative achievements.
The announcement event for the nominees featured actress Hope Mbhele, who brought a sense of cultural pride and energy to the ceremony. The unveiling of the new 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards logo, themed ‘Africa’s Champions of Storytelling: From Piers to Pages’, symbolizes the continent’s rich storytelling tradition.
As the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority continues to support and promote talent in the region, the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards serve as a platform to honor and celebrate the storytellers and creatives who contribute to the vibrant film and television industry in KZN.
