TV celebrities were celebrated at the 7th Royal Soapie Awards at the Heartfelt Arena in Centurion on Saturday, August 24.
The annual awards aim to celebrate excellence in the South African television industry by recognising the hard work and dedication of performers, writers, directors and technical crews, who bring captivating stories to viewers daily.
The competition was stiff but in the end, e.tv’s “House of Zwide” and Mzansi Magic’s “DiepCity” led the pack with five awards each.
Actor and musician Motlatsi Mafatshe took home the prestigious Outstanding Lead Actor award for his role as Molefe on “House of Zwide”.
Taking to Instagram, Mafatshe wrote: “What an honour to get the best male lead in a soapie/telenovela at @royaltysoapieawards … I was so nervous and anxious. Thanks to @gabisilet for keeping me calm and supporting me.
“To @bomb_productions, thank you so much for the opportunity of allowing me create an amazing character that has so many layers and flaws, yet adorable and funny to watch.
“@houseofzwide cast and crew, thanks for being part of my life, sharing all the moments we share … I can never stop thanking @manyakum enough for always making me look super cool.”
Zikhona Sodlaka won in the female category for her role as Bulelwa Mxenge in “Gqeberha – The Empire”.
Mzansi Magic’s “The River” and SABC1’s “Skeem Saam” tied with three awards each across various categories.
Outstanding Daily TV Drama went to “The River”, while SABC1’s “Uzalo”, which is celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary, received silverware for being the Most Watched Show on TV.
Favourite TV Couple went to Lerato Mvelase and Dumisani Mbebe who play Noxolo Nobengela and Melisizwe Nobengela, respectively, in “The Estate”.
In the public voting categories, Mahlatse Moropo scooped the Viewer’’s Choice Best Actor award for his role as Letetswe in “Skeem Saam” and Lethabo Mekoa who plays Ntswaki in “Skeem Saam” won the award in the female category.
Moropo wrote on Instagram: “Honoured and humbled! This journey wouldn’t be possible without every single one of you who poured your love, time and energy into making the Royalty Soapie Awards a success.
“Your votes and unwavering support brought this dream to life. We did this together. Here’s to many more!”
Viewers voted “7de Laan” as the Most Popular Show. Legendary actor Jeremiah Mofokeng was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mofokeng took to social media to say: “What an amazing evening with happy colleagues receiving awards … It means a lot to be awarded in our lifetime. Thank you, Royal Soapie Awards.”
The awards will air on Saturday, August 31, on SABC1 at 7.30pm.
Full Royal Soapie Awards winners list:
Outstanding Lead Actor: Motlatsi Mafatshe as Molefe in “House of Zwide”
Outstanding Lead Actress: Zikhona Sodlaka as Bulelwa Mxenge in “Gqeberha – The Empire”
Outstanding Daily TV Drama: “The River”
Most Watched Show: “Uzalo”
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Crispen Nyathi as Charleston in “DiepCity”
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Harriet Manamela as Meikie in “Skeem Saam”
Outstanding Male Villain: Mduduzi Mabaso as Mgedeza in “DiepCity”
Outstanding Female Villain: Deli Malinga as Mamzobe in “Umkokha – The Curse”
Outstanding Couple: Lerato Mvelase and Dumisani Mbebe as Noxolo Nobengela and Melisizwe Nobengela in “The Estate”
Outstanding Newcomer: Nefisa Mkhabela as Ona in “House of Zwide”
Outstanding Young Performer: Karabo Magongwa as Keletso in “House of Zwide”
Outstanding Make-up and Hairstyling: “House of Zwide”
Outstanding Wardrobe: “House of Zwide”
Outstanding Writing Team: “DiepCity”
Outstanding Art Direction: “The River”
Outstanding Casting: “DiepCity”
Outstanding Editing Team: “DiepCity”
Outstanding Lighting Direction: “The Black Door”
Outstanding Directing Team: “Umkhokha The Curse”
Outstanding Cinematography: “Isitha – The Enemy”
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Editing: “The River”
Public Voting Categories
Viewer’s Choice Best Actor: Mahlatse Moropo as Letetswe in “Skeem Saam”
Viewer’s Choice Best Actress: Lethabo Mekoa as Ntswaki in “Skeem Saam”
Most Popular Show: “7de Laan”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeremiah Mofokeng
Social Cohesion Award: “Binnelanders”
Trailblazer Award: Duma Ndlovu
Best Background Actor: Koko Baloi Macdonald
Best Pan-African Actor: Lee Senford Kabongo as Mwaku in “Ubuntu”
Best Pan-African Actress: Shaffy Bello as AdaoraNwelue Bhadmus in “Covenant”
Best Pan-African Show: “Tinsel”