19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards rescheduled for March 2026
Nonkanyiso "LaConco" Conco at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards, where she won the Best TV Presenter award.
Image: Supplied/Andile Mthembu
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has announced that after careful review and consultation, the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) have been rescheduled to take place in March 2026.
"The decision to move the awards is the result of leadership changes within the NFVF and related unforeseen delays, which have now enabled a broader period of organisational renewal," read the statement from the NFVF.
"This transition has provided us with an opportunity to strengthen governance, sharpen our strategic focus, and reinforce the NFVF’s role as the custodian of the South African Film and Television Awards.
"This adjustment also ensures that the Saftas align with the international awards calendar, providing South African talent the opportunity to be celebrated in parallel with major global film and television awards."
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rirhandzu Machaba, who is also the Acting Chairperson of the Saftas Committee, said, “The Saftas have always been about recognising greatness, and in 2026, we look forward to celebrating an industry that continues to rise, inspire, and unite.
"Saftas19 will mark a moment for the industry to come together, reflect on our journey, and re-imagine the path ahead under the theme One Story, One Industry, One Future. It is both a celebration and a commitment: to tell our stories with pride, to stand together as one, and to work towards an even brighter future for South African film and television.”
Under the bold new theme, “One Story. One Industry. One Future, Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together”, Saftas19 will honour the resilience, unity, and creativity of the South African film and television industry while inspiring excitement for the milestone Saftas20 in 2027.
The eligibility criteria for Saftas19 will expand to a period of 18 months for projects that have been on air, screened in cinemas, or streamed online between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. This will be a once-off exception given the unique circumstances.
Details on venue, broadcast partners, and nomination announcements will follow in the coming months.
IOL