Bonko Khoza dominates SAFTAs with three nominations across different categories
Actor Bonko Khoza has emerged as the frontrunner at the 19th South African Film and Television Awards with an impressive three nominations across different categories.
Image: Instagram via: Bonko Khoza
Telenovela star, Bonko Khoza, known as Mqhele from “The Wife”, leads the nominations at the 19th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs 19).
The SAFTAs 19 have released the nomination list, featuring talented actors who dominated this year. Khoza is leading the list with three nominations, as Best Actor in a Telenovela: iThonga, Best Actor in a TV Comedy: The Mabaso Family Reunion, and Best Actor in a Feature Film: Heart of the Hunter.
Khoza first gained recognition on television for his role as Mqhele in the telenovela, "The Wife". This character was portrayed as the ideal man by many women, yet he was also possessive and dangerous within a relationship.
Despite the character's toxic nature, the role brought Khoza considerable attention, leading to him being cast in other telenovelas, including those for which he has received SAFTAs nominations.
While Khoza garnered significant attention for receiving numerous nominations, several other actors earned their first SAFTAs nominations. Zenande Mfenyana was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Thumeka Mabandla in Inimba.
Additionally, the following actors received their first Best Actress nominations in their respective categories: Nelisiwe Sibiya (iThonga, Telenovela), Johannah Mmarumo Marokane (Scandal, TV Soap), Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani (How to Ruin Love season 1, TV Comedy), Gail Mabalane (Unseen, TV Drama).
This year, to celebrate the excellence in the SAFTAs, they increased the number of entries. The SAFTAs successfully exceeded their target of 350 entries, receiving a total of 471 submissions. This year saw a remarkable improvement in compliance, with 434 of the 471 entries deemed compliant, compared to 347 compliant entries received for SAFTAs 18.
The SAFTAs 19 will be held on 13 and 14 March 2026. The SAFTAs Craft awards ceremony, which celebrates behind-the-scenes artistry and acknowledges the teams involved, will be streamed live on the SAFTAs YouTube channel and various social media platforms on March 13, 2026.
The Main awards show will be simulcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and SABC 2 on March 14, 2026. Before the Main show, a Red Carpet special will also be broadcast on Mzansi Magic and SABC 2.
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