Nelisiwe Sibiya Expresses Gratitude Over Her SAFTA Nomination
Nelisiwe Sibiya Expresses Gratitude Over Her SAFTA Nomination. On Tuesday, the South African Film and Television Awards dropped their 2026 nominees. The SAFTAs19 Craft and Main Show Awards, themed: One Story. One Industry. One Future. – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together, will be held on 13 and 14 March 2026.
Among the nominees is Nelisiwe Sibiya, who is a first time SAFTA nominee. The award-winning actress and musician has been nominated under the Best Actress in a Telenovela category. This is for her role as Zama in Mzansi Magic telenovela, iThonga. Nelisiwe will be battling it out with other talented actresses, Celeste Loots and Sandra Prinsloo.
Reacting to the nominations, Nelisiwe finds it an honor. She looks back at the time she was dragged for her craft by many. Nelisiwe thanked the SAFTAs, Tshedza Films, Mzansi Magic, DStv, Star Quality Management and her iThonga colleagues.
“I honestly had to let it sink in. 😭🙏🏾
Oh what an honour to be nominated at the @saftassa as the Best Actress in a Telenovela. What an honour to be seen and recognized for the work I’ve put in this character kaZamahlobo Ntanzi.
This is such a big deal for me as someone who has always been receiving backlash since I transitioned from being a record artist (Took a break) to being an actress and people forgetting that I went to school for this. All of it as a Musical Theatre Graduate from Tshwane University of Technology and this is my life! I love it! I live for it. I breathe for it.
What an honour. A nomination for me is more like a win. Ngyabonga to everyone who believes in me. @saftassa @tshedzapictures @mzansimagic @dstvza @starquality_management everyone I work with on the @ithonga_mzansi
And congratulations to my day one @bonkokhoza and MamZodwa. What a privilege working along side you. Thank you Thongarians,” Faith said.
