Picture: for illustration purposes
In the midst of the intense Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, award-winning Afro-pop songstress and reality TV star, Kelly Khumalo, emerged victorious at the 17th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). On her triumph, Khumalo secured the Best Structured Soapie Reality Show award for season three of 'Life With Kelly'.
Interestingly, the late Senzo Meyiwa, the father of Khumalo's second child, and whose murder trial is yet to be concluded in court, was posthumously recognized. A documentary about Meyiwa scooped an award, underlining the emotional intensity of the occasion. Meyiwa was tragically shot and killed at the Khumalo home in Vosloorus in October 2014.
Silverton Siege, a film that dominated the night's proceedings, walked away with six prestigious awards, including Best Actress in a Feature Film for Noxolo Dlamini. 'How To Ruin Christmas' by Burnt Onion Productions, a fan-favorite festive series, also enjoyed a successful night, picking up five awards. These included Best TV Comedy, Best Actress in a TV Comedy won by Thando Thabethe and Best Actor in a TV Comedy snatched by Desmond Dube.
Despite the varied production challenges faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony finally returned to a live presentation format after three years of virtual execution.