By Celani Sikhakhane
- Gugu Gumede, daughter of late NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, nominated for Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award for Umjolo: Gone Girl.
- Netflix series Umjolo leads nominations with seven nominations, while Real Housewives of Durban and Uzalo also receive multiple nominations.
Gugu Gumede, daughter of the late National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, is among the actors nominated for the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards.
The Stained Glass movie series Umjolo is leading with seven nominations for the various films released on Netflix for the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards.
Four of those nominations are for Umjolo: Gone Girl. Actors who received nominations include Sibongiseni Shezi, Sibusisiwe Jili, Menzi Biyela and Gugu Gumede.
Kwenzo Ngcobo and Nombulelo Mhlongo, who play married couple Nhloso and MaDlomo, have each received nominations. These are the only two nominations received by Scandal.
Nelisiwe Sibiya has made the cut for her role as Zama in Mzansi Magic’s new show Ithonga. Her last nomination was for playing Mbali in Durban Gen in 2023.
Uthando Nesithembu Season 8 goes head to head with The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 and Icala Season 2 for Best Production.
The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 has three nominations in total.
The outgoing Smoke and Mirrors has received four nominations, including one for Melusi Yeni, who won his first-ever award last year for Sibongile & The Dlaminis.
Disaster Holiday by Burnt Onion Productions, which is on Netflix, and Uzalo have bagged four nominations each.
Chris Q. Radebe’s shows Icala and One Weeks received nominations, one for One Weeks and three for Icala. Young actress Mangaliso Mthembu received the Best Newcomer Actress nomination for Icala.
Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, Chairperson of the Board at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, said the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards honour the legacy of a true pioneer in South African film, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge and uplift.
Pictured above: Gugu Gumede is among the actors who have received nominations for this year’s Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award.
Image source: @realgugugumede
