By Zuko Komisa
The Royalty Soapies Awards were held in Johannesburg on Saturday night.
The River emerged from the evening with the most wins for any soapie.
Gomora received three honours, while The River received five.
The River’s awards included an outstanding onscreen couple for seasoned actors Sindi Dlathu and Hlomla Dandala. The show has declared that it will cease production after the current season. Additionally, it won the prize for the best directorial team.
Connie Chiume, a legendary actress, received a lifetime achievement award, and executive producer Mfundi Vundla was named the year’s trailblazer.
@NtshabaWinnie – founder of the Royalty Soapie Awards, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist speaks about the beauty of Mzansi, that offers the world in one country through unity in the vision to bring South Africa to the world. pic.twitter.com/VVNRo2zi0S
— Sho't Left (@ShotLeft) March 11, 2023
Winnie Ntshaba, an actress and the awards’ founder and CEO, said”We are proud to celebrate the diverse calibre of nominations from across the continent.”
“Our strategic collaboration with South African Tourism is significant as it buoys our local talent and elevates them on the international stage. The soapies are filmed locally showcasing South Africa’s beautiful landscapes, infrastructure, and talent.”
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FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Technical categories
Outstanding editing team — Gomora
Outstanding sound mixing & editing — House of Zwide,
Outstanding lighting direction — The Black Door
Outstanding cinematography — Imbewu: The Seed
Outstanding directing team — The River
Outstanding art direction — uBettina Wethu season 2
Outstanding casting — Gomora
Creative categories
Outstanding make-up & hair styling — The Estate
Outstanding wardrobe — House of Zwide
Outstanding writing team — Diepcity season 2
Supporting and role categories
Outstanding newcomer — Vuyo Biyela, The River
Outstanding young performer — Karabo Magongwa, House of Zwide
Outstanding onscreen couple — Hlomla Dandala and Sindi Dlathu, The River
Outstanding supporting actor — Zenzelisphesihle Sparky Xulu, The Estate
Outstanding supporting actress — Lunathi Mampofu, The River
Public votes categories
Most popular show — 7de Laan
Viewer’s choice: best actor — Thabiso Molokomme as Paxton Kgomo, Skeem Saam
Viewer’s choice: best actress — Lunathi Mampofu as Emma, The River
Special categories
Social cohesion — Diepcity season 2
Lifetime achievement award — Connie Chium
Most-watched show — Uzalo
Trailblazer award — Mfundi Vundla, Generations: The Legacy
Lead role categories
Outsanding female villain — Deirdre Wolhuter, 7de Laan
Outstanding male villain — Jack Devnarain, Imbewu: The Seed
Outstanding lead actress — Katlego Danke, Gomora
Outstanding lead actor — Vusi Kunene, House of Zwide
Outstanding daily TV drama — Binnelanders
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