The South African Film and Television Awards’ (Saftas) 19th edition has been rescheduled for March 2026 because of internal leadership concerns.
The event aims to honour star actors by presenting the Golden Horn awards in October. However, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) rescheduled the prestigious ceremony for March.
According to the organisation, NFVF leadership changes and associated unanticipated delays were the reason for the decision to move the awards.
“This transition has provided us with an opportunity to strengthen governance, sharpen our strategic focus, and reinforce the NFVF’s role as custodian of the South African Film and Television Awards,” the organisation said in a statement.
Leadership woes
The NFVF has encountered numerous challenges, particularly with regard to the CEO position.
Thobela Mayinje, who was named the acting CEO in April 2023, was put on administrative leave in June 2023. On July 30, the council was dissolved as a result of multiple accusations.
Lebogang Mogoera was subsequently named interim acting CEO by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
Gayton MacKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, stated that the NFVF leadership had a serious issue.
“It can’t be that all the people in the arts are complaining. There must be a problem in there. We must address that issue,” said McKenzie.
In 2024, Mogoera, the then-CEO of the NFVF, took more than 40 employees to the French Riviera for “exposure and networking”.
Dr Rirhandzu Machaba, the recently appointed acting CEO, is also serving as the Saftas committee’s acting chair.
Machaba said: “The Saftas have always been about recognising greatness, and in 2026 we look forward to celebrating an industry that continues to rise, inspire, and unite.”
Overshooting budget
The awards ceremony at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand last year cost R1.5-million more than planned.
A source disclosed that the miscalculation was not entirely the fault of the awards, which were produced by Black Swan Media, which is co-owned by TV and radio personality Relebogile Mabotja.
“The amounts were approved, and two days before the main event, the production company said they needed funds, as they had miscalculated the quote,” the source said.
“They said there are occurrences that they did not anticipate. The criteria for selecting production companies are primarily based on their ability to deliver high-quality work within a reasonable budget. This is all taxpayers’ money.”
Lerato Mokopanele, the marketing officer at NFVF, confirmed the rescheduling of the Saftas, but she declined to discuss management-related topics.
