31 workers in customer call service of Canal+'s MultiChoice fired without notice - report

by Thinus Ferreira

Around 31 workers who worked inside MultiChoice with MultiChoice identification and on behalf of the pay-TV operator in outgoing call service have been fired without notice at Canal+'s MultiChoice operations in Nigeria.

According to Sahara Reporters, the 31 MultiChoice workers were fired from the so-called customer value management (CVM) unit, in Abuja, Nigeria, where they, through outsourcing firm ZetaWeb Nigeria, called DStv and GOtv subscribers, called potential new subscribers, encouraged DStv subscription renewals and helped with DStv service-related concerns.

A condition of Canal+'s takeover of MultiChoice was that no workers would be retrenched for a period of three years, but already several people across Africa, including South Africa, have lost jobs who did service-related work for MultiChoice at companies outside MultiChoice.

Production companies who did projects and other companies that provided services for MultiChoice and M-Net have had this terminated. 

There are also people and companies still waiting to get paid by M-Net and MultiChoice, several months after they were abruptly ordered to cut purchase orders by 20% and given no answers by M-Net as to when they are going to get their money for work already done.

In South Africa, the Competition Commission has contacted multiple of these companies and people as part of an investigation to get to the bottom of what M-Net and MultiChoice under Canal+ has allegedly done to them, and what M-Net and MultiChoice have allegedly still not done - like paying invoices.

According to the report, the 31 workers were called to a meeting in Abuja and fired, with several who have done the work for between 4 and 10 years for MultiChoice. According to sources, they were not given a notice period and just told their "services were no longer needed".

Interestingly, Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO, told investors a month ago during Canal+'s financial results presentation that the French company was going to hire at least 1 000 people more on a contract basis to sell and upsell DStv to try and lift DStv subscriber numbers across the African continent.

According to the report, the fired staff asked MultiChoice to please reconsider and to reinstate them, with a source noting that "We are appealing to the management to look into our case. If it is about performance targets, we are willing to improve. We just want an opportunity to continue working".

The workers have now hired a lawyer.

"We were asked to vacate the premises within 10 minutes, as if we were criminals," said one of the workers. "It was humiliating and unfair."

"We have taken steps to pursue justice. Our lawyer is reviewing all the details and will proceed with the necessary court actions. We are determined to ensure that our voices are heard and that due process is followed."

"Some employees are primary breadwinners, single parents and widows whose livelihoods depend entirely on this job."

Emmanuel Mitoto, Zeta-Web Nigeria human resources executive, said that the fired workers have been properly informed that they're losing their jobs.

Former M-Net finance boss Steve Pacak dead at 71 after cancer battle

by Thinus Ferreira

Steve Pacak, former group financial manager at M-Net and later a non-executive director and chairperson of Naspers' audit and risk committees, died on Monday after a cancer battle. He was 71.

Naspers announced Steve Pacak's death on Tuesday on the JSE's Stock Exchange News Service (Sens).

Steve Pacak joined M-Net in 1988 as its group financial manager, two years after M-Net was launched in 1986 as South Africa's first pay-TV channel and over time held various executive positions within the group as a qualified chartered accountant.

Overseeing M-Net's rapid expansion as a pay-TV operator, he was instrumental in its financial operations during its transformative late 1980s and mid-1990s period that gave rise to the creation and growth of MultiChoice and MIH holdings.

He became an executive director of Naspers in 1998 and was the group's financial director until his retirement in 2014. 

After his retirement, he continued to serve as a non-executive director on the boards of Naspers and Prosus where he was the chairman of the audit and risk committees.

Steve Pacak was also a director of Media24, MIH B.V, MIH (Mauritius) Limited, MIH Holdings, and MultiChoice South Africa Holdings.

Naspers chairman Koos Bekker says, "Over almost four decades, Steve was a key mover in the development of our Naspers group. His financial and business acumen, deep knowledge of our business and work ethic were invaluable."

"Beyond professional achievements, Steve was one of the most honest and decent human beings I ever met."

Steve Pacak suffered from health complications after treatment for cancer in 2025. He is survived by his wife Sheila and two children Stephanie and Gerard who both live in London.

Zozibini Tunzi joins as Top Billing presenter

by Thinus Ferreira

It's more than fitting: TVwithThinus can reveal that the former Miss South Africa and former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi is joining as a new Top Billing presenter when the magazine show returns from 30 April to SABC3.

Top Billing, produced by Cardova Productions, will return on Thursday 30 April to SABC3 at 19:00 with new weekly episodes, with a repeat on SABC3 on Sundays at 19:00, and another repeat on SABC1 on Tuesdays at 21:30.

The SABC ended Top Billing in October 2019 after 27 years on air but the show has thankfully, finally, been revived after a six-year absence.

Besides a group of former Top Billing presenters who are back on screen as part of the aspirational TV series - including Basetsana Kumalo, Michael Mol, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Ryle DeMorny, Fezile Mkhize and others - a few new presenters will also join, including Zozibini Tunzi.

The former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019 is a perfect fit for the return of the glamorous lifestyle magazine show and is destined to become "the new Bonang", following in the steps of Bonang Matheba who joined as a Top Billing presenter in 2012.

Zozibini Tunzi is perfectly suited and has a custom-made pedigree through experience as well as a sought-after profile for the iconic "walk and talk" Top Billing format - both she and the show will jointly elevate each other with her addition as a Top Billing presenter, representing "the best of the good life".

Zozibini Tunzi's role as a Top Billing presenter will fit Top Billing like a fine white beauty pageant glove, and in turn the show will add to her allure, soft power and influence as a media personality.

With her natural glamour and grace and her history-making reign as Miss Universe 2019 and Miss South Africa 2019, Zozibini Tunzi brings a global level of sophistication and poise that perfectly matches and will add to Top Billing's inspirational and aspirational, high-end aesthetic for South African viewers.

With a Bachelor of Technology in public relations management, she also has the professional foundation for the communication, hosting and interviewing demands of the programme.

She also has a long-standing brand connection already with Top Billing: Her history with the show runs deep with Top Billing that famously toured her luxury Sandton apartment during her Miss SA reign, and she even auditioned for the Top Billing Presenter Search earlier in her career.

Furthermore, Zozibini Tundi as a model and a black model and a black female model is the epitome of empowerment and female empowerment in South Africa. 

Joining as a Top Billing presenter perfectly aligns with Top Billing's "modern evolution" of the show for SABC3, focusing on authenticity and empowerment alongside traditional luxury.

Not only will Zozi interview and hobnob with the rich and famous - she herself is who viewers want to see and "be" with.

Besides covering high-profile people and events, she has zeitgeist cache and public interest power as a current "it-girl", underscored by things like the interest in her personal milestones, like her wedding in March 2025 to Luthando Bolowana, which underscores the exact type of cultural "magic" that she represents and will add to Top Billing.

"We are incredibly excited to bring Top Billing back to South African screens," says Patience Stevens, managing director at Cardova Productions and executive producer of Top Billing.

"This show has always been about celebrating what's possible. Bringing it back now, at a time when inspiring local stories matter more than ever, feels incredibly special. We're honouring the legacy while creating something that feels fresh, relevant and deeply connected to today's audience."

Bradley Van Den Berg, chief operating officer at Cardova Productions and executive producer of Top Billing, says "Top Billing has always stood for excellence, aspiration and storytelling at the highest level".

"This new chapter is about evolving that legacy for a modern audience, keeping the heart of what made the show iconic, while introducing a sharper, more dynamic take on the good life that resonates with South Africans today."

Dichaba Phalatse, SABC video entertainment marketing manager, says "The return of Top Billing marks a defining moment for SABC3 as we continue to position the channel as a home of iconic South African storytelling, reimagined for today's audience".

"This is not just about a comeback - it's a cultural rest where legacy meets a new generation of viewers who are shaping what aspiration looks like now. Top Billing remains a powerful expression of possibility, and we are excited to bring that energy back in a way that feels unapologetically South African."

UPDATE Tuesday 21 April 2026 09:00:

Also joining as new presenters are Bryoni Govender, the Miss South Africa 2023 runner-up, the actor Arno Greeff, as well as Sine Mpulu as this new season's dedicated social media presenter.

"We are incredibly excited to bring Top Billing back with this dynamic mix of returning favourites and fresh new talent," says Patience Stevens, in a statement.

"Each presenter brings their own unique energy and perspective. Together, they will continue Top Billing's proud legacy of celebrating the very best of our country while delivering the aspirational, feel-good content viewers have missed and new audiences are eager to discover."

Bradley Van den Berg says "Bringing together a mix of iconic Top Billing presenters and exciting new talent was a very intentional decision".

"This season is about honouring the legacy that audiences know and love, while evolving the show to reflect the energy, diversity and ambition of modern South Africa. Each presenter brings a unique perspective, and together they create a dynamic storytelling experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new."

Legendary beauty queen and actress Cynthia Shange dead at 76 after illness

by Thinus Ferreira

The legendary beauty queen and actress Cynthia Shange died on Monday morning. She was 76. 

Cynthia Philisiwe Shange's cause of death is not known but she was hospitalised for an illness.

Born on 27 July 1949, Cynthia Shange is survived by her daughters Sihle and Nonhle and sons Ayanda and Benele Thema.

Cynthis Shange, the mother of personality Nonhle Thema, was the first black South African woman to represent the country at Miss World after she was crowned Miss Africa South.

Cynthia Shange also starred in South Africa's first black feature film, Udeliwe in 1975 with director Simon Sabela and starring the late Joe Mafela. Later roles include SABC2's Muvhango and the character of Mkabi in the mini-series Shaka Zulu.

"With profound sadness, the family of Cynthia Shange shares the news of her passing at the age of 76," her family said in a statement on Monday morning.

"Shange, a legendary figure in South African arts and culture, left an indelible mark as a beauty queen and a revered actress. She passed away in the early hours of today in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after facing illness."

"Shange was a trailblazer in the South African entertainment industry, rising to prominence in the 1970s when she was crowned  Miss Africa South. Her achievement was historic, as she excelled during the era of segregated pageantry and went on to represent South Africa at Miss World in 1972 in London."

Cynthia Shange received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NFVF's National Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

Nonhle Thema said about her mom "A graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity and kindness to all who knew her. We honour her journey, her strength and the love she shared so generously."

Beloved VIA Landbouweekliks and kykNET Kwêla presenter and SuperSport commentator Johnny Davids dead at 48 after heart attack

Thinus Ferreira

Johnny Davids, the beloved TV presenter of programmes like Landbouweekliks on VIA (DStv 147) and Kwêla and Ysters op die Landgoed on kykNET (DStv 144) who was also a sports commentator on SuperSport in Afrikaans died on Thursday morning after a heart attack. He was 48.

Johnny Davids who lives in Cape Town started to complain about chest pains on Wednesday but ignored it and died in Pretoria where he was staying in a guest house and was working on an episode of Landbouweekliks.

At 03:00 this morning an ambulance was called but medics failed to revive him on the scene.

Johnny Davids who wrote the searing autobiography Boytjie that was published in 2024, is survived by his wife, Liezel, and three sons, Ayden, Conway and Juan.

Johnny Davids joined Landbouweekliks in 2024 and was also a motivational speaker, besides working for SuperSport as an Afrikaans sports commentator and working for Homebrew Films on shows like Kwêla, Bravo! and the golf estate magazine show Ysters op die Landgoed.

His unbelievable life journey is chronicled in his book and how he grew up without his birth parents, got adopted by a teacher and won the singing reality competition Zing on kykNET.

On radio, he became a familiar voice and hosted shows on the SABC's RSG, like music programmes OppiRadio and Al Daai Jazz, for seven years, in addition to anchoring daily sports coverage. 

During the beginning years of kykNET he was one of the channel's continuity presenters.

His wife Liezel said in a note on social media, "Johnny was a beloved person whose presence touched the lives of many people".

"His kindness, strength, and steadfast spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing has left us heartbroken and devastated and we share in the deep sorrow felt by us as his family, friends and community."

Azelia Morkel, VIA channel head, says "Johnny was an exceptional person with a wonderful story of conquering and hope."

"His passion for people and ability to connect with farmers as well as viewers made his a welcoming face on the channel. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Liezel, his three sons and extended family during this difficult time."

VIA and the Landbouweekblad magazine, as well as the Brand Republic producers of Landbouweekliks say they will always cherish Johnny's contribution to the channel and his warm approach to his work: "He will be missed".

Waldimar Pelser, director of premium channels at MultiChoice, in a statement, says "Johnny chose to live his life in such a way that it served as an example for young men".

"In his warm, engaging way, he showed that dedication, integrity, and humanity are non-negotiable, and thus became an example not only for the youth, but for all of us."

"Johnny was also loved by kykNET viewers. He made his debut on the channel in 2003 by winning the Zing talent competition with his singing partner, Vivian Molauly. He then became a familiar face as a presenter on, among others, Kwêla and Ysters op die Landgoed."

"His death, especially at such a young age, is a great shock and a tremendous loss."

Paul Venter, Homebrew Films producer, says "Johnny was one of our stalwarts at Homebrew Films, from years ago's Kollig op Kie to Ysters op die Landgoed en Kwêla".

"He was was professional, very good at what he did but above all probably the most decent person to work with imaginable - he would never say anything bad about anyone."

"He was always positive, full of enthusiasm and a role model for everyone. I don't think the void he leaves can ever be filled. We will miss him incredibly much and are thinking of his family, friends and also other colleagues during this difficult time."

SuperSport in a statement in Thursday afternoon, says "SuperSport is deeply saddened by the passing of beloved Afrikaans commentator, award-winning TV presenter and artist, Johnny Davids, who passed away suddenly in the early hours of Thursday morning."

"Born in Narraville, in Namibia, Davids was a prominent and authoritative voice in both rugby and cricket since joining the broadcaster in 2012."

"A multi-talented broadcaster, his repertoire extended far beyond the commentary box; he was an acclaimed sports commentator, a seasoned radio presenter, and a gifted musician who brought immense passion to everything he did."

"Most recently, Johnny Davids graced our screens during the Betway SA20 tournament, where his sharp analysis and vibrant Afrikaans commentary brought the thrill of the game into the living rooms of fans across the country."

"Johnny was an invaluable asset to the SuperSport team. His infectious energy, profound knowledge of the sports he covered, and warm, approachable demeanour made him a favourite among viewers and colleagues alike."

Rendani Ramovha, Canal+ director for sport content for English & Portuguese-speaking Africa, says "Johnny was an immense talent and a cherished member of our broadcasting team".

"His dedication to his craft and his unique ability to articulate the emotion and nuance of sport made him truly special. On behalf of SuperSport, I wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to the Davids family and his loved ones during this incredibly tough time."

"He leaves behind a rich legacy and will be hugely missed by the entire SuperSport family. SuperSport extends its deepest sympathies and support to the Davids family, friends, and the broader sporting community."

Canal+ drops MultiChoice's DStv Delicious Festival - report

by Thinus Ferreira

The Sunday World newspaper, citing sources, reports that Canal+ has decided to dump the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival as part of Canal+'s drastic and aggressive ongoing cost-cutting at MultiChoice.

The DStv Delicious Festival, that's been often-criticised in past editions, started in 2013 and held its 12th one in September at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

DStv Delicious as a subscriber retention, potential upsell and marketing event, focused on the DStv mass-market and combined music acts, including international artists, with a food marketplace as a culinary showcase, combined with a fashion display component that involved local South African fashion designers.

Canal+ is now removing DStv as naming-rights sponsor with multiple sources who said that MultiChoice is done with its sponsorship of DStv Delicious.

Canal+ said that "Since tak­ing own­er­ship of Mul­tiChoice last year, Canal+ has put in place a stra­tegic plan to ensure a sus­tain­able future for the com­pany, put­ting it back on a path­way towards growth. This is essen­tial to ensure that con­sumers are able to con­tinue to enjoy com­pel­ling local and inter­na­tional con­tent on lead­ing plat­forms and that we can con­tinue to sup­port South Africa’s cre­at­ive indus­tries."

"We are proud to work with a broad eco­sys­tem of part­ners, includ­ing SMES and local pro­duc­tion houses, which are crit­ical to our busi­ness and to the growth of the cre­at­ive sec­tor across Africa."

"We remain com­mit­ted to the under­tak­ings we made dur­ing the acquis­i­tion pro­cess and are focused on build­ing a strong, sus­tain­able busi­ness to the bene­fit of South African con­sumers and cre­at­ives alike.

TVwithThinus reached out to Canal+ Africa on Sunday morning, asking in a media query for comment about ending its sponsorship of the DStv Delicious Festival. Comment will be added here when received.

Earlier this year, insiders told TVwithThinus that the sponsorships of all arts and cultural festivals that used to be sponsored by MultiChoice and M-Net channels like kykNET and Mzansi Magic, as well as the money that went from MultiChoice to support film festivals like the Silwerskermfees and Joburg Film Festival are going to come under serious threat due to the Canal+ takeover.

The French firm is busy with an aggressive cost-cutting strategy at MultiChoice and doing away with anything deemed "non-core".

Canal+, which has shut down MultiChoice's loss-making Showmax streaming service, aims to achieve annual cost-cutting of over €400 million (R7.5 billion) by 2030 following its acquisition of MultiChoice.

Canal+ Africa is offering voluntary severance packages to MultiChoice staffers and will hire 1 000 new sales staff across the sub-Saharan Africa to drive DStv decoder sales and DStv subscription uptake.

Earlier this month, David Mignot, Canal+ Africa CEO, said that Canal+ Africa will reduce its reliance on international vendors and content, continue to do local content investment and slash hardware costs like DStv decoder prices to try and reverse subscriber decline.

David Mignot said the 17 different pay-TV packages offered by MultiChoice are too many and confusing to subscribers, which he described as "absurd complexity" and will be reduced, and that MultiChoice has 5 different DStv decoders in the market just in South Africa and that will be reduced as well.

David Mignot said Canal+ will renegotiate contracts with 90% of international vendors to reduce costs, targeting suppliers in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, including technology and content providers.

These savings are designed to fund subsidies for DStv decoders and finance local content.

The HBO series from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has for instance already disappeared from the M-Net (DStv 101) channel and Warner Bros. films from the M-Net Movies channels on DStv, after Canal+ refused to pay WBD for a continuation of the decades-long contract to have premium content like Game of Thrones shown on M-Net.

Stained Glass TV's Uzalo adds four actors to season 12 on SABC1 for 'more heart, more tension and honest storytelling'

by Thinus Ferreira

The Stained Glass TV weekday primetime soap on SABC1, Uzalo, has added four actors to the cast for its 12th season.

The KwaMashu-set series in KwaZulu-Natal has added Nduduzo Zuma, Phindile Mashabane, Sikhosiphi Ngcobo and Thulani Mtsweni.

Nduduzo Zuma has already appeared since 27 March as Smiso, described as a "bold, magnetic newcomer who arrives in KwaNjomane as part of its revamped, youthful energy".

"Charming, stylish, unpredictable and impossible to miss, Smiso quickly becomes more than just a fresh face, finding himself entangled in emotional dynamics with Babekazi that threaten to spiral beyond his control. His presence introduces a playful yet disruptive force that shifts the balance in unexpected ways."

Phindile Mashabane joined as LaDlamini and first appeared on 8 April. LaDlamini is described as "a sophisticated and self-made businesswoman whose quiet confidence speaks volumes".

"Intelligent, composed, and unwavering in her standards. She enters KwaMashu as a woman who knows her worth, immediately capturing Mbatha’s attention. But LaDlamini is not easily won over, and her presence sets the stage for a compelling pursuit marked by power, pride, and ambition."

Sikhosiphi Ngcobo joined Uzalo as Bab’Sizwe and will first appear on 10 April.

The character is described as "a respected traditional leader whose grief quickly transforms into a quest for justice".

"Following the death of Chief Shepherd, Bab’Sizwe’s pain fuels a growing tension determined to erase Nkunzi’s legacy e’Ndlende, igniting a powerful and emotionally charged battle over leadership, loyalty, and legacy. His arrival sparks a major shift in authority within KwaMashu."

The fourth actor that joined the cast is Thulani Mtsweni as Pondo, who will first appear on 24 April.

Pondo is described as "an old-school charmer with a loud, funny, and charismatic personality".

"Pondo’s easy-going nature masks a past defined by avoidance and unfinished business. Years ago, he cowardly fled a relationship, unable to face the responsibility of fatherhood that followed."

"Now resurfacing in the hostel, Pondo forms an unexpected bond with one of Izinsizwa, unaware of the deeper connection that ties them. His return sets the stage for a layered and emotional storyline, as long-buried truths begin to surface and demand accountability."

Ofentse Thinane, SABC1 channel head, speaking about the new Uzalo cast additions, says the channel is "Looking forward to the powerful moments and layered relationships you'll create".

David Mukwevho, Uzalo series producer, says "Every new character we introduce brings something meaningful to the story".

"This season, viewers can expect more heart, more tension and the kind of honest storytelling that continues to keep Uzalo close to so many South Africans."

"We invite our loyal viewers to join us for another thrilling season. Your unwavering support fuels our passion, and in season 12, we commit to bringing even more drama and excitement".

2026's 20th Metro FM Music Awards on 25 April in Durban to honour icons in music excellence, adds Maskandi and Lekompo categories

by Thinus Ferreira

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) of the SABC radio station Metro FM set for 25 April in Durban, will honour music icons over the past decades with the theme of "Icon-inspired music excellence".

The 20th MMAs come as Metro FM marks its 40th anniversary, and will incorporate "a fusion of heritage and greatness through Zulu-textured cultural elements".

This year's theme blends Zulu izinhlonzi patterns, animated beadwork and a triangular motif that's a nod to the Isigqi (rhythm) of Zulu culture, representing the three beats, three points, and one unbroken loop of music.

According to Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM FM business manager, this year's theme "combines the best of African luxury and global style, creating an unforgettable experience that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking". 

After a 9-year break and 3 years in the Mpumalanga province, the Metro FM Music Awards is moving back to Durban for another 3 years.

The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards is returning to the coastal city of Durban on Saturday, 25 April at the Durban ICC, with the city of eThekwini that has committed R60 million to host the awards show for the next 3 years in the province through 2028 to encourage economic growth and boost "township tourism".

The move is however, not without its hurdles. Local officials will be under pressure to demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI) after previous controversies regarding public spending on major events. 

Success will be measured by the event's ability to create sustainable jobs for local designers, makeup artists, and production crews beyond the single night of the ceremony.

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards, taking place over the Freedom Day long weekend, will have the Metro FM DJ Lerato Kganyago and presenter Lawrence Maleka as the co-hosts this year, with the awards show that will be broadcast on SABC1 as well as SABC+ from 20:00.

It will start with black carpet coverage at 19:30 leading up to the live awards broadcast done by Lamiez Holworthy. 

Nomuzi Mabena and Siyabonga Ngwekazi will be the two co-presenters in the so-called green room. Zakes Bantwini is the music director of the 20th Metro FM Music Awards.

Lerato Kganyago previously hosted the Metro FM Music Awards in 2023.

The awards show will be preceded by a MMA26 Music Conference on 23 April at the Durban Playhouse Company for music enthusiasts.

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards is adding two new categories: Best Maskandi, celebrating traditional Zulu folk music, as well as Best Lekompo to recognise this fast-rising genre that blends traditional African sounds with contemporary electronic elements as a high-energy dance genre that originated in Limpopo.

According to the SABC, these new categories for the awards show are to ensure that the Metro FM Music Awards continue to evolve alongside listeners and provide a platform for music genres that dominate local music charts but that were until now underrepresented.

The 2026 20th Metro Music Awards nominees are:

Best Jazz Album

Mandisi Dyantyis – Intlambululo: ukuhlambulula

Judith Sephuma – When winter fades

Andile Yenana - Way out is in

Benjamin Jeptha – Homecoming Revisited

Siphamandla ‘paras’ Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku

Best Gospel Album

Xolly Mncwango - Unusual live / Deluxe

Nontokozo Mkhize - The live experience

Musa Yende - Sustained by grace

Mmatema - Heart of gratitude

Nothando Hlophe - A new dawn

Best Produced Album

Jazzwrld & Thukuthela - Most wanted

Kabza De Small - Bab Motha

Sam Deep, Stixx and Nvcho -  Kings of kwapi

Kelvin Momo - Thato ya modimo

Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko

Best Collaboration

Sam Deep, Nia pearl, Boohle and Mano – Shela

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela and Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa Kanjani

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You make me happy

Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela

Goon fFavour, Master kKG& Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Song of the year

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela

Dj Smallz, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC– Zep

Dj Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter- Abantwana Bakho

Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela

Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa kanjani

Shandesh and Mvzzle - Sdudla or Slender

Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Umafikizolo - Uzoncengwa unyoko

Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Viral Challenge

Dj Smallz, Zinedinex, Sguche;031 Choppa & Uncool MC– Zep

Mluucisian, Ricky Lenyora, DJ Maphorisa, Vulela Maweekend, Mark Khoza & Angekenanuye MC – Malacosta

Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Shandesh and Mvzzle- Sdudla or Slender

Umafikizolo - Uyoncengwa Unyoko

Best Female Artist

Mawhoo

Lordkez

Zee Nxumalo

Shandesh

Lwa Ndlunkulu

Best Styled Artist

Musa Keys

Dali wonga

K.O

Vusi Nova

Zee Nxumalo

Best R&B Song

Lordkez – Aweh

Una Rams – Priceless Possession

Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele - Come Duze

Lloyiso - Higher

Langa Mavuso – Dangerous

Best Maskandi

Umafikizolo - Uzoncengwa Unyoko

Simonofu and Zee Nxumalo - Sajola Kamnandi

Mzukulu, Intombi yasolundi - Ubu Ghost Bami

Khuzani - Umanikinikana

Siya Ntuli - Amaphiko

Best Male Artist

Sam Deep

Ciza

Kabza De Small

Kelvin Momo

DJ Maphorisa

Best HIP HOP

Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz &  A- Reece - Four Horsemen

Yanga Chief - What if (Mngani)

Big Zulu ft. Emtee - Abazazi bafunani

Makwa ft. Kwesta - Umguzumbane we Summer

K.O ft. Cassper Nyovest- Supa Nova

Best Dance

Mawhoo –  Cl_ceejay, Thukuthela & Jazzwrld - Bengicela

Khadeair, Peekay Mzee, Kaytah – Magumba

Ciza, Jazzwrld, Thukuthela – Isaka

Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M &  Dlala Thukzin – Uvalo

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo & Thukuthela, Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa kanjani

Best Music Video

Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes – Mamma

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You make me happy

Lordkez – Aweh

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela

Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Lekompo

Janesh & Hitboss – Ngwanaka

Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ  Janisto - Wa inama

Shandesh and Mvzzle - Sdudla or Slender

Shebeshxt, Naqua SA; Zee Nxumalo & Slidoo Man - Rato Laka

Mvzzle, Mawhoo, Natiey Lepaka & Janesh- Leskandi 2.0

Best Amapiano

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano –Shela

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DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow and Sleazy - Dlala ka yona

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Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana, Tracy & Thatohatsi - Ngiyozama

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Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA - Puku Puku

DJ Lag & Zee Nxumalo  & KC Driller – Ngyasindelwa

DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’mamane – Awungazi

Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music - Partii

Bello B &  We dem Boyz – Dubai

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Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You make me happy

Naledi Aphiwe, Blcxkie, Lily Faith - Waiting for you

Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe - Buya Ekhaya

Samthing Soweto – Deda

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Shandesh

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Maphorisa

Sam Deep

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Thukuthela & Jazzwrld

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Inkabi Nation

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Major League DJs

Netflix adds 7-episode documentary series The Trials of Winnie Mandela from 23 April with never-before-seen footage from Emmy-winning director Mandy Jacobson

by Thinus Ferreira

On 23 April, Netflix will add the 7-episode documentary series from the late, Emmy-award-winning director Mandy Jacobson, The Trials of Winnie Mandela, that contains never-before-seen footage of the late South African struggle icon, along with interviews dissecting her legacy.

Produced through production companies Indelible Media and The African Oral History Archive, The Trials of Winnie Mandela has Barbara King as producer, as well as Swati Mandela-Dlamini, one of Madikizela-Mandela's granddaughters.

Swati Mandela-Dlamini also fronts the documentary series with another granddaughter Zaziwe Manaway (née Dlamini). Both fronted the 2013 reality series Being Mandela. 

Ivor Ichikowitz, Mandy Jacobson and John Nyoka served as executive producers.

In this new documentary series, Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway look at the life of their grandmother, known as the "Mother of the nation", pieced together by personal accounts, family anecdotes and public records.

Featured in The Trials of Winnie Mandela are former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, former president Kgalema Motlanthe, anti-apartheid activist Dr Nakedi Mathews Phosa, advocate Thuli Madonsela, political analyst and writer Sisonke Msimang, human rights lawyer Yasmin Sooka, visual artists Nkululeko Mahlangu and Loyiso Mkize, newspaper editor Mondli Makhanya, as well as Madikizela-Mandela's longtime personal assistant Zodwa Zwane. 

Also included are members of the notorious Nelson Mandela Football Club, as well as family members of Siboniso Tshabalala and Stompie Moeketsi, who reflect on the lasting wounds of their deaths and Madikizela-Mandela’s involvement.

In The Trials of Winnie Mandela, she reflects in her own words on her childhood, her activism, and her relationships as a wife, mother, and comrade in some never-before-seen footage from the later years of her life.

The documentary series explores the controversies that defined her public image, including the headlines and scandals that followed her, as well as her persecution by the apartheid regime.

Also included in this biographical work are the voices of some of her detractors and some of her harshest critics, offering a fuller view of a life lived under unforgiving, relentless scrutiny.

According to Netflix's synopsis, "Like most families, the Madikizela-Mandela family is complicated – complex characters and stories that hover between half-truths and never-spoken-about moments as two granddaughters discover, when they go on a journey to find the essence of their grandmother".

"But this is no ordinary grandmother. This is Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, one of South Africa’s greatest feminist icons – a revered, global figure. One whose legacy continues to remain shrouded in mystery and intrigue. An icon embroiled in allegations of kidnapping, assault and murder."