The Royalty Soapie Awards says it wants to "boost the country's television sector".
Similar to the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), the Royalty Soapie Awards which is done in partnership with the provincial KwaZulu-Natal government, appears to have some credibility issues.
The Royalty Soapie Awards is launched by Winnie Modise, an actress in a TV soap in the public broadcaster's Generations on SABC1; who the panel of judges will be is not clear; and its not's clear whether all 8 local South African soaps including those on pay-TV channels such as Binneland and Villa Rosa as well as telenovelas such as Isibaya would be eligible and be included.
Viewers will apparently nominate and vote for winners in the categories of Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Male Villain, Best Female Villain, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Newcomer and Best Couple.
Awards will also be handed out after voting by an industry panel for the categories of Best Costume, Best Post-production, Best Storyline, Best Soapie, Best Make-up, Best continuity, Best Writing, Most Popular Soapie, Best Set Design, Best Direction and Best Cast Ensemble. A lifetime achievement award, known as the Shaka Zulu Award will also be handed out.
