South African actress Noxolo Mathula has been withdrawn from the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards. She was nominated for Best Actress Film for her role in the film Kayise. However, it was discovered that the film was screened outside the eligibility period, which is between March 29, 2025, and March 28, 2026. As a result, Mathula and her team were withdrawn from the competition.
The decision to withdraw Mathula was made after complaints were received, and the organizers wanted to ensure that the competition was fair and followed the rules. Jack Esterhuyzen, the chief judge of the awards, stated that they took swift action to correct the mistake and prevent any further issues. The organizers aim to celebrate the arts in KwaZulu-Natal, and they want to ensure that the competition is conducted fairly.
Thembi Mtshali-Jones, a renowned actress known for her roles in S'gudi S'naysi and Mbewu The Seed, has been nominated in Mathula's place for her role in Zenzo Zami. The changes were not limited to the Best Actress Film category, as other nominees were also withdrawn and replaced. These include the Best Sound Design category, where N3 of Solum was withdrawn and replaced by Sduduzo Vezi of Zalo.
Other changes include the withdrawal of Mxolisi Mbhele from the Best Screenplay category for Kayise, and his replacement by Zigizendoda Yeni for Zenzo Zami. In the Best Feature Film category, The Trek was withdrawn and replaced by Amathambo, a film represented by Sabelo Ndlovu. The Best Television Production category also saw changes, with Sah Zungu of Sigodlo Samatshitshi and Enhle Selesha of Inkosinathi being withdrawn.
According to Sbusiso Gumbi, the head of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the organizers strive to celebrate the arts in KwaZulu-Natal and ensure that the competition is conducted fairly. He stated that when issues arise, it is their responsibility to address them publicly and ensure that the rules are followed. Gumbi acknowledged that the issue could have been resolved before the nominees were announced.
The changes made to the nominees were necessary to ensure the integrity of the competition. The organizers want to ensure that the awards are a celebration of the arts in KwaZulu-Natal and that the winners are chosen fairly. The Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards aim to promote and recognize excellence in film and television production in the region.
Noxolo Mathula was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. The changes to the nominees have been made, and the competition will proceed with the new nominees. The organizers are confident that the changes will not affect the overall quality of the competition and that the winners will be chosen based on merit.
Key points
- Noxolo Mathula withdrawn from Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards due to film screening outside eligibility period.
