‘We are changing how artists get treated’: Minister Gayton McKenzie as NACA 2026 winners walk away with R50K

The 20 NACA winners are: Heritage Outstanding Museum Award: KwaZulu-Natal Museum Visual Arts and Craft Outstanding Art Gallery Award: Gallery MOMO Outstanding Crafter Award: Madoda Fani – Southern Guild Outstanding Curator Award: Bridget Phakathi – Nkosi Sikelel’ iAzania Outstanding Visual Artist Award: Mellaney Roberts – Waar Bloed Nie Loop Nie Design Outstanding Architecture/Interior Designer: Colin Payne Outstanding Fashion/Textile Designer: David Tlale – David Tlale Outstanding Graphic & Multimedia Designer: Siyabonga Masuku – ZULOSOFI Performing Arts Outstanding Actor in Theatre: Themba Ndaba – Breakfast with Mugabe Outstanding Comedian Performance: Nomthandazo Rubushe – Comedy Meets Gospel Outstanding Dance Production: Gregory Maqoma – Genesis: The Beginning and End of Time Outstanding Musician Award: Sisa Benjamin Zako – 45 Years of Sizwe Zako Outstanding Poet Performance: Koleka Putuma – Water Outstanding Theatre Production: The Fatherland Audio Visual Outstanding Actor TV/Film Award: Zenande MfenyanaOutstanding Film Fiction Award: Norman Maake – Sebata, The Beast Literary Outstanding Book, Fiction Award: The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women by Michelle Kekana Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction Award: Imperfect Harmony by Kutlwano Masote Outstanding Children’s Fiction Award: Die beste sussie vir ‘n baba-draak by Fanie Viljoen Outstanding Publisher Award: Jacana Media The ceremony also included the Ministerial Awards, which recognised individuals for their contribution to South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape.

The awards were held at Sun City Resort in the North West on Friday, 21 August, and aired on SABC 1 the following night.

The NACA awards ceremony was held at Sun City Resort in the North West on Friday, 21 August.