'Most expensive TV show SA has ever made' wins big at 2024 SAFTAs

Gugs Mhlungu spoke to independent film and TV critic, Thinus Ferreira.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

The best of the best in the country's film and television industry were honoured at the 18th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) on 25 and 26 October at the Gallagher Convention Centre.

Production company Bomb Shelter was the biggest winner with 13 awards, 12 of which were for 'Shaka iLembe'.

The series secured awards for Best TV Drama, Best Achievement in Makeup and Styling, Best Achievement in Wardrobe, Best Achievement in Art Direction, and Best Achievement in Original Music/Score, amongst others.

"It's the most expensive TV show South Africa has ever made. So they earned their money back." 

- Thinus Ferreira, independent film and TV critic

"It felt great that for once we had a premium production that was not in either Afrikaans or English...we should be seeing more of that."

- Thinus Ferreira, independent film and TV critic

Tshedza Productions followed closely with 11 Golden Horns, including Best Telenovela for 'Outlaws'.

SAFTAs key winners:

Best Feature Film: The Fragile King

Best Documentary:!Aitsa

Best TV Drama: Shaka iLembe

Best TV Soap: Skeem Saam 

Best Telenovela: Outlaws

Best TV Comedy: Yoh! Christmas

Best Actress in a Feature Film: Antoinette Louw (The Fragile King)

Best Actor in a Feature Film: Vusi Kunene (Seconds)

Best Actress in a TV Drama: Shannon Esra (Lioness Season 2)

Best Actor in a TV Drama: Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe)

Best Actress in a Telenovela: Zikhona Sodlaka (Gqeberha – The Empire Season 1)

Best Actor in a Telenovela: Presley Chweneyagae (The River)

Best Actress in a TV Comedy: Marion Holm (Taktiek)

Best Actor in a TV Comedy: Prev Reddy (Miseducation)

Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film: Tristan Holmes (The Fragile King)

Click here for the full list of winners.

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.