The Royalty Soapie Awards, held on Saturday night, 24 August, at the Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane, were filled with excitement and drama, as the cast and crew of the beloved soapie *Skeem Saam* almost brought the event to a standstill. The night, meant to celebrate the best in South African television, took a surprising turn when a technical glitch caused a major stir during the ceremony.
The drama erupted during the announcement of the Outstanding Newcomer Award. A technical error led to the wrong name being announced, sparking immediate outrage among the *Skeem Saam* team, who were convinced that their own star, Nefisa Mkhabela, was the rightful winner. The team began chanting “Skeem Saam” in unison, causing a moment of confusion for the audience and the hosts.
Comedian and host of the night, Mpho Popps, quickly intervened to clarify the situation. “There was a clip on screen, but the person who won, which is actress Nefisa Mkhabela, is indeed the correct one who was announced. We would like to apologize for the technical glitch,” Popps explained, attempting to ease the tension.
Although the initial mix-up led to some disappointment, the mood soon lifted when another *Skeem Saam* actress, Lethabo Mekoa, was awarded the Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Female Actress. The win was a moment of pure joy for the entire *Skeem Saam* team, who stormed the stage to celebrate with Lethabo, showering her with hugs, cheers, and overwhelming support.
Fighting back tears, Lethabo Mekoa expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech. “I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity today. I’ve been through a lot as young as I am,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Mpho Popps and TV presenter Nomalanga Shozi, was a night to remember for the South African television industry. In addition to the drama and triumphs of the evening, the audience was treated to nostalgic performances by musicians Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane and Zola 7, adding a celebratory touch to the event.
The evening also saw the recognition of two legendary figures in the industry, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Duma Ndlovu. Jerry was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contribution to South African television and film, while Duma received recognition for his significant impact on filmmaking and production.
In his acceptance speech, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha expressed his gratitude to Winnie Ntshaba, the founder of the Royalty Soapie Awards, saying, “Winnie, thank you for being a visionary, for coming up with these awards, to be recognized in your own country. One of the things I thank Winnie for is that people don’t understand how hard acting is.”
Duma Ndlovu echoed these sentiments, praising Winnie for her vision and dedication to the awards. “Looking back to when this started, I don’t think the industry understood what she was trying to do. I think a lot of people thought she was biting off more than she could chew. I think actors appreciate these awards because this is the time they get awards exclusively. You have done well, and we give you a big hand,” he said.
Other notable winners of the night included Zikhona Sodaka, who took home the Outstanding Lead Actress Award for her role in *The River*, and Motlatsi Mafatshe from *House of Zwide*, who was awarded the Outstanding Lead Actor Award. Both stars delivered heartfelt speeches, urging fellow artists to continue following their dreams and emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the industry.
The 2024 Royalty Soapie Awards will be remembered not only for its moments of high drama but also for the celebration of talent and the unity displayed by the *Skeem Saam* team, making it a night that truly honored the spirit of South African television.