SABC1 will spotlight South African achievement across arts, culture and sport this weekend, broadcasting two national awards ceremonies celebrating creativity, excellence and national pride.
In partnership with SABC Sport and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the broadcaster will screen the National Arts and Culture Awards on Saturday, 22 August 2026, followed by the South African Sports Awards on Sunday, 23 August.
Both ceremonies will air at 20:00 on SABC1 and will also be simulcast on SABC+.
The National Arts and Culture Awards will recognise achievement across South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sectors under the theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence.”
Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi will host the main ceremony, with Christopher Japhta and Nambitha Ben-Mazwi presenting a red-carpet special from 19:30.
This year’s awards focus on three interconnected areas: talent, the business of the creative sector and nation-building.
The approach recognises the creative industries not only for their artistic contribution, but also for their role in supporting livelihoods and enterprise, preserving culture, strengthening social cohesion and contributing to South Africa’s national identity.
Recognition will span Heritage, Visual Arts and Craft, Design, Performing Arts, Audio-Visual and Literary categories.
On Sunday, attention shifts to sport as the South African Sports Awards celebrate achievements recorded between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
Hosted by Graeme Richards and Lerato Kganyago, the ceremony will recognise sporting excellence across 19 categories under the theme “Crowned by Greatness.”
Proteas cricket captain Temba Bavuma, Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and Olympic silver medallist Akani Simbine are among the contenders for Sport Star of the Year.
In the Sportswoman of the Year category, Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt is nominated alongside canoeist Kira Bester and athlete Prudence Sekgodiso.
The awards will also recognise South Africa’s para-athletes. Kgothatso Montjane, Sheryl James and Simoné Kruger are nominated for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability.
Mpumelelo Mhlongo, who won at the previous ceremony, returns as a contender for Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.
Together, the two broadcasts place attention on sectors that contribute significantly to South Africa’s cultural identity, social cohesion and international profile.
The weekend also provides national platforms for recognising people whose achievements in creative industries and sport inspire audiences while contributing to their respective sectors.
The National Arts and Culture Awards will air on SABC1 and SABC+ on Saturday, 22 August at 20:00, preceded by the red carpet at 19:30. The South African Sports Awards follows on Sunday, 23 August at 20:00.
