“I’M privileged to have been honoured while still alive. It’s a big deal for me, and my family,” says one of mzansi living legend ubaba Babsy Mlangeni.
Tapping his right foot during interview, ubaba Mlangeni quipped he was happy that at his age, he’s fortunate for having been well catered for by his family.
uBaba Mlangeni was honoured with Artist Living With Disability Award- in the Ministerial Awards.
Accompanied by his aid, looking dapper in blue suit, the legend also sent his heartfelt message to the minister of Sport, arts and culture- Gayton McKenzie for honouring his word that, he will take care of the legends, he told this reporter during the National Arts & Culture Awards (NACA) 2025 held at Sun City, Bokone Bophirima province, this past weekend.
The evening brought together icons, innovators, and emerging voices across the creative industries, from theatre and dance to literature, film, design, and heritage, the National and Culture Awards reaffirmed that South Africa’s greatest resource is the imagination and resilience of its people.
“The arts remain one of the most powerful forces in our society; they carry our history, express our present, and inspire our future. As a nation, the arts are not only a source of pride but also a driver of unity, healing, and progress.
They preserve traditions, open doors for innovation, and remind us of who we are while showing the world the depth of South Africa’s creativity,” remarked the minister, who shared the stage with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in acknowledging the winners.
Former The Star Newspaper senior reporter Lebogang Seale, who also looked the part on the evening said he was honoured for being a winner, whose book ‘100 Years of Dispossession’ won the Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction Award.
2025 WINNERS
HERITAGE CATEGORY
● Outstanding Cultural Landscape Award: Freedom Park Heritage Site Museum
● Outstanding Museum Award: William Humphreys Art Gallery
LITERATURE CATEGORY
● Outstanding Book, Fiction Award: The Comrade’s Wife (by Barbara Boswell)
● Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction Award: 100 Years of Dispossession (by Lebogang Seale)
● Outstanding Children’s Fiction Book: Sanda Makes Some Money (by Yamkela Tywakadi)
Outstanding Publisher Award: Vhakololo Press (Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho)
DESIGN CATEGORY
● Outstanding Architecture/Interior Designer: Asher Zachary Marcus
● Outstanding Fashion/Textile Designer: Mzukisi Mbane
VISUAL ARTS CATEGORY
● Outstanding Crafter Award: Majolandile Samuel Dyalvane
● Outstanding Curator Award: Nontobeko Ntombela
● Outstanding Visual Artist Award: Malebogo Naticia Molokoane
PERFORMING ARTS CATEGORY
● Outstanding Musician Award: Mphumelelo Dlamini
● Outstanding Actor in Theatre: Tshireletso Nkoane
● Outstanding Theatre Production: A Street Taxi Named Desire (by Obett Motaung)
● Outstanding Dance Production: INGOMA (by Moeketsi Koena)
● Outstanding Poet Performance: Napo Masheane
AUDIO VISUAL CATEGORY
● Outstanding Documentary Film: London Recruits (by Jacintha de Nobrega)
● Outstanding Documentary Series: Free At Last (by Xoliswa Sithole)
● Outstanding Film Fiction Award: Old Righteous Blues (by Catharina Weinek)
MINISTERIAL AWARDS:
Internationally Recognised Award: Jonathan Butler
Lifetime Achievement Award: Helen Sibidi
Artist Living With Disability Award: Babsy Mlangeni
Image supplied (uBaba Babsy Mlangeni, flanked by deputy president Paul Mashatile, minister of arts and culture Gayton McKenzie and family members at the awards ceremony held at Sun City).
Meanwhile, the SA Rugby was honoured as National Federation of the Year at the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, held at Sun City on Sunday evening.
Boks winning coach Dr Rassie Erasmus received a Ministerial Excellence Award.
This year’s edition – themed, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence” – paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and media professionals who have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also inspired a nation through resilience, passion, and performance.
“This recognition is not ours alone – it belongs to every individual and organisation that forms part of the SA Rugby family,” said Mark Alexander- President of SA Rugby.
“From our provincial unions and associate members to our clubs, schools, universities and grassroots programmes, your unwavering commitment continues to shape rugby into a force for unity, pride and transformation.
“We salute our coaches, players, administrators, match officials and support staff who give tirelessly of themselves, week after week. Your dedication fuels the excellence we celebrate today.
“To our sponsors and partners – thank you for your belief in our vision and for walking this journey with us. Your support enables us to reach further, dream bigger and serve with purpose.
“And to the millions of rugby fans who stand behind our players at every level of the game – from school fields to stadiums – you are the soul of South African rugby. Your passion, belief and loyalty inspire us to give our best and it is because of you that we are able to carry this honour with pride.
“This award is a tribute to all of you. May it inspire us to continue building a legacy worthy of our shared pride.”
