Showmax is your ticket to 26 SAFTA-nominated shows

The SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards) celebrate excellence in the South African film and television industry. The first major awards ceremony to recognise and honour homegrown productions and local talent, this prestigious red carpet event is Mzanzi’s Emmys and Oscars. 

With the SAFTAs having played a significant role in promoting and showcasing South African productions, it’s an honour to be nominated for one award. With the most nominees of any streamer this year, Showmax is leading the way with 118 nominations from a host of documentaries and series available to watch right now.

Series

1. Shaka iLembe

Shaka Zulu’s legacy continues with an epic series that premiered with more than four million views and landed 17 SAFTA nominations across the board. An influential and controversial leader, Shaka iLembe chronicles the icon’s rise to power, his military prowess and his far-reaching influence. Set in the 1700s, this compelling and spectacular historical drama charts the warrior king’s life from child to adult with historical accuracy.

An immersive series, filled with political intrigue and epic battles, it’s brought to life by striking visuals and strong performances. Lemogang Tsipa takes on the title role of Shaka with SAFTA-nominated performances from Nomzamo Mbatha, Senzo Radebe, Wiseman Mncube and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo.

2. Outlaws

The gritty Five Fingers for Marseilles galloped onto screen with a twist, transplanting a classic western scenario in Africa. This was just the tonic for Outlaws, a western series that takes a dusty, blood-spattered page, crafting a contemporary story around a feud between two families on the lush borderlands between Lesotho and Kwazulu-Natal.

A bitter, intense and violent rivalry develops between the Biyelas and Ts’eoles as the lawless region is besieged by cattle raids, hot pursuits, wild showdowns and bar brawls. Through strong performances, rich cinematography and immersive landscapes, Outlaws creates a gripping and vivid western story, landing an incredible 11 SAFTA nominations, including another Best Actor nod to Thembinkosi Mthembu for his role as Bandile Biyela.

3. The River

After six seasons, the gripping and popular SAFTA award-winning telenovela The River has come full circle. Having racked up a slew of awards over the years, it adds another 11 nominations to its impressive tally with an impassioned final chapter.

Set in Pretoria, this suspenseful drama follows the lives of the Dlaminis and the Mokoenas who become embroiled in a bitter and brutal rivalry when a diamond is discovered in a river running between a poor and an affluent neighbourhood near the historical town of Cullinan. Headlined by stars Sindi Dlathu and Presley Chweneyagae, The River pivots off greed as the diamond discovery brings about shaky allegiances, deception and tears.

4. Binnelanders

Hospitals are emotional places of both great suffering and ceaseless joy, making them ripe for hard-hitting medical dramas like Binnelanders. The long-running and popular medical series is now onto its 16th season – the most nominated soapie at this year’s SAFTAs. 

Set in Pretoria, Binnelanders revolves around the challenges experienced by the staff and patients at private hospital Binneland Klieniek. A star-studded medical show featuring screen legend Hans Strydom as At Koster, it showcases a strong cast with Hykie Berg, Germandt Geldenhuys, Je-ani Swiegelaar, Bianca Amato and Marlee van der Merwe, all up for SAFTA acting nominations this year.

5. DAM

When it comes to psychological thrillers, it’s difficult to beat the twisted SAFTA-winning series DAM from Alex Yazbek. Having garnered 11 SAFTA nominations for its first season, the critically acclaimed series returns with a vengeance adding another six craft nominations including: Directing, Cinematography, Original Music/Score, Sound, Art Direction and VFX.

Set in the Eastern Cape, the atmospheric and intriguing DAM journeys with Yola, who must confront demons from her past when she returns to a memory-laden farm community for her father’s funeral. Picking up from Season 1, secrets linger after the rains have fallen, as Sienna searches for answers in the wake of Yola’s mysterious disappearance.

6. Spinners

In some tough neighbourhoods in South Africa, the only way out is through crime or sport. This is where 17-year-old Ethan finds himself, struggling to navigate his way through sporadic gang warfare, nurturing the hope he finds in extreme motorsport. A South African phenomenon born in Soweto, the art of spinning involves performing dangerous stunts while driving cars in circles at speed.  

Set in Cape Town, this authentic and promising crime drama series features a talented young cast, compelling storytelling and operates on an international level. Cantona James, Elton Landrew, Brendon Daniels, Braeden Buys and Chelsea Thomas lead the way with sharp performances. A world-class production, Spinners has cinematic flair, testament to three hard-earned SAFTA nominations.

7. Adulting

Adulting is hard, so it’s best to do it with friends. This contemporary comedy drama centres on bromance as four guys with a strong bond navigate life and love in Jozi after university. The fresh and witty series focuses on relationships, responsibility and social issues as four buddies do life together. 

Grabbing three acting nominations for Thembinkosi Mthembu, Nhlanhle Kunene and Nandi Nyembe, Adulting features a ridiculously handsome cast with relatable characters and strong performances. Blending entertainment and education, this thought-provoking bromance comedy drama is funny and touching as it explores the challenges of finally growing up. 

8. Hartklop

Binnelanders proves there’s an appetite for Afrikaans medical drama in South Africa, a possible inspiration for the 13-episode medical procedural, Hartklop. The heartfelt series explores the busy lives of patients and medical professionals at Beyers Naudé Academic Hospital, a top training facility in Johannesburg.

Led by Simoné Pretorius, Leandi du Randt, Carla Classen, Oros Mampofu and Renate Stuurman, the star-studded ensemble also includes David Louw, Jacques Bessenger, Dawid Minnaar and Rika Sennett. Hartklop aims for an authentic portrayal of an academic hospital, having a medical adviser and trained nursing staff on board for operating room scenes. A drama with touches of comedy, its engrossing storylines and strong production values earned the series three SAFTA nominations.

9. Trompoppie

Innocence and celebration clash in the crime mystery drama series, Trompoppie (Drum Majorette). The star-studded miniseries journeys with a talented gymnast who becomes a trompoppie, only for a dangerous initiation ritual to go horribly wrong. 

Trompoppie features a star-studded local ensemble in Melissa Myburgh, Marion Holm, Cantona Jones, Frank Opperman, Celeste Loots, Armand Aucamp, Jane de Wet, Elzet Nel and Albert Maritz. This visually enticing SAFTA-nominated miniseries blends image and story, shifting from dramatic to humorous in a flash. Embracing the cinematic flair of its seasoned film director, its varied soundtrack is full of surprises.

10. Mooiweer en Warm

Filled with heart and humour, Mooiweer en Warm is an entertaining and quirky comedy drama set against the backdrop of a church market in a picturesque small town. The SAFTA-nominated series follows the interconnected lives of a diverse group of residents, from churchgoers and geologists to local entrepreneurs and misfits.

While lighthearted, Mooiweer en Warm tackles some serious themes and social issues with a deft touch, addressing environmental and religious matters without becoming overly preachy. 

The series stars Carla Smith, Marisa Drummond, Beer Adriaanse, Geon Nel, Andre Samuels and Paul du Toit backed by a seasoned supporting cast in Brümilda van Rensburg, Ira Blanckenberg, Royston Stoffels, Susan Danford and Deon Lotz.

Telenovelas

11. Suidooster

The fictional suburb of Ruiterbosch in Cape Town is the focus of Suidooster, a long-running telenovela about the daily grind of a community dealing with life’s highs and lows. Having garnered six SAFTA nominations, including Best TV Soap and Most Popular Telenovela or Soap, this beloved drama explores the complexities of family relationships through dramatic twists and engaging storylines.

A celebration of Cape Town’s vibrant cultural heritage, it features relatable characters and tackles relevant social issues. The stellar local cast includes: Theresa Sedras, Jill Levenberg, Irshaad Ally, Gantane Kusch and acting legend Denise Newman.

12. 1802 – Love Defies Time

1802 – Love Defies Time is a spellbinding fantasy romance drama that follows a love story across the ages. When Khosi and Zuko elope and run away, a magical amulet transports Khosi back in time. This magical telenovela stars Sikelelwa Vuyelani, Lusanda Mbane, Lunathi Mampofu and Vuyo Novokoza.

Immersing audiences in ancient culture and tradition, 1802 – Love Defies Time has a strong sense of authenticity. Compelled by a time-hopping premise and a strong all-black ensemble, this series earned itself five SAFTA nominations, including: Most Popular Telenovela or Soap, Supporting Actress, Original Music/Score, Wardrobe and Make-Up and Hairstyling.

13. Diepe Waters

Water is often used as a metaphor for emotion. Taking place at a prestigious swimming club, Diepe Waters leverages this emotive symbolic quality. Immersing viewers in the behind-the-scenes struggles, the Swarts family become entangled in Olympic ambition, dark secrets and romance between competing factions.

An intense and suspenseful telenovela, series regulars include: Justin Strydom, Sandi Schultz, Altus Theart, Nadia Valvekens, Werner Coetser and Neels van Jaarsveld. Diepe Waters has been nominated for four SAFTAs including: Most Popular Telenovela or Soap, Directing, Cinematography and Sound.

14. Gomora

The gap between the rich and poor in South Africa is the underlying tension for the telenovela Gomora. Set in Johannesburg, the township of Alexandra becomes the backdrop for intense family drama. A social commentary, the crime drama portrays the hardships of life in a township as it explores personal struggles, gang violence and timely social issues.

Harnessing a compelling story and intriguing characters, the gripping telenovela presents an authentic view of social inequality, not shying away from violence without losing a sense of hope. This hard-hitting family drama is a conversation-starter and has garnered two SAFTAs, with one for the late Connie Chiume.  

15. Arendsvlei

Set in the Cape Flats, Arendsvlei centres on the self-made Cupido family whose private school and personal ambitions are put to the test when a woman embarks on a quest for revenge. Inspired by a short story, this authentic and compelling drama gets to grips with real challenges facing the education system.

Wrestling with contentious social issues and intense drama, this beloved telenovela speaks to family, community and legacy. Starring Jolene Martin, Crystal-Donna Roberts and Jody Abrahams, who received a SAFTA nomination for his role, Arendsvlei is also up for Most Popular Telenovela or Soap. 

16. Gqeberha: The Empire

The Nkosi family are at the centre of Gqeberha: The Empire, a telenovela that journeys with an affluent and influential family in the diamond trade. When a wealthy polygamist decides to take a fourth wife, all hell breaks loose in his burgeoning family. Featuring impressive production values, strong performances and intriguing storylines, this gripping drama deals with dynasty, family, love and betrayal.

Gqeberha: The Empire stars Zandile Msutwana, Anele Matoti, Kay Bikitsha and Zikhona Sodlaka, who landed a SAFTA nomination for her performance. The drama series is also nominated for Best Telenovela and Most Popular Telenovela or Soap.

Then, be sure to look out for Sibongile & The Dlaminis and Umkhokha: The Curse, which have both been nominated for Most Popular Telenovela or Soap.

Documentaries

17. Convict Conman

True crime series Convict Conman is one of the most-nominated documentaries at this year’s SAFTAs. Produced by the same team that brought us Tracking Thabo Bester, Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist and Steinheist, this chilling docuseries investigates a Kempton Park photographer and model scout accused of fraud and being sexually inappropriate with aspiring models.

Following a Carte Blanche expose, the story picks up nine years later when Dawie de Villiers has been given a life sentence. Getting a tip-off to investigate a photography publication, Jana Marx follows a trail of breadcrumbs to media businessman Michael O’Connor, who regards de Villiers as a good friend. Convict Conman has three SAFTA nominations: Best Made for TV Documentary or Documentary Series, Cinematography and Sound. 

18. Rosemary’s Hitlist

When a cop-turned-serial-killer murdered six of the people closest to her, the remarkable true crime story was destined to become a true crime documentary. This is the story of Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu – an unlikely serial killer whose disturbing and shocking murders stirred up a community and nation.

This well-crafted docuseries leverages interviews, archival footage and gripping storytelling to explore the motivations behind Rosemary’s heinous crimes. Through twists and turns, this engaging documentary provides a thought-provoking reflection of true horror. Nominated for two SAFTAs, Rosemary’s Hitlist stands to win Cinematography and Best Made for TV Documentary or Documentary Series.

19. Boetie Boer

South Africa has its fair share of serial killers. One of the most notorious is Stewart Wilken, who inspired the true crime documentary Boetie Boer. This is a disturbing and unsettling chronicle set in Port Elizabeth during a dark period of South African history. The complex, informative and well-crafted docuseries unpacks Wilken’s life and seven-year crime spree targeting adult sex workers and street children.

Having been abandoned and then abused throughout his childhood, Boetie Boer paints a bleak picture of life for the would-be serial killer. Featuring interviews with Wilken himself, who claims to have engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism, the intensely dark docuseries has garnered SAFTAs for Best Made for TV Documentary and Editing.

20. That’s What She Said – A Social Inquiry

Eight men from different walks of life were invited to watch and then respond to a theatre production about one woman’s story of domestic violence. Engaging in an honest conversation about their own lived experiences after experiencing Brutal Legacy, this provocative documentary is an eye-opening and sobering account of gender-based and domestic violence.

Opening up the floor for frank discussions, That’s What She Said is a timely and thought-provoking documentary that gives men an opportunity to be heard on a devastating social issue affecting South Africans. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at this year’s SAFTAs, the film delves into masculinity, vulnerability and the complexities of sexual violence.

21. Sex and Pleasure

South Africa is a conservative society, which makes Sex and Pleasure refreshingly honest in its approach to sexuality, relationships and intimacy. Delving into our diverse culture, history and societal norms, this comprehensive docuseries explores the challenges and complexities of sex and pleasure. 

Candid and thoughtful, the SAFTA-nominated adults-only docuseries features a wide array of up close and personal interviews with couples, individuals and experts. Broaching the hot topic and gaining valuable insights from sex education to love in later life, the series promotes open dialogue and confidence about what goes on behind closed doors. 

Animation

22. Twende

For a laidback pangolin named Twende, being the slowest animal in the savannah isn’t all that bad when your day job is driving a boda boda, or motorcycle taxi. Set in the city of Milima, this entertaining, funny and vibrant animated show comes from showrunner Greig Cameron, the quirky mind behind Seal Team and Supa Strikas.

Dealing with themes around friendship, teamwork and triumph over adversity, Twende is proudly African and truly representative in terms of culture and its diverse range of characters. Filled with charm and wit, this animated series has something for everyone. A colourful, detailed and fun-filled show – it’s a strong contender for Best Animation with a hard-earned SAFTA nomination.

23. Headspace

After a freak accident, a young boy named Norman discovers his teenage brain is now home to three peace-keeping aliens. When an evil intergalactic villain takes up residence in the Principal Witherington’s head, it’s up to Norman and his nanosized crew to hide alien life and save planet Earth from the dreadful Zolthard.

This fun and vibrant animated sci-fi action adventure features cutting-edge motion capture that adds up to sharp visuals. Being the most-watched local film of the year, it’s a strong contender for Best Animation at this year’s SAFTAs.

Film

24. ‘n Tyd van Waterpere

When a teenage boy arrives to stay with his only remaining family member, he and his grandpa begin a journey of healing. Dirk must overcome his mother’s death and in seeking restoration helps Oupa come to terms with his daughter’s estrangement.

‘n Tyd van Waterpere is a heartfelt and often humorous coming-of-age drama starring local screen legend Deon Lotz and Erik Potgieter. Nominated for Best Made for TV Movie at this year’s SAFTAs, this timely film serves as a feel-good tale in an age where grandparents and grandchildren are often at a disconnect. 

25. Ouma Olive

It’s never too late to grab the mic, take the limelight and make people laugh. This laugh-in-later-life mission becomes the crux of a restorative relationship between a crotchety widowed octogenarian and her estranged son. Trying to make peace with her lot in life, Ouma Olive’s newfound inspiration becomes a way for her to reconnect with her son and the world.

Starring Antoinette Kellerman and Ludwig Binge, this touching comedy arrived just in time for Mother’s Day. A funny and thoughtful meditation on life, the comedy drama has garnered a Best Made for TV Movie SAFTA nomination.

26. Thrift tot die Dood

Evil Dead meets Mean Girls in Thrift tot die dood, a slasher horror comedy with a difference. When an oblivious hipster buys some vintage clothes from an awkward yet mysterious thrift store owner, she quickly discovers her clothes aren’t ready to be upcycled. 

Nominated for a Best Short Film at this year’s SAFTAs, this stylish throwback horror short blends terror and humour quite effortlessly in what’s described as a “fancy old-time puppet show”.