The stage at Sun City was infused with an electrifying spirit of pride and artistry as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) hosted the National Arts & Culture Awards (NACA) 2025. The vibrant ceremony, broadcast live on SABC 1, celebrated the diverse voices, imaginative storytellers, and talented performers who play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s rich cultural identity.
As the night unfolded, the ceremony gathered a colourful mix of icons, innovators, and emerging talents across the creative landscape. From enthralling theatre and dynamic dance to evocative literature, film, design, and heritage, the awards reaffirmed that the heart of South Africa lies in its people’s imagination and resilience.
Barbara Boswell won the Outstanding Book, Fiction Award for her book, The Comrade’s Wife
The arts serve as a powerful force within South African society; they preserve our history, articulate our present, and ignite visions for our future. They are not merely a source of national pride, but vital drivers of unity, healing, and progress. By showcasing traditions while embracing innovation, the arts reflect our identity and provide the world with a glimpse into the depth of our nation’s creativity.
Central to this flourishing cultural scene is the mandate of the DSAC, which aims to safeguard heritage, champion creativity, and cultivate platforms where cultural expressions thrive. Through its commitment to fostering artistic excellence, the department positions the arts as integral to the nation’s pride, resilience, and ongoing progress.
2025 award winners
This year’s NACA winners encapsulate the vibrant spirit of South Africa’s creativity, transcending boundaries and honouring the traditions that narrate our stories. The winners are as follows:
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 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
Lifetime Achievement Award: Helen Sibidi
The honourees navigate the delicate balance of respecting tradition while innovatively articulating the narratives that define contemporary South Africa. Their exceptional contributions confirm the notion that art is not merely a luxury but a fundamental necessity—one that shapes how citizens perceive their identities and how the world perceives South Africa.
The evening was enriched by unforgettable performances that highlighted the country’s cultural dynamism, combining music, dance, and storytelling in a tapestry that resonated deeply with audiences. These performances underscored the vibrancy and resilience of South Africa’s cultural heartbeat, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of hope, unity, and artistic inspiration.
A Gauteng school principal's attempt to overturn her dismissal at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) was unsuccessful after she lost her job when two boys drowned during an unauthorised school trip.The two pupils, Siphamandla Peterson, 15, and Sibusiso Sibiya, 17, from the Daveyton Skills School drowned during a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion in April 2024..Bertha Gertrude Nomathemba Letsoele was accused by the Gauteng Department […]
