First win: Zenande Mfenyana wins Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for ‘Inimba’ at Saftas 2026

Actress Zenande Mfenyana took home her first Golden Horn after winning Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for “Inimba”  at the 19th annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).

Over the weekend in Midrand, the country’s film and television industry was celebrated with this annual event.

Mfenyana took to the stage to accept the award and delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking God, her family and the team behind the production.

“Thank you, God. To God be all the glory, praise, and honour,” she said. She also acknowledged the support she has received from her siblings, with one joining her on stage during the moment.

Mfenyana also mentioned her daughter, who she said was watching from home.

“Thank you, baby. I know you’re watching from home. Mommy did it, all that I do, I do for you,” she added.

Zenande Mfenyana wins BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELENOVELA at the SAFTAs for her role as Thumeka Mabandla in Inimba S1#SAFTAs19 pic.twitter.com/v7OeOT2Hbk

— News Live SA (@newslivesa) March 14, 2026

The actress earned the accolade for her portrayal of Thumeka Mabandla in the popular telenovela “Inimba”. The series follows the lives of a close-knit family navigating love, ambition, secrets and rivalries while balancing modern challenges and traditional values.

The show has won the hearts of many viewers, becoming a talking point among them, thanks to its gripping storylines and complex characters, which help it stand out in the local television landscape.

Mfenyana’s performance has been widely praised by viewers and critics, with many highlighting the emotional depth she brought to the character.

Inimba Season 1 has taken home the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela award at the SAFTAs, as chosen by the public.#SAFTAs19 #SAFTAs pic.twitter.com/mqCnu3RJtO

— News Live SA (@newslivesa) March 14, 2026

Her Saftas win adds to a growing list of accolades in her career. The actress also previously won Best Actress in a TV Series at the National Film and Television Awards in 2025.

The telenovela, which received widespread acclaim, also won the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela award, a category decided by the public.

This year’s Saftas brought together some of the biggest names in the local screen industry at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday, March 14. The awards recognised productions released during an extended eligibility period, covering content from early 2024 to mid-2025.

In an interview with SABC, Saftas chairperson Kethiwe Ngcobo emphasised the importance of the event in celebrating the work of industry professionals.

“It’s about recognition, it’s about seeing, getting people who worked hard in a very difficult environment at the moment in the industry and are being recognised for the work that they do behind the camera and in front of the camera. 

“Tonight, it’s all in front of the camera, but you’ll see some producers and some directors, and we’re really, really excited. It’s an exciting evening for the whole of the industry,” she said.