South African actress Zenande Mfenyana has achieved a major milestone in her career, winning her first-ever award at the South African Film and Television Awards after nearly two decades in the entertainment industry.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place on March 14, 2026, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, where some of the country’s biggest names in film and television gathered to celebrate excellence in the industry.
Mfenyana walked away with the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela for her role as Thumeka Mabandla in the drama series Inimba.
The win marked a deeply emotional moment for the actress, coming after 19 years of dedication and hard work in the South African entertainment industry.
During her acceptance speech, Mfenyana became visibly emotional on stage, wiping away tears as the audience applauded her achievement.
“Thank you God. To God be all the glory, praise and honour,” she said. “Thank you to my family at home for supporting me.”
She also expressed gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support throughout her journey and delivered a touching message to her child who was watching the ceremony from home.
“My child, thank you baby. I know you’re watching from home,” she said. “Mommy did it! Everything I do, I do for you.”
In Inimba, Mfenyana portrays Thumeka Mabandla, a strong and devoted nurse who also struggles with deep emotional challenges as a mother, including the devastating loss of her son.
Speaking in an interview with News24, the actress admitted that the moment still felt surreal.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” she said. “You receive the nomination, and you just go ‘Thank you’ to the industry for the nod, and you know that you’re in the right direction because it’s been 19 years in the industry and it’s the 19th Saftas.”
Mfenyana added that the award came at the perfect time in her life and career.
“It was the right time, and it’s befitting. This is the time for me to receive it, and I’m receiving it now because I might have gotten a big head earlier in my career.”
“I know that accolades are great and it is really awesome to get a nod from the industry,” she continued.
For Mfenyana, the long-awaited recognition not only celebrates her talent but also highlights her perseverance and dedication to the craft after nearly two decades in the spotlight.