Theatre's big night: A celebration of Naledi Awards

The red carpet shimmered with elegance and anticipation as the who’s who of South African theatre gathered under the lights of the South African State Theatre for the much-awaited Naledi Theatre Awards.

The theme for this year — "We Still See You" — echoed like a heartbeat through the grand auditorium, where celebration, memory, and artistry came together in unforgettable harmony.

Hosted by the magnetic CEO Lihan Pretorius, alongside the charming co-host and award-winning actress Ntambo Rapatla, the evening was nothing short of spectacular.

From the very first performance by the visionary Vuyani Dance Company, the stage came alive with thunderous applause, as guests dressed to the nines filled every corner of the theatre.

This year’s ceremony carried a profound emotional weight, paying tribute to theatre legends who have passed — Presley Chweneyagae, Athol Fugard, Connie Chiume, Dada Masilo, Sello Motloung, and more — reminding us that their lights still shine through every curtain call and encore.

A pianist and vocal tribute brought tears to many, while the audience responded with standing ovations, singing and clapping in a collective embrace of memory.

Founder Dawn Lindberg's legacy continues to soar, with Lihan Lindberg and the Naledi team elevating the awards to new heights.

Among the esteemed adjudicators was the accomplished actress Gcebile Dlamini, whose presence reinforced the integrity and passion behind each decision. Noteworthy winners of the evening included: Raymond Skinner for Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre, with ASSITEJ SA)

– Best Performance for Young Audiences - Alex Sono for Yangthola

– Best Performance in Independent/Fringe Theatre Taxi Wars

– Best Independent/Fringe Production Neo Kele (Sister Act, Fourways High School)

– Best Student Performance Godspell (Oakfields College) – Best Student Production Nicole Ferreira-Dill

– Best Dance Performance in Sleeping Beauty: Thami Tshabalala & Pgume Sikhakhane

– Best Choreography for No Air, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Joburg Ballet)

– Best Dance Production Job: Kubatsi (The Suit) and Khutso Green (Ka Leitso La Moya)

– Best Supporting Performances in a Play: Jonathan Conrad (Spring Awakening)

– Breakthrough Performance, delivering a moving acceptance: “This is for everyone who ever felt out of place.”

The Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award brought the house to silence as it was awarded to Mark Hawkins, a resilient pioneer of classical ballet who, despite personal loss and physical amputation during COVID-19, continues to choreograph and teach inclusively.

From the roaring laughter of Marianne Thamm (Round of Applause Reloaded) to the soul-stirring depth of Cara Roberts (The King of Broken Things), solo performers reminded us of theatre’s power to hold an entire world within a single body.

Spring Awakening swept numerous categories, including Best Ensemble in a Musical,

Best Musical Direction – Amy Campbell

Best Sound Design – Davis Classen

Best Supporting Male in Musical – Francis Chouler

Best Lead Male and Female in Musical – Dylan Janse van Rensburg and Carmen Pretorius

Best Production of a Musical or Opera Lebitso La Moya (South African State Theatre) claimed

Best Production of a Play, with Josias Dos Moleele and Charmaine Weir-Smith winning

Best Lead Performances in a Play.

The Best New South African Script/Adaptation went to Rosalind Butler for Expelled.

Other highlights:

Best Costume Design – Mariska Meyer (Beauty and the Beast)

Best AV/Set Design – Andrew Timm & Enos Ramoroko

Best Lighting Design – Michael Taylor-Broderick (The King of Broken Things)

The Stand Mohlopi Award was presented to Luyanda Sidiya and Thoko Seganye for making waves in silence.

The CEO’s Innovation Award was given to Vuyani Dance Company, celebrating 25 years of world-class, socially conscious movement.

A special moment arrived when the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Dr. Sebongiseni Mkhize, honouring his unwavering leadership in the arts, heritage, and cultural sectors.

With awe-inspiring musical acts, dancers, and even a smoke machine spectacle, the night even a smoke machine spectacle, the night was both a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul.

In a heartfelt speech, Gregory Maqoma, founder of Vuyani Dance Company, passionately called on the South African government to continue supporting the arts.

The full ceremony is available to stream on SAST TV, South Africa’s only dedicated digital theatre platform — because the Naledi Awards, like theatre itself, are a gift that keeps on giving.

In the words of many echoed on the night: Theatre is alive — and we still see you.

Ngomane PhD Candidate | University of the WitwatersrandTheatre Practitioner | Researcher | Dramaturge