The nominations for the 2026 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) are officially out, and if you’re looking to catch the frontrunners, your remote is your best friend. From dystopian body-horror to small-town hair salons and construction mafias, the “Big Four”—the most-nominated productions of the year—are all currently dominating the charts on DStv and Showmax.
Whether you’re a fan of gritty Durban noir or looking for a laugh rooted in local Cape culture, here is the essential watchlist for this year’s Golden Horn hopefuls.
1. Mince Jou Hare (Season 1)
Category: TV Comedy | Nominations: 11
Leading the pack for comedy is Mince Jou Hare, a Showmax Original that captures the vibrant, often chaotic pulse of small-town life.
The Plot: Frieda (Melissa de Vries) ditches her factory grind to open a hair salon in her home. It’s a move that doesn’t just change her life—it sends ripples through her entire community.
Why it’s a contender: With 11 nominations, including Best TV Comedy and Scriptwriting, the show is a masterclass in local nuance. It also features a powerhouse performance by Bianca Flanders, who has already secured a Best Actress win at Silwerskerm 2025 for this role.
The Pedigree: Produced by Penguin Films, the legendary team behind Madam & Eve and Stokvel.
2. The Fix
Category: Feature Film | Nominations: 11
If you prefer your cinema with a side of “wildly imaginative and slightly terrifying,” The Fix is the heavyweight champion of the year.
The Plot: In a dystopian future where the very air is lethal, a model (Grace van Dien) takes a designer drug that triggers a radical transformation. What follows is a high-stakes pursuit where her mutation might be the only thing that can save humanity.
The Buzz: Director Kelsey Egan—who previously wowed critics with Glasshouse—brings a “thrilling sci-fi/action/body horror concoction” that earned the Dangerous Visions Award at Chattanooga.
The Tech: It’s up for Best Feature Film, VFX, and SFX, proving that South African cinema can compete on a global scale when it comes to world-building.
3. Ithonga (Season 1)
Category: Telenovela | Nominations: 10
Telenovelas are the backbone of South African television, and Ithonga has officially set the new gold standard for the genre.
The Plot: Set against the high-stakes backdrop of the KZN construction mafias, the story follows twin brothers Banele and Sanele—one operating in the light, the other in the shadows.
The Standout: 2022 SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza delivers a tour de force performance playing both twins. His chemistry with first-time nominee Nelisiwe Sibiya has made this “must-watch” TV.
The Stats: 10 nominations, including Best Telenovela and Best Actor.
4. Reyka (Season 2)
Category: TV Drama | Nominations: 9
The “Queen of South African Crime Noir” is back. After an International Emmy-nominated first season, Reyka returns with a second installment that is even darker and more atmospheric.
The Plot: Profiler Reyka Gama (Kim Engelbrecht) navigates the dangerous docks of Durban Harbour to track a predator targeting couples.
Why it’s a contender: The show has already proven its international appeal, and the second season continues that momentum with 9 nominations.
The Visuals: Keep an eye out for the Cinematography category (Tom Marais), which captures the gritty, industrial beauty of Africa’s largest port with haunting precision.