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) held in Midrand over the weekend.
Mfenyana 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, also acknowledging the support she has received from her siblings, with one joining her on stage during the moment.
Winning Performance
Mfenyana earned the accolade for her portrayal of Thumeka Mabandla in the popular telenovela ‘Inimba’, which follows the lives of a close-knit family navigating love, ambition, secrets, and rivalries while balancing modern challenges and traditional values.
Her performance has been widely praised by viewers and critics, with many highlighting the emotional depth she brought to the character. 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.
Awards and Accolades
Mfenyana’s 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.
According to the South African Film and Television Awards, the event recognised productions released during an extended eligibility period, covering content from early 2024 to mid-2025.
In an interview with the SABC, Saftas chairperson Kethiwe Ngcobo emphasised the importance of the event in celebrating the work of industry professionals.
Some of the notable winners at the Saftas 2026 include:
- Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela: Zenande Mfenyana for ‘Inimba’
- Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela: ‘Inimba’
The awards brought together some of the biggest names in the local screen industry at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday, March 14.
