On Thursday morning the film and television industry was in the spotlight again as the nominees for the 10th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) were announced at a glamorous breakfast held at Montecasino in Fourways. The usual suspects weren’t there and I suspect they were hard at work shooting fresh episodes of our favourite soapies. So I spotted more producers and behind the scenes people than the faces we know from the big and small screen. I’m not complaining though because the do was well-organised and everybody who attended was in high spirts. The formalities were done very swiftly and by midday I was back to my not so glamorous life, where there’s just far too much month at the end of the money.
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Anyway, let’s get started…
The beautiful and bubbly Minnie Dlamini was the first TV personality I recognised when I arrived. I have a crush on Minnie so I was looking for every excuse to fire up a conversation with her. I ended up asking her if I should call her a sports presenter or a presenter nje. She smiled and said, “Sports! That’s what I do.” Minnie didn’t stay long…I suspect she had a plane to catch because she got to Zanzibar in the blink of an eye.
Acting royalty Grace Mahlaba graced us with her presence. Look at that smile! I loved her calm demeanour.
Actor Luthuli Dlamini.
Here he is again, posing with Minnie Dlamini. Are they related? It never occurred to me until now as I’m putting this post together.
Former Metro FM Communications Manager, Happy Ngidi was there too. She’s now with Proudly South African and is the Chief Marketing Officer over there. I asked Happy about the move and she said in life you’ve gotta make space for new things. I agree.
I liked her outfit.
I don’t know who these guys are, but they looked important so I asked them to pose for JC.
SABC News’s Trendz presenter Eloise Scoble.
Bumped into award-winning TV presenter and MC for the day Katlego Maboe outside the venue; he was going through his lines before the formalities started. What a talented and very humble guy. Katlego will serve as the SAFTAs 2016 host.
Power FM’s Iman Rappetti was broadcasting live from the event.
Actress Masasa Mbangeni was telling Iman, Minnie and Tumi Morake that she still goes for acting classes. I really wanted to ask Masasa to strike a pose for us after the interview, but she must have magic powers because she literally disappeared.
This conversation was actually very interesting.
Actress and film-maker Mmabatho Montsho is so beautiful! Her skin looks like she baths in milk and honey or something like that. Mmabatho was in high spirits and I think it was because of the film Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, which is currently on circuit in local cinemas.
Mmabatho was with Zamo Mkhwanazi of Kude Media here. Zamo simply refused to stop photobombing our photos of Mmabatho.
Speaking of Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, Director Thabang Moleya made an appearance, but left shortly afterwards.
I’m not lying when I say everybody was in high spirits. Look at that smile.
The eccentric Kuli Roberts was in the building. I love Kuli! She had me in stitches every time she said something. I asked her if she was there on Kaya FM business and she said, “Nooo, uhm I’ve got a show on GauTV and the crew couldn’t find their way to Montecasino…”
Kuli and Katlego having a selfie moment. Kuli was the life of the party.
Thokozani Nkosi of Eclipse TV. Thokozani asked me to “say ‘Hi’ to Lelo”.
Publicist Melanie Ramjee aka Hypress
Hard To Get star Tishiwe Ziqubu and actor Muzi Mthembu.
Actor and screenwriter Mpho Osei-Tutu. He’s so cool. And funny.
Here he is again with his wife Tumi Morake, who scored a nod for Best TV Presenter for the work she did on Our Perfect Wedding.
Popular director Rolie Nikiwe was all smiles. He got two nods: one for the eTV drama Matatiele and another for the TV movie, Rise.
Happy people.
So happy, a selfie was in order.
NFVF Communications Manger Naomi Mokhele and Alvin Knight of Thina Sobabili fame.
Vivacious YoTV presenter Merica Monamodi squealed in delight every time an Urban Brew production cracked a nod.
I really enjoyed myself. Kiki thank you so much for trusting me with this assignment. NFVF, thank you for having us and last but not least, Noko Molokomme thank you so much for being such a great lens woman.
The 2016 SAFTAs winners will be revealed live at two star-studded ceremonies which will be held at Gallagher Estate on Friday, 18 March 2016 and Sunday, 20 March 2016.
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By: KG
@KayGeeLIFE
Pics by: Noko Molokomme
@Noko_porcupine