16-Year-Old Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane Wins First Safta for Role in Scandal!

At just 16 years old, Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning his first South African Film and Television Award (Safta) for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Soap for his performance as Tebello (Tibi) on ‘Scandal!’. The awards ceremony, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre and hosted by Anele Mdoda and Alphi Mkhwanazi, celebrated the best of South African television, honouring both established and emerging talent. Litlhakanyane described the win as profoundly validating and credited veteran actor Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, who plays his on-screen grandfather, as a mentor and source of inspiration. The young actor shared how congratulatory messages from his classmates at the National School of the Arts flooded in after the announcement. The night also marked a first Safta for actress Zenande Mfenyana for her role in ‘Inimba’, while Gail Mabalane won Best Actress in a TV Drama for ‘Unseen’, and Bonko Khoza was awarded Best Actor in a Telenovela for ‘Ithonga’. Each winner expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of dedication and hard work in their careers, highlighting the recognition and motivation that the awards bring for performers of all ages. The event showcased the vibrancy of South Africa’s television industry and the exciting talent emerging from it.