The awards, which are a collaborative effort between the Department of Arts and Culture and Carol Bouwer Productions, are held every year in honour of women who have made outstanding contribution in the arts industry.
Other winners included well-known South African actress Florence Masebe, who was the winner in the Women in Film category. She was honoured for her contribution to the production and development of films in the country. Masebe has acted in many South African TV productions, but in the past few years has been more involved in work done behind the camera. She was the lead actress and executive producer of the first Tshivenda film, Elelwani.
Sbongile Mngoma won an award for the work she has done in the field of opera. Mngoma released her second album, which she also produced last year. She has also performed on many national and international stages including performances at the Tel Aviv Opera House.
Poet and writer Antjie Krog was the winner of the promotion of Language and Storytelling Award. The award honours efforts to promote and develop languages in artistic ways, giving exposure to under-used languages. Her book, Country Of My Skull, was dramatised for the big screen with Samuel L Jackson as one of the leading actors.
One of the biggest awards of the night, The Mariam Makeba Award, went to the Mahotella Queens. The group has been captivating nationally and international audiences with their music since 1964. Like Makeba the Mahotella Queens have through their art, advanced the plight of African people across the world, particularly during apartheid.
