Shortlist for the 2015 Mbokodo Awards announced

"We are delighted that we will be honouring phenomenal women on the night. Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka and fashion designer Marianne Fassler will both be honoured as Mbokodo Arts Ambassadors as well as legendary jazz artist Thandi Klaasen, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award," said Carol Bouwer, Executive Producer of the Mbokodo Awards.

Women at the heart of South Africa's arts and culture will be been honoured. They range from filmmaker and actor Terry Pheto, and comedian Irit Noble, to musician Zolani Mahola, photographer Jodi Bieber and arts promoter Brenda Sisane. The full list of nominees is available at: www.mbokodoawards.co.za

"Women are the rock on which our arts and culture are built," said Bouwer. "The Mbokodo Awards emphasises the prestige of women in the arts, their role in creating the fabric of our heritage and their resilient and outstanding contribution in positioning South Africa to become the progressive country it is today."

Inclusivity is an important factor in the awards, which celebrate women's contribution to the ongoing development of the arts in South Africa, said Bouwer.

"The 20 categories celebrate women who contribute in many different ways, are of different ages and may be artists with special needs," she said.

Nation-building footprint

The Mbokodo Awards have a national and a nation-building footprint so nominees come from all cultural groups and from across the country.

"Creativity is forged in a crucible where passion and vision coalesce," said Professor Pitika Ntuli, convenor of the judging panel and an artist, sculptor, poet and academic in his own right. "I have a special respect for women's talent for multitasking and the strength of purpose it takes to be creative because I grew up with strong women in my life - my mother and sisters."

Social imperatives for women mean that they are under extreme pressure to push far down their priority lists the inspiration to express their creativity and fostering our country's arts and culture, he believes.

"For women, the crucible of creativity must be made of rock," he said. "They need the same rock-like determination to succeed as the women who contributed so much to the foundation of our democracy - and to our developing cultural consciousness."

Professor Ntuli looks forward to exciting and energising debate as the judging panel whittles down the list of nominees to decide the final list of winners.

"Searching for our winners is always a wonderful process of discovery as unsung heroines are revealed and fresh depths of talent are unveiled in established stars," he said. "Our judges' discussions are typically long and robust. Consensus is hard won, but it is essential if we are to determine our eventual winners appropriately and honour the enriching work of all those who have been nominated."