The countdown to the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) is underway, with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture revealing more of the talent set to feature at this year’s ceremony.
Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi to lead the Awards.
Taking place at Sun City Resort on Friday, 21 August, NACA will bring together artists, designers, performers and cultural practitioners from across the country to celebrate South Africa’s creative talent.
Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi have been announced as this year’s presenters, while the performance line-up includes Zee Nxumalo, Holly Rey, Yanga Chief, Tu Nokwe, Brenden Praise and Jimmy Nevis.
Design takes the spotlight
The latest round of NACA nominees recognises creatives working across architecture, fashion, textiles and visual communication.
The nominees are:
- Architecture/Interior Designer: Bridget Meier, Kathleen Helen De Villiers Soal, Sipho Phiri
- Fashion/Textile Designer: David Tlale, Jacques La Grange, Olebogeng Ledimo
- Graphic and Multimedia Designer: David Siyabonga Tshabalala, Rejoice Kunene, Siya Masuku
The categories reflect the different ways design continues to shape South Africa’s creative landscape, from the spaces we inhabit to the clothes we wear and the visual worlds we interact with.
Meet the Performing Arts nominees
The Performing Arts categories bring together talent from theatre, comedy, dance, music and poetry, with both individual artists and productions recognised.
The nominees are:
- Actor in Theatre: Gontse Ntshegang, Mandlenkosi Gaduka, Valentine Themba Ndaba
- Comedian Performance: Dalin Gerard Oliver, Nomthandazo Rubushe, Siyabulela Seya
- Dance Production: Nothing twice, Genesis: The beginning and end of time, from you to me
- Musician Award: Creshwell October, Sisa Benjamin Zako, Viwe Siyabonga Mkizwana
- Poet Performance: Koleka Putuma, Masai Sepuru, Modise Joshua Sekgothe
- Theatre Production: Breakfast with Mugabe, Verwelkingslied, The Fatherland
Winners in the Design and Performing Arts categories will be announced at the NACA 2026 ceremony.
Who’s taking to the stage?
Alongside the awards, guests can expect a performance lineup bringing together some of South Africa’s established and emerging musical voices. Zee Nxumalo, Holly Rey, Yanga Chief, Tu Nokwe, Brenden Praise and Jimmy Nevis will take to the stage, showcasing a mix of generations and styles within the country’s music scene.
A celebration of South African creativity
Held under the theme Celebrating Our Nation's Creative Excellence, NACA 2026 will recognise achievements across the country’s arts, culture and heritage sectors.
The ceremony falls during National Women’s Month and coincides with South Africa marking 30 years of its Constitution, adding to a year that has placed plenty of focus on the country’s cultural identity and creative industries.
More nominees and programme details are expected to be announced as the phased reveal continues.
For those watching from home, the NACA 2026 Awards will air on SABC 1 on Saturday, 22 August at 8pm.
The National Sports Awards will follow on Sunday, 23 August, rounding out a weekend dedicated to recognising excellence across South Africa’s creative and sporting sectors.
