The Durban University of Technology’s third year Drama Production studies student, Ayanda Mngoma and former DUT lecturer Dr Mikhail Peppas, both walked away with awards during the fifth Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards last Saturday (15 July 2017).
The awards, which are hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, were held at the iconic Durban Playhouse. Mngoma won the Lux Best Newcomer Actress in a Film award while Dr Peppas was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.
The awards are held to honour all those who bring about change to the film and television industry, just like the late legendary director, writer and film producer Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela, who was the first black film director, whose films were featured nationally and internationally.
Mngoma won for her leading role in “Imbali Kababa” (Daddy’s Flower). The movie is about a young girl raised by her single mother, who longs for a ‘perfect’ family. Her ‘biological’ father is married to another woman. When her father does not pitch on her birthday she runs away from home to look for her father and his house. Upon her arrival, she finds her father with his wife and two children, living the ‘perfect’ family life she longs for. She plans to not return home but one day receives a call that her mum has passed on. On the day of her mother’s funeral, she discovers that the man she had been introduced to as her father, isn’t her biological father. When she goes searching for her biological father, she discovers that he too had passed on. All her life she had lived a life demanding more and more and one day her life just spirals out of control.
When Mngoma speaks of her achievement, she is filled with excitement. “I am ecstatic and honoured to be the one who has won such a prestigious award. I cannot help but believe this is the beginning of greater things to come,” she said proudly.
Meanwhile, Dr Peppas, a former television and broadcast lecturer at the DUT Journalism department in the Faculty of Arts and Design, was celebrated and honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to the province’s film and television industry. Dr Peppas was praised for his outstanding, timeless achievements and dedication to the film industry.
“It is really an honour and privilege to have people who value your work so much. The best thing for me is working with young, upcoming and hungry talent who are always beaming with excitement and creativity. It is truly something I enjoy and that has kept me going,” said Dr Peppas excitedly.
Pictured: Award winners, Ayanda Mngoma and Dr Mikhail Peppas, at the award ceremony.
Noxolo Memela
