Late Mpho Sebeng gets removed as a nominee from the KZN Film and Television Awards

by Zintle Mdaka

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards have recently announced that they have revoked the nomination of the late actor, Mpho Sebeng.

According to the statement issued by KZN Tourism and Film Authority, there was an oversight in the category of Best Actor for Film and Television, and it has recently been brought to their attention that Mpho Sebeng was not a resident in KwaZulu-Natal; for that reason, his name has been removed from the top 4 nominees.

The late thespian was nominated alongside Kwenzo Ngcobo, Masoja Msiza and Siyabonga Shibe; for a role he portrayed on the film Ingoma.

These awards, named after the late actor and filmmaker Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela, honour outstanding achievements across various categories in the industry.

According to IOL, the nominees for this event encompass a diverse array of professionals, such as actors, producers, directors and technicians from the film and television industry. This is to adapt to the rising influence of reality TV shows on KZN.

When Mpho’s nomination was revealed, the entertainment commentator Phil Mphela and other X (formerly Twitter) users raised their concerns and confusion, because according to Phil, the KZN Simon Sabela Film and TV Awards are very specific about being a platform to honour talent and projects from the KwaZulu Natal Province.

X users weighed in on the comment section.

While another one said,

Also see: Nominees for the 11th Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards are revealed