Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi to Host NACA 2026 as New Nominees Are Revealed
South Africa’s creative industry is preparing for one of its biggest celebrations of the year, with NACA 2026 announcing its presenters, performers and latest group of nominees ahead of the National Arts and Culture Awards.
Television and media personality Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi have been confirmed as presenters for the awards ceremony, which will take place at Sun City Resort on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The announcement by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture comes as the phased reveal of nominees continues, with the latest categories shining a spotlight on some of the country’s leading names in design and performing arts.
A celebration of South African creative excellence
Presented under the theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence,” NACA 2026 will bring together artists, cultural practitioners and creative-industry stakeholders to recognise achievement across South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage landscape.
The awards are designed to celebrate creative talent while also highlighting the contribution of the cultural and creative industries to the country’s economy, identity and social cohesion.
The ceremony will also take place during National Women’s Month and the national commemoration of 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, adding further significance to this year’s event.
Star performers set for the NACA stage
The awards programme will feature a diverse line-up of performers representing different generations and styles within South African and regional music.
Confirmed performers include Zee Nxumalo, Holly Rey, Yanga Chief, Tu Nokwe, Brenden Praise and Jimmy Nevis.
The line-up promises to bring together contemporary sounds and established voices, reflecting the diversity of South Africa’s creative landscape.
Design nominees announced
The latest phase of the nominee reveal includes three Design categories.
Architecture and Interior Designer
The nominees are:
- Bridget Meier
- Kathleen Helen De Villiers Soal
- Sipho Phiri
Fashion and Textile Designer
The nominees are:
- David Tlale
- Jacques La Grange
- Olebogeng Ledimo
Graphic and Multimedia Designer
The nominees are:
- David Siyabonga Tshabalala
- Rejoice Kunene
- Siya Masuku
The Design categories recognise creative practitioners whose work contributes to the visual character, identity and creative economy of South Africa.
Performing Arts nominees take the spotlight
The Performing Arts categories feature an equally varied selection of nominees, spanning theatre, comedy, dance, music and poetry.
Actor in Theatre
The nominees are:
- Gontse Ntshegang
- Mandlenkosi Gaduka
- Valentine Themba Ndaba
Comedian Performance
The nominees are:
- Dalin Gerard Oliver
- Nomthandazo Rubushe
- Siyabulela Seya
Dance Production
The nominees are:
- Nothing Twice
- Genesis: The Beginning and End of Time
- From You to Me
Musician Award
The nominees are:
- Creshwell October
- Sisa Benjamin Zako
- Viwe Siyabonga Mkizwana
Poet Performance
The nominees are:
- Koleka Putuma
- Masai Sepuru
- Modise Joshua Sekgothe
Theatre Production
The nominees are:
- Breakfast with Mugabe
- Verwelkingslied
- The Fatherland
The winners in the Design and Performing Arts categories will be announced during the NACA 2026 awards ceremony.
A weekend celebrating South African excellence
The National Arts and Culture Awards will form part of a major weekend of national recognition.
Following the NACA ceremony on Friday, 21 August, the awards will be broadcast nationally on SABC 1 on Saturday, 22 August at 20:00, giving audiences across the country an opportunity to experience the celebration.
The weekend will then move from the creative industries to sport, with the National Sports Awards taking place on Sunday, 23 August.
Together, the events will create a weekend celebrating achievement across South Africa’s arts, culture and sporting sectors.
The countdown to NACA 2026
With more nominees and programme announcements still expected as the phased reveal continues, anticipation is building ahead of the ceremony at Sun City.
For South Africa’s creative community, NACA 2026 represents more than an awards evening. It is an opportunity to recognise the people, productions and ideas helping shape the country’s cultural identity and creative economy.
With Pamela Mtanga and Vafa Naraghi leading the ceremony and an eclectic performance line-up ready for the stage, all eyes will be on Sun City on 21 August as South Africa celebrates another generation of creative excellence.
