Kelly Khumalo's reality show and Senzo Meyiwa doccie both win SAFTAs

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Despite all the drama going on with the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, award-winning Afro-pop singer, Kelly Khumalo walked away victorious at the 17th annual South African Film and Television Awards.

Even her late baby daddy's documentary scooped an award.

Khumalo, a reality TV star, was awarded Best Structured Soapie Reality Show for season three of Life With Kelly.

Meyiwa, the father of Khumalo's second child, was shot and killed at the Khumalo home in Vosloorus in October 2014. His murder trial is still in court and will resume on October 2. 

The ceremony was back to being presented live after three years of being done virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ: Miss SA gets a SAFTAs nod ahead of 2023 finale

Leading the winners was the Silverton Siege film, which walked away with six awards including the one taken by actress Noxolo Dlamini, who won Best Actress in a Feature Film. This Netflix film had received 12 nominations.

SA's favourite festive season series, How To Ruin Christmas by Burnt Onion Productions, won five awards including Best TV Comedy, Best Actress in a TV Comedy which was scooped by Thando Thabethe as well as Best Actor in a TV Comedy won by Desmond Dube who plays a drunk uncle in the comedy series. 

Co-owner of Burnt Onion, Rethabile Ramphakela accepted Best TV Comedy for How to Ruin Christmas alongside some cast and crew members.

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Thabethe, who wore a red dress made by her younger sister, Sanele, said winning the award was a full-circle moment for her because her first job as an actress was with Burnt Onion.

Thabethe said: 

Best Actress in a TV Drama, Lerato Mvelase said this year was the best of her life. She thanked her two children, her mom for prayers and everyone who has worked with her. She urged productions to allow actors to be parents and be there for their children because “we are more than just actors”.

When accepting one of three awards won by e.tv's Scandal!, Most Popular TV Soap, veteran actor Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha said productions should cast people who know the craft instead of models and influencers.

He said: 

Mzansi Magic's cancelled shows, Gomora and The River walked away with one award each won by Lawrence Maleka and Thulani Mtsweni.

Actor and host, Lawrence Maleka won Best Actor in telenovela

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DiepCity, which was also canned, bagged Best Achievement in Scriptwriting.