PRESS: Winners announced of the 16th annual Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival

Christine Skinner

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The winners of the 16th Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival Awards were announced at a vibrant Awards ceremony on 21 March 2026.

Photo Supplied.

The annual Festival is committed to having a tangible impact on the development of artists, audiences, theatre-makers and communities. It took place from 13 to 21 March featuring productions from various South African theatre makers, who worked with mentors to bring their stories to life in full force.

As usual, the awards ceremony offered roof-raising entertainment as the event celebrated the immense talent of all its participants.

The winners of the Best Production/Finest of the Fest Award will have their productions further developed and presented for a full run at The Baxter. Two productions were announced as recipients for this award: Kinnes van Somers directed by Tamsyn Alexander and Hanro Cloete and  Until I Arrive by Lindokuhle Melaphi.

The Zoleka Helesi Award has been presented since 2021, in memory of Zabalaza’s dynamic co-founder Zoleka Helesi who passed away in 2020. Helesi was a visionary force in the industry, who reminded us about the sacrifices people make and challenges they overcome to send their children on an outing to Zabalaza.

The Zoleka Helesi Award is presented to a young talented woman who is clearly going to make a significant impact on the industry. This year it was awarded toAndiswa Anthony.

“We were delighted to see an increase in attendance at evening shows this year, illustrating that people understand experiencing a fresh, South African story makes a compelling evening out,” says Zabalaza Artistic Director and Curator, Mdu Kweyama.

Zabalaza is committed to the growth and development of theatre-makers, with a key focus on promoting upcoming voices. For the past 16 years, the Festival has nurtured numerous artists and writers, making a significant contribution to the theatre landscape. Simultaneously, new audience members have had the chance to experience theatre for the first time.  The Festival is a celebration of identity, community, creativity and resilience through inspiring theatre and dynamic storytelling.

The door takings from each show also go straight back to the groups or artists, investing in the future of the arts sector.

Zabalaza is made possible by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Fund, the Makwande Empowerment Trust, the City of Cape Town and the HCI Foundation.

The full list of 2026  Zabalaza Festival Award Recipients are:

• Most Promising Actor Winner: Khulekani Kheswa for When Black Men Disappear

• Most Promising Actress Winner: Alinda Qhama for Incindi Yedlaka

• Best Supporting Actor Winner: Siphesihle Nkantini for When Black Men Disappear

• Best Supporting Actress Winner: Palesa Raba for How To Train Your Thoughts

• Best Ensemble Winner: Kinnes van Somers by Tamsyn Alexander and Hanro Cloete

• Best Script Winner: Until I Arrive by Lindokuhle Melaphi

• Best Actress Winner: Yolanda Ntanyana for Bring Light

• Best Actor Winner: Mnqobi Molefe for When Black Men Disappear

• Best Director Winner: Tamsyn Alexander and Hanro Cloete 

• Innovation Award: Mthuthuzeli Zimba for When Black Men Disappear

• Zoleka Helesi Award for Female Artist of Outstanding Talent

• Winner: Andiswa Anthony 

• Finest of the Festival Winner: Kinnes van Somers & Until I Arrive 

The theatre mentors for 2026 are:  Jayne Batzofin, Tiisetso Mashifane, Jacqueline Dommisse, Mandla Mbothwe, Qondiswa James and Carlo Daniels.