SAFTAs moved to 2026 for organisational refresh and international alignment

JOHANNESBURG — 2024

The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) have been postponed from October 2025 to March 2026 to allow for organisational restructuring.The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) confirmed the rescheduling, calling it a strategic move to revitalise the event.

Internal changes at the NFVF, including new leadership, contributed to the delay. “The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) will now take place in March 2026, following a rescheduling from October this year due to organisational changes and a period of renewal within the NFVF,” the foundation stated. (NFVF statement)

March aligns with international awards season, enabling South African talent to be celebrated alongside global counterparts. This also returns the SAFTAs to their traditional pre-pandemic timing.

Eligibility criteria will temporarily expand for the 2026 ceremony. Any films, series or shows released between January 2024 and June 2025 can be considered – an 18-month window. Normal 12-month eligibility cycles will resume for SAFTAs20 in 2027. (NFVF statement)

The refreshed SAFTAs19 will feature a new theme: “One Story. One Industry. One Future – Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together.” The NFVF explained that “One Story” highlights diverse South African narratives beyond language barriers, while “One Industry” emphasises sector unity among professionals and audiences. “One Future” signals growth ambitions for local content globally.

The foundation described the delay as an opportunity to rebuild: “Rather than rush, they decided to take their time and use the opportunity to rebuild”. (NFVF statement)

The rescheduled event aims to deliver a more cohesive celebration of South Africa’s screen industry in March 2026.