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Legendary actor John Kani received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa. The ceremony took place on 22 November 2025 at the Opera Theatre in Pretoria during the third annual edition of the NFTAs. The moment was emotional, a night celebrating excellence in South African entertainment.
What Happened?
The 2025 NFTAs honoured industry icons, trailblazers, and rising stars shaping the future of film and television. The event was broadcast live on VooVix TV and featured energetic performances, surprise appearances and presentations by guest stars.
The evening reached its peak when Kani walked onto the stage to accept the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The audience rose to its feet in recognition of his decades-long influence on theatre, film, and storytelling.
In his acceptance speech, Kani spoke with deep gratitude.
“This is one of the greatest honours of my life. Every young actor rising in our nation carries the potential to change the world. May this inspire all who are on their way up to keep going, keep creating and keep believing,” he said.
Impact & Community Significance
Kani’s recognition reinforces his role as a cultural giant and mentor across generations. His message to emerging performers resonated with the audience and emphasized the growing influence of local talent in global cinema. The NFTAs continue to position South African storytelling at the centre of international attention.
