Cape Town – On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted the annual Cultural Awards at the Artscape theatre, in Cape Town.
The 2025 Awards ceremony was hosted on 7 October 2025.
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Celebrating arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives
This event celebrates the contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province.
Since 1999 these prestigious awards have acknowledged many individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in the Western Cape.
The annual ceremony is a highlight on the Western Cape Government calendar and gives the people of the province a sense of pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage. The Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards is a true reflection of the values of our vibrant democracy, in which the cultural and linguistic rights of all people are recognised.
Thoko Ntshinga is a South African actress best known for her roles as Donna Makaula on the M-Net soap opera Egoli, and as Senior Superintendent Nomsa Dlamba on the SABC1 drama series Interrogation Room, since 2005. Thoko has more than 40 yrs experience in television, film and stage work. Thoko became a household name when she starred as Joyce in the popular comedy series Velaphi and Donna in the first South African tele-serial Egoli.
Winners were crowned in various categories: Deon Daniels, also known as DJ Ready D, received a Ministerial Commendation for his exceptional contribution to South African hip-hop and its role in advancing cultural identity and artistic expression, while Paul Hanmer, Thoko Ntshinga and John Maytham were among those honoured with Enduring Legacy Awards for their lifetime contributions to South Africa’s music, performing arts, broadcasting, literature and cultural life.
DJ Ready D, African DJ/Producer/Turntablist/Performer/Drifter/Radio & television personality, expressed his thanks to the department and Minister Mackenzie and said he was “honoured and humbled” by the award.
Celebrating contributions
Head of Department Guy Redman said, “Tonight, we honour residents of our province who have given of themselves to our arts and culture – people whose work reminds us that culture is not simply an ornament to society. Those who came before us did not struggle, create, research, teach, perform, preserve, and sacrifice simply so that we could build monuments to them. They did it so that those who came after them could go further.”
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie added, “Our arts, culture, and heritage tell the story of who we are as a province. The Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to enriching the Western Cape, and who have played an important role in shaping the story and history of our province. To those whose decades of work have left an enduring legacy, you represent the richness and diversity of our cultural and creative sector. We are proud to honour you and, importantly, to ensure that your contributions are seen, celebrated and remembered.”
Sources and References
Also read: Enable Through Dance Brings Young Dancers with Disabilities To the Professional Stage
Information about the 2026 nominees can be found in the booklet and the full list of winners can be seen here.
You can read more about the 2025 nominees in the Booklet. The full list of winners from the 2025 ceremony can be seen here.
More information about the previous ceremonies is available here.
The event booklet and full list of winners can be viewed by clicking on the following links: Booklet | Winners.
The categories and criteria can also be viewed in your language of choice: English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa.
