M-Net Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya was the biggest winner in Saturday’s Royal Soapie Awards, scooping seven awards from 16 nominations.
The production had nominations equal in number to Isidingo, which managed only to take home two golden statues from the glittering event held at the ICC in Durban.
Isibaya claimed the trophies for outstanding set design, writing team, wardrobe, directing team, editing team and lighting, as well as the judges’ award for the most outstanding soapie.
With Isibaya dominating the technical categories, the remainder of the evening’s spoils was shared by Scandal, Villa Rosa and Isidingo.
Isidingo’s Motlatsi Mafatshe, who plays Sechaba Moloi, was named outstanding lead actor and his colleague Izak Davel won outstanding newcomer for his role as Bradley Haines.
Scandal’s Masasa Mbangeni beat industry veterans like Vinette Ebrahim, who plays Charmaine Meintjies in 7de Laan, when she was crowned outstanding lead actress for her portrayal of Thembeka Mchunu.
Villa Rosa’s baddies did not disappoint as André Lötter took home the outstanding male villain award for his portrayal of Liam le Roux, while Therese Benadé was named the outstanding female villain for her role as Astrid Wentzel.
It was a disappointing night for the 7de Laan team which failed to win a single award. Their only consolation was the honouring of show creator Danie Odendaal with the lifetime achievement award.
The same honour was bestowed on Durban’s Cynthia Shange who plays Mankosi in Muvhango.
The Mercury