Dineo Ranaka to host virtual SAFTAs on social media

There will be no red carpet, glitz or glam at the South African Film and Television Awards this year, but actors will still receive recognition for their hard work, just, on a different platform - Twitter.

Hosted by Dineo Ranaka, the awards will take place virtually on the app from 5pm on April 29, where winners will be announced in a live broadcast.

The biggest awards ceremony in SA was initially scheduled to take place at the Sandton convention centre on March 27 and 28, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event had to be cancelled.

An honor 🤩🥳🙏🏽 https://t.co/TV9pDQ2trS
— Ausi O Motona (@dineoranaka) April 26, 2020

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said in a statement they had since been hard at work, consulting with different stakeholders on how best to deliver this year’s award show.

“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make for all concerned with the running of these awards. As the NFVF we extend our sincere gratitude to the nominees and creative industry at large for their understanding and patience as we sought to find solutions.

"While the celebrations for all our winners will be muted this year, it does not take away from all our deserving winners.

"We consulted widely to find the best possible way of presenting the awards that would still adhere to the lockdown regulations and not put any lives in danger of contracting this deadly virus,” said Makhosazana Khanyile, chief executive of the NFVF.

For updates on all social media platforms follow, @saftas1 on Twitter and @saftassa on Facebook and Instagram.

Here's a list of the most popular categories and the nominees: