The first fully-fledged awards show aimed at the South African TV soapie industry has been established by Generations actress Winnie Modise. All players in the soapie genre will be recognised for their achievements, from actors to make-up artists, writers to producers, and directors to costume designers.
Modise says: “We are a nation who lives for our daily dose of soap opera action. We invest in the lives of our favourite characters. However, we have never given these players a platform to be celebrated and recognised, until now.’
Entries for the awards close on Wednesday 10 July 2013.
Nominees will be announced on Thursday 19 September and a panel of judges selected for their expertise, experience and knowledge of the soapie environment will adjudicate the entrants.
Fans will determine which show wins Best Soapie of the Year and the awards steering committee will hand the Lifetime Achievement Award to a pioneering performer.
Partners in the awards include the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Arts and Culture and the City of Durban.
“The awards align perfectly with the department’s vision to help stimulate and support sectors that contribute significantly to social cohesion, nation building and economic empowerment. We support and endorse these types of initiatives where we can congregate to celebrate, acknowledge and reward those hard-working members of the soap opera industry,’ says  Lethukuthula Mtshali, head of communications at the Department of Arts and Culture.
Phillip Sithole, head of Durban Tourims adds, “We are proud to host an event that will undoubtedly rival any other local industry awards. In addition to boosting our travel and tourism sectors, we look forward to showing visitors the magic, beauty and culture of our incredible city.”
The awards evening takes place on Saturday 2 November at the Durban International Convention Centre.
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