Final call for entries: NACA awards 2025: Celebrating the bold, the brilliant and the best in SA creativity
The countdown is on. With the closing date of June 20 fast approaching, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is making one last call to South Africa's creative community — artists, industry bodies, and cultural organisations — to submit their most outstanding work for the National Arts & Culture Awards (NACA) 2025. Now in its second year, the NACA Awards, previously known as the Cultural and Creative Industry Awards, shine a national spotlight on the creators, innovators, and visionaries who push boundaries and shape our cultural identity. Whether you're a filmmaker, dancer, designer, curator, musician, writer, or performer — this is your stage.
'The NACA Awards are more than recognition, they are a reflection of who we are as a people. We urge the sector to submit their finest work, not just to compete, but to inspire. Share your most thoughtful, impactful, and meaningful creations — works that capture the spirit of our nation and contribute to South Africa's creative landscape. If you've been waiting for the right moment, this is your time to share your brilliance with the country,' said the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Award Categories: Submissions are open across six exciting categories, with 30 awards to be issued. These include: Heritage Sites
Visual Arts & Crafts
Literary Works
Audio Visual & Interactive Media
Design & Creative Services
Performing Arts
In addition, the Ministerial (Discretionary) Awards will be conferred at the Minister's discretion and do not require nominations.
Key Eligibility Highlights: Open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and locally owned entities
● Works must be professional and have been created or released between April 1, 2024 and 31 March 2025 Entries must be submitted online at www.dsac.gov.za
Each submission should include all required documentation and media samples. Incomplete entries will not be considered. Let your work be seen. Let your voice be heard. Let your creativity be celebrated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Will Smith opens up about personal growth post-Oscars slap
Will Smith has given a striking new perspective on the infamous Oscars moment when he slapped Chris Rock in 2022. Now, nearly three years later, the actor describes the incident as 'bruitiful' — a mix of brutal and beautiful. The actor reflected on how it forced him to confront authenticity and imperfection in his life and career, according to The Daily Mail. Will Smith spoke on BBC Radio 1Xtra with Remi Burgz . He said the experience pushed him to embrace his humanity rather than cling to an image of perfection. 'Finding that way to be with my humanity — be able to not be perfect but be human and find a higher power in my humanity,' he explained. He added that this acceptance allows him to be 'better than Will Smith,' the idealised version of himself he once sought to project. 'The honesty and authenticity and the broader spectrum of the possibilities of who I am is better than Will Smith,' he said. The slap occurred during the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Chris Rock had just made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, a result of her alopecia diagnosis. Will Smith stormed the stage and struck Rock. He then shouted for him to 'keep my wife's name out of your mouth,' shocking the global audience. The incident led to a 10-year ban from the Oscars and widespread backlash. Despite the fallout, Will Smith has continued to work on his career. However, sources say the incident has had lasting consequences. Industry insiders reveal that while Smith still has strong instincts for choosing projects. The slap made it difficult for him to secure big-budget films. His public image took a hit, and some projects were put on hold, costing him an estimated R18 billion (about $1 billion) in lost deals and opportunities. Will Smith has publicly apologised to Chris Rock and the Academy, expressing remorse and a desire to make amends. Chris Rock has not yet accepted his offer. The actor has used the experience as a catalyst for personal growth, focusing on authenticity and imperfection rather than maintaining a flawless public persona. Will Smith's journey highlights the complexities of public accountability and personal evolution in the age of instant global media. His candid reflections on embracing imperfection resonate universally, reminding us that even those at the pinnacle of fame face human struggles and the need for growth. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Tyla shines as host of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
The 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards lit up the stage with excitement and star power. Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla took centre stage as the host, bringing energy and charm to the event. The show thrilled fans with 5,000 gallons of slime and spectacular performances. It was a night to remember for South African viewers and global audiences alike. Tyla, who also won the coveted 'Favourite Global Music Star' award, captivated the crowd with her vibrant presence. 'Hosting the Kids' Choice Awards was a dream come true,' Tyla said. 'It's amazing to celebrate the artists and creators who inspire young people everywhere.' Her performance and hosting skills earned widespread praise, making her a standout star of the evening. The awards honoured the best in music, film, and television, according to The News. Sabrina Carpenter dominated the night, winning three Kids' choice awards: Favourite Song for Espresso , Favourite Female Breakout Artist, and Favourite Album for Short n' Sweet . The hit musical film Wicked won Favourite Movie. Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, took home Favourite Movie Actress. 'Playing Glinda was magical,' Ariana shared. 'And winning here means the world to me and my fans.' SZA and Bruno Mars won Favourite Female and Male Artist, respectively, while Jack Black claimed Favourite Movie Actor for A Minecraft Movie. Jack also received the 'King of Comedy' Silver Blimp award, recognising his incredible contribution to entertainment. In television, The Thundermans: Undercover won Favourite Kids TV Show, and XO, Kitty was named Favourite Family TV Show. Kira Kosarin and Xolo Maridueña won top acting honours in their Kids' choice awards categories, delighting fans of The Thundermans: Undercover and Cobra Kai . Digital creators also featured prominently. MrBeast won Favourite Male Creator, reflecting the growing influence of online content creators among young audiences. Rihanna received the ICON Silver Blimp award for her outstanding contributions to music, beauty, and activism. The live-vote categories added an interactive twist. SeanDoesMagic took the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge after audience votes. The 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards celebrated creativity, talent, and fun. Tyla's role as host and winner highlighted South Africa's growing influence on the global entertainment stage. The event, with its mix of slime, music, and laughter, connected young fans worldwide. As Tyla said, 'This night is for the kids, the dreamers, and the doers. I'm proud to represent South Africa and share this joy with the world.' The 2025 Kids' Choice Awards proved that the future of entertainment is bright, bold, and full of slime. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Rihanna wins Icon Award at 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
Pop superstar Rihanna made a splash at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, held on Saturday, 21 June. The superstar accepted the prestigious Icon Award through a virtual appearance, delighting fans across the globe. South Africa's own Tyla, who hosted the event, introduced the award. She said, 'The Icon Award is a very special award, and we all know and love Rihanna. She's been a huge influence in music, fashion, beauty, you name it. She inspires so many like myself, so, give it up for Bad Gal RiRi!' Tyla's words resonated with many young South Africans who look up to both stars. Rihanna appeared on screen with a playful Smurfs village background. She smiled as she accepted the honour. 'Thank you all so much for this incredible award. I am beyond honoured to be named your 2025 Icon,' she said. She continued, 'I'm even more honoured to be able to share this moment with all of you, because none of this would be possible without you. This is obviously a big deal for me, and I just want to take this moment to remind all of you that wherever you are right now is significant and crucial to where you are about to go.' Rihanna encouraged fans to believe in themselves. 'Own your space in this world, and know that you are chosen for greatness. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, this truly means so much to me.' Before signing off, Rihanna teased her upcoming role in the new Smurfs movie. 'Oh, and one more thing before I go,' she said. Suddenly, the crowd was covered in blue slime, a nod to the Smurfs and a fun Nickelodeon tradition. Rihanna's new song, Friend of Mine , features on the Smurfs soundtrack, according to Just Jared . The track is already making waves, with fans in South Africa streaming it on all major platforms. Rihanna's win and Tyla's role as host made the event extra special for South African viewers. Both artists continue to inspire young people across the country. The Icon Award highlights Rihanna's impact on music, fashion, and culture worldwide. Rihanna's message was clear and uplifting. She reminded fans in South Africa and beyond to own their space and strive for greatness. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
