ON-SCREEN couple Nelisiwe Sibiya and Bonko Khoza both walked away with South African Film and Television Awards for their roles in iThonga.
Nelisiwe (33) won Best Actress in a Telenovela for playing Zamahlobo "Zama" Ntanzi, while Bonko (34) took home Best Actor in a Telenovela for his dual role as Banele and Sanele Magwaza.
Reacting to the wins, Nelisiwe said she was in so much shock she wouldn't be able to sleep, while Bonko joked that he would finally get some rest after staying up the entire week.
"I'm so excited, I still can't believe it, I don't think I'll be able to sleep for the next six months. I was waiting for this my whole life. I started acting a long time ago, and winning this is a dream come true," she said.
Nelisiwe said she came across challenges and is happy hard work is paying off.
"I was hospitalised at some point because I was fatigued and going through a lot, and this Safta, I deserve it," she said.
Bonko said they both worked really hard.
"They say the proof is in the pudding (sic). We are grateful," he said.
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He explained his experience playing a dual role and the challenges he faced in the process.
"It was extremely difficult, and everyone can tell how excited I was for my name to be called because it was extremely hard. Hard work pays off, that's the motto for me and contrary to Nelisiwe, I will sleep comfortably now because I haven't slept the whole week, I will sleep like a baby," he said.
They both shared what they are currently working on.
"I have a play coming out soon called Man with no Surname, written by Mfundi Vundla at the Joburg Theatre, from 27 March 2026. Come and watch us," he said.
Nelisiwe said she also has a play coming up soon.
"I can't say the name right now, but it will be at the Soweto Theatre and I'm definitely back to music to record a few songs," she said.
