The Powerhouse Behind Uzalo and Umjolo: Stained Glass TV Dominates the 2025 Sabela Awards

BY TSHEGOFATSO MALATSI
Jun 23
2 min read

South Africa’s powerhouse production company is redefining local entertainment with globally relevant stories and standout talent. Stained Glass TV is once again in the spotlight as its productions, the long-reigning ratings champion Uzalo and the gripping Netflix anthology Umjolo, receive a wave of prestigious nominations at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards. This recognition further cements the company’s status as a dominant force in African storytelling and creayhtive excellence.

Founded on the belief that authentic local stories deserve global platforms, Stained Glass TV continues to lead with bold creativity, critical acclaim, and an unrelenting pulse on what moves audiences. The latest award nominations reinforce the company’s significant contribution to both television and film in South Africa.

A staple in South African households since 2015, Uzalo has evolved into more than just a soapie, it's a reflection of community, conflict, and transformation. Set in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, the series delves into interwoven tales of family loyalty, power struggles, and the moral complexities of township life. Airing weekdays on SABC 1, it remains one of South Africa’s most-watched television dramas.

This year, Uzalo celebrates several acting nominations that underscore the show’s consistently strong ensemble cast:

Bandile Maphalala (Hawu) – Best Supporting Actor
Duduzile Ngcobo (Babekazi) – Best Supporting Actress
Andile Mtambo (Msele) – Best Newcomer Actor and Best Supporting Actor

On the streaming front, the Umjolo film series has earned praise for its sharp, heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships in South Africa. This four-part Netflix original, including The Gone Girl, Day Ones, My Beginning, My End, and There Is No Cure! captures the nuanced realities of umjolo (dating) in today’s urban world through diverse, emotionally layered narratives.

The nominations reflect the critical success of the anthology, with talent from all corners of the series earning industry-wide recognition:

Sibongiseni Shezi as Lethu (The Gone Girl) – Best Actress (Film)
Sibusisiwe Jili as Zanele (Day Ones) – Best Actress (Film)
Ntando Mncube as Themba (The Gone Girl) – Best Supporting Actor (Film)
Menzi Biyela as Sbu (Day Ones) – Best Supporting Actor (Film)
Gugu Gumede as Bridget and Thobeka Shangase as Amanda (The Gone Girl) – Best Supporting Actress (Film)
Nkanyiso Makhanya as Sizwe (My Beginning, My End) – Best Actor (Film)
Mthunzi Dubazana – Best Director (Film) for There Is No Cure!

These nominations are more than just accolades, they are a reflection of the studio’s impact in capturing the modern South African experience. Whether through the generational tensions and spiritual undertones of Uzalo or the bold, unfiltered intimacy of Umjolo, Stained Glass TV continues to drive relevant conversations and elevate the standard of local entertainment.

As the industry counts down to the awards ceremony, both audiences and industry professionals are watching closely. The storytelling, the direction, and the performances have not only moved viewers but have positioned South African content firmly on the global map.