EMALAHLENI – The Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) campaign has reached its halfway mark, with three of six district-wide activations completed as excitement builds towards the gala dinner on 11 September and the awards ceremony on 12 September 2026.
Launched on 7 July 2026 by the Nkangala District Municipality and Highveld Chronicle, NkAMA aims to celebrate and promote talent in music, art, dance, poetry and sport across the district’s six local municipalities.
The activations began in Thembisile Hani on 11 and 12 July before moving to Dr JS Moroka on 25 and 26 July. The latest activation took place in eMalahleni on 02 August, where community members gathered for sporting activities, including the NkAMA Masters Soccer Tournament.
Maveli Masters were crowned eMalahleni champions after defeating United Masters 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final at Sy Mthimunye Stadium.
Maveli secured their place in the final with a convincing 3-0 victory over WVK Masters in the semi-finals, while United Masters edged Vosman Legends 1-0 to book their place in the decider.
The victory saw Maveli Masters join Kingdom Masters from Thembisile Hani and Eskom Masters from Dr JS Moroka as winners of the NkAMA Masters Soccer Tournament in their respective municipalities.
Three activations are still scheduled before the main event, with Victor Khanye hosting on 09 August, Steve Tshwete on 16 August and eMakhazeni concluding the programme on 23 August 2026.
The campaign will culminate in the NkAMA Gala Dinner on 11 September, followed by the awards ceremony on 12 September, where artists, musicians, dancers, poets and other creatives from across the district will be recognised for their contributions.
The event will also feature performances by Sjava, Bathabile Skhosana, Mami, Idols SA winner Zama and NkAMA Newcomer Artist Londiwe Sibanyoni, with additional performers expected to be announced.
NkAMA forms part of a broader initiative to celebrate local talent, create opportunities for creatives and strengthen community pride across the Nkangala District.
Speaking at the launch in July, Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya highlighted the important role artists play in society.
“Artists are historians, teachers, healers, social commentators and nation builders.”
