DELMAS – The road to the Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) September finale gained momentum in Victor Khanye Local Municipality on 9 and 10 August, as the district-wide activation brought businesses, community teams and residents together for two days of sporting action in Delmas.
The Victor Khanye activation was the fourth of six district-wide events aimed at celebrating and promoting talent in music, art, dance, poetry and sport across Nkangala’s six local municipalities.
The quarter-final action began at Mandela Sports Ground on Sunday, with Mbuyelo Manungu Colliery making an early statement by defeating Sephaku Cement 8-2.
Meadow Feeds then defeated Ritluka Mining 4-3 on penalties after their match ended 1-1, while Trollope Mining secured their place in the semi-finals following the disqualification of McCain Foods for failure to comply with tournament rules.
In another quarter-final clash, CJ Distribution secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) to book their place in the semi-finals.
Mbuyelo Manungu Colliery edged CJ Distribution 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 semi-final draw, while Trollope Mining beat Meadow Feeds 1-0 to reach the final.
Mbuyelo then defeated Trollope 1-0 to be crowned the Victor Khanye NkAMA soccer champions.
The activation also featured netball, where Ecovillage Multipurpose produced a dominant performance to defeat Masekeni 78-20 in the final and claim the Victor Khanye title.
Beyond the sporting competition, the activation provided an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate local talent, supporting NkAMA’s broader objective of creating opportunities for creatives and strengthening community pride.
NkAMA was officially launched on 7 July 2026 by the Nkangala District Municipality and Highveld Chronicle as a platform to celebrate the district’s creative and sporting talent.
Speaking at the launch, Nkangala District Municipality Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya highlighted the important role artists play in society.
“Artists are historians, teachers, healers, social commentators and nation builders.”
The remaining activations will be held in Steve Tshwete on 16 & 17 August and eMakhazeni on 23 & 24 August, bringing the district-wide programme to a close ahead of the main event.
The campaign will culminate in the NkAMA Gala Dinner on 11 September 2026, followed by the NkAMA Awards Ceremony on 12 September, where outstanding artists, musicians, dancers, poets and other creatives from across Nkangala will be recognised.
The September programme will feature performances by Sjava, Bathabile Skhosana, Mami, Undzundza, King Talkzin, Lannie Billion, Idols SA winner Zama and NkAMA Newcomer Artist Londiwe Sibanyoni, with additional performers expected to be announced.
With the final two activations still to come, anticipation continues to build across the district as NkAMA brings communities together through sport, entertainment and the celebration of local talent.
