MIDDELBURG – From a handcraft artist whose skills have spanned generations to a young netball team seeking recognition beyond its small community, the inaugural Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA) Gala Dinner brought the district’s talent, heritage and sporting achievements into the spotlight.
Held on Friday, 11 September 2026, under the theme “Unearthing Unrecognised Talents”, the gala brought together artists, athletes, cultural figures, community champions and representatives from across Nkangala for an evening of recognition, celebration and legacy.
The event was presented through a partnership between Nkangala District Municipality and Highveld Chronicle, with support from partners including MTN and Munsoft.
Among those honoured was Living Legend recipient Gogo Esther Mnguni of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, who was recognised for her handcraft work.
Mnguni described the award as an acknowledgement of years of dedication and used the occasion to encourage young people to learn practical skills from older generations.
“I am very happy to receive this award. I won this award for my handcraft work,” Mnguni says.
She encouraged young people to embrace handcraft and other practical skills as opportunities that could open doors beyond their communities.
“I encourage the young people to also get their hands ready. They must know that one day they can be like us, win an award and even travel to distant places overseas through their handcraft work,” she says.
Mnguni also urged young people to be careful about the company they keep and to support one another.
“Stay away from friends who will lead you astray. Walk with friends who will show you the light. Guide each other and advise one another with a good mind,” she says.
For the Hidden Stars netball team from eMakhazeni, the gala represented an opportunity to gain recognition beyond its local community.
Player Khanyisile Bridget Sithole says the team was grateful for the platform, particularly because its achievements had previously received little recognition outside its community.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity that NKAMA Awards has given to us, because in our community, we were not recognised. It is a small town, so we are really grateful for this opportunity to get exposure and be recognised for being the best team in Emakhazeni,” Sithole says.
Coach and player Thandeka Masango says she hopes the awards will encourage more people to put their talents forward.
“We are very grateful to NKAMA for doing such sports for us. We were never recognised. I hope from now on, we will be recognised, our community and everyone,” Masango says.
She encouraged aspiring netball players to use the platform to pursue their ambitions.
“If you had a dream to become a South African netball player, this is your chance to come and be part of NKAMA so that your dream can come true,” Masango says.
The gala recognised achievements across arts, tourism and sport.
Arts and tourism awards went to David M. Moima for Best Visual Art in Fine Art, Ziyanda Kabini of Umncamo for Best Beads, Amalanda Amhlophe for Best Traditional Dance and Mpumelelo Mthimunye for Best Tourism.
The evening also honoured legacy figures posthumously, with awards presented to Layilayi Mtsweni from Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Maxwell Mdletshe from Emakhazeni Local Municipality and Nodweni Mahlangu from Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality.
Living Legend awards recognised Mnguni, Gabisto Vilakazi of Thembisile Hani, Thokozani Sithebe of Emalahleni, Petrus Sibanyoni of Victor Khanye and Daniel Bokako of Steve Tshwete.
Sporting excellence was also recognised, with soccer and netball teams from all six local municipalities in Nkangala celebrated for their achievements.
The gala also recognised individuals who have contributed to sports development and the growth of young talent in the district.
Sports contributor Peter “Shakes” Kabini, the brain behind Shakes Rotating Tournament received a Special Award of Appreciation in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the success of the NkAMA soccer and netball activation games.
The award was presented by Nkangala District Municipality Speaker Cllr Jonas Kabelo Boshomane and Highveld Chronicle Co-Founder and CEO Mfanzile Dlakude.
Kabini says he was humbled by the recognition.
“This award means a lot to me. It shows that our hard work in developing sports in the villages and townships is being seen. I dedicate this to all the young people who love sports,” he says.
Nkangala District Executive Mayor Thomas Ngwenya says the awards are intended to identify people whose abilities have not yet received wider attention.
“NkAMA is unique. Unlike events that mainly showcase people who are already known, NkAMA is intentionally designed to discover and elevate those who are unrecognised and not yet well known,” Ngwenya says.
“This is where hidden potential is given a name, a stage, an audience and an opportunity.”
Ngwenya says the initiative is also intended to contribute to economic opportunities in the district by creating demand for services linked to the arts and sporting sectors, including photographers, coaches, designers, sound engineers, event organisers and caterers.
He says the awards are built around recognition of talent, economic and tourism value and legacy, while emphasising the importance of partnerships in sustaining the initiative.
“At the inception of NkAMA, we set out three pillars: recognition of talent, economic and tourism value, and legacy. This evening adds a fourth imperative which is partnership,” Ngwenya says.
He says the gala is only the beginning, with the next major focus being a scouting programme aimed at finding emerging talent across the district.
“The real work after this Gala Dinner is the forthcoming scouting exercise,” Ngwenya says.
The planned scouting programme will seek emerging talent across the district, with Ngwenya calling on municipalities to make facilities available for auditions, rehearsals, coaching and workshops.
He also called on businesses and communities to support the initiative, emphasising the need to create opportunities for people whose talents may otherwise remain unseen.
The awards also recognised Dlakude with the CEO Award of Appreciation for his leadership, dedication and commitment to creating a platform where unrecognised talent can be given an opportunity to shine.
The NkAMA music festival, which forms part of the broader programme, has been postponed to 11 December 2026.
“This is a postponement, not a cancellation. The festival remains an important part of the NkAMA vision,” Ngwenya says.
For Mnguni, the Hidden Stars team and Kabini, the significance of the evening extended beyond receiving awards. Their recognition reflected the broader purpose of NkAMA – bringing talent and contributions that may have gone unnoticed into the public spotlight.
As NkAMA moves towards its scouting programme and December festival, the gala reinforced its central message: Nkangala has talent worth recognising, and those talents need platforms, support and opportunities to grow.
