AFDA, The No 1 School for the Creative Economy, is proud to champion the extraordinary talent emerging from its campuses and alumni community. As we celebrate the 2026 theatre awards season, we are especially thrilled to honour two AFDA creatives for their achievements on the South African stage.
Vuyelwa Maluleke: Naledi Theatre Awards 2026 Nominee
AFDA Johannesburg’s own Vuyelwa Maluleke, esteemed Creative Writing Lecturer, has been nominated for Best Performance in a Fringe Theatre Production for her powerful role in The Blue Album at the 2026 Naledi Theatre Awards.
The Naledi Theatre Awards are one of South Africa’s premier national theatre accolades, recognising excellence across a broad range of theatrical disciplines and celebrating the art and craft of live performance. Each year, the Naledi’s draw attention to the richly diverse talent shaping South African theatre.
Vuyelwa’s nomination highlights her remarkable versatility, merging the creativity of a storyteller with the visceral craft of performance. Her work in The Blue Album captivated audiences and also resonated with critics and the Naledi judging panels, bringing deserved recognition to her contribution as both a performer and educator who nurtures the next generation of South African creative voices.
Sjaka S. September: Fiesta Awards 2026 Nominee
We’re also proud to announce that AFDA alumnus Sjaka S. September has been nominated in the Best Youth Theatre category at the 2026 Fiesta Awards for his performance in Stinkie, los uit! Don’t touch!.
The Fiesta Awards celebrate excellence in performances across South Africa’s major arts festivals, honouring productions and artists for theatre, music and multi-disciplinary creative work presented during the festival season.
Sjaka’s nomination recognises his compelling performance and the vibrancy he brings to the stage. His work reflects the powerful energy of South African artists and shows the depth of talent fostered through AFDA’s creative training and industry-connected alumni network.
AFDA practitioners continue to make their mark on the creative economy where they are celebrated by peers, audiences and industry leaders alike.
Please join us in congratulating Vuyelwa Maluleke and Sjaka S. September on their well-deserved nominations and in wishing them the very best at the 2026 Naledi Theatre Awards and Fiesta Awards!