The South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) that’s already suffering from a credibility perception within the South African TV industry is set for another knock to its dented reputation with e.tv that’s set to pull all of its nominated shows and soaps just days before the 6th Saftas taking place this weekeend.
Insiders say that the broadcaster – which has had a frosty relationship with the Saftas for years – has “huge concerns” about the judging process and mechanics and is going to yank all of its nominees for all of its shows, including its soaps Scandal! and Rhythm City. This will also remove both soaps from the already incomplete and contentious Best Soap category which already lacks any credibility.
E.tv which is yet to officially respond to media enquiries made, has long been at loggerheads with the Saftas for years but the broadcaster is hardly alone in having problems with the awards ceremony handing out Golden Horn awards to the local film and TV industry.
M-Net didn’t enter the Saftas for years, also unofficially citing concerns. Previously SABC1’s Generations and super producer Mfundi Vundla criticised the Saftas with Vundla and the soaps cast and crew who boycotted the show. 7de Laan snubbed the Saftas last year. The Saftas also failed to secure a broadcaster for the awards last year. Critics constantly blast the awards spectacle as unorganised. In addition previous winners and nominees within the industry are the judges which critics say is a conflict of interest.
