SA: VTSD Awards crown winners

The awards are organised by the North West department of culture, arts and traditional affairs and the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The awards pay tribute to professionals working in music, dance, theatre and craft.

“The awards shine a spotlight on a section of society that is often marginalised and overlooked when the arts and culture sector considers achievers,” the organisers said.

Thabiso Kabane walked away with the Best Musical Artist Award while Mncedisi Thambe took the Best Actor Award. On the arts front, Silumko Jas was crowned as Best Visual Artist and Mpho Goremang was declared Best Craft Artist.

Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Moruleng was named the province's best museum.

"We at RiSA take off our hats to these worthy achievers keeping the flame of arts and culture illuminating in our communities,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said.

“This is a bold initiative and we are proud to have been partners. We already can’t wait for next year’s edition as we applaud more talent. Congratulations to all.”

Department of culture, arts and traditional affairs MEC Ontlametse Mochware said: “The inaugural VTSD Awards event was a resounding success. We are thrilled with this initiative. The response from the arts community and the broader public has been very encouraging.”

Here is the full list of winners:

Best Musical Artist

• Thabiso Kabare
• Naledi Thato Rodney
• Neo Mpeng
• Diharepa

Best Actor

• Mncedisi Thambe
• Papiso Keogatile
• Thabang Lobeko
• Tshepang Motsebe

Best Visual Artist

• Silumko Jas
• Mzi Mkhubane
• Gilbert Jongani
• Granny Merafe
• Nellie Molemane

Best Craft Artist

• Mpho Goremang
• Kagiso Mabine
• Granny Merafe
• Velaphi Taaibosch

Best Library

• Coligny Library
• Ventersdorp Main Library
• Tshing Library
• Kanana Library

Best Museum

• Mphebatho Cultural Museum
• Herman C Bosman Living Museum
• Klerksdorp Transport Museum
• Klerksdorp Museum

Best Heritage Facility

• Mphebatho Cultural Museum

Best Dancer

• Mpho Montshonyane from Diragammu Cultural Group

Best Community Arts Centre

• Mosekaphofu

Best Arts Administrator

• Klaas Kompi

Special Awards

Music

• Johnny Mokhali

Visual arts

• Gift Thipe

Writing

• Reverend Mokoatsi