Picture: Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape
Veteran actor Alfred Ntombela was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards on 21 August 2026 and graciously thanked his good friend and career-long co-star, Leon Schuster.
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Alfred Ntombela’s acceptance speech
During his acceptance speech, Ntombela offered gratitude to Leon for giving him his start in the industry. The two started a decades-long career together when Ntombela was just 18 years old. The duo brought humour, joy, and entertainment to many South Africans all over the country.
Ntombela explained the significance of their duo, stating: “What we created, me and Leon Schuster, was to bring White and Black together for the new South Africa.”
The star also thanked his family, God and his supporters, saying that their support has made his achievement a bonus.
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Alfred Ntombela’s career over the years
In their three-decade-long career, Ntombela and Schuster provided South Africans with memorable performances and became the most recognisable actors in South African entertainment history. Both were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards during the National Arts and Culture Awards for their tremendous contributions to the South African film industry.
The duo gave us South African classics like the Mr Bones trilogy, Sweet ‘n Short, Mama Jack, and more memorable projects, using their comedic acting abilities to provide humour to many South African viewers.
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