Gail Mabalane wins big at SAFTA 2026
Gail Mabalane was all smiles as she celebrated her big win at the 2026 South African Film and Television Awards.
She returned home with the Best Actress in a TV Drama award for her role as Zenzi in Unseen season 2.
Sharing her excitement on social media, Mabalane reflected on the journey that led to the recognition, opening with a message of faith: “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.”
She also thanked the other nominees, calling Kim Engelbrecht and Amalia Uys “phenomenal,” and celebrated the unwavering support of her family. “My beautiful family … @kabelomabalane @zoemabalane @khumo_mabalane thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for the sacrifices you make so I can do what I love. 🥹❤️”
Mabalane expressed gratitude to her collaborators, including Netflix South Africa and the production company Gambit Film & Media Arts, for trusting her with the character of Zenzi.
“Playing her has been an incredible honor. Thank you for being bold enough to tell stories with women as leads. Thank you for telling stories not only about us or around us, but through us. 🙏🏾”
She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to the Unseen cast and crew: “My #Unseen family!!!! 😭 The @gambit team of producers, directors, writers, cast, crew … thank you all so much for holding me up through both seasons. We know what it took to create this body of work collectively – I couldn’t have done it without you!!! ❤️”
Acknowledging the fans, she added: “What’s the point of any show without viewers!!! 😭 Thank you to everyone who watched, reposted, reviewed, rewatched, commented, celebrated, critiqued and loved the show so publicly!! We love you! Re a leboga! 🙏🏾”
Mabalane closed her message with a declaration of faith: “Last but not least – #KingJesus!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 You alone deserve the glory!!! Thank you for adding your SUPER to my natural! 🥹🙌🏾❤️”
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