South Africa’s most loved comedy duo has finally received national recognition.
Veteran entertainer Leon Schuster and his longtime screen partner Alfred Ntombela were both honoured with the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) held at Sun City on Friday, 21 August.
The awards, presented by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture under the theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence”, recognised more than 20 recipients across heritage, visual arts, design, performing arts, audio-visual and literature. The ceremony took place at Sun City Resort on Friday 21 August and was broadcast on SABC 1 at 8pm on Saturday, 22 August.
Schuster and Ntombela shared the Lifetime Achievement honour with media pioneer Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and gospel icon Rebecca Malope, among others. Ntombela, who has spoken about wanting to make people laugh and forget their problems, was present to accept his award in person.
Schuster, 74, could not travel to the North West due to ill health. The audience instead watched a heartfelt video message from him on the big screen.
“I cannot be there this evening. I cannot travel with my back, unfortunately. This is a big pat on my bag. I am so honoured, and I feel so humbled that a local little boy is getting that award,” he said.
The tribute caps a partnership that has defined South African comedy for decades, from Mr Bones and Mama Jack to Oh Shucks Here Comes UNTAG and Panic Mechanic.
The honour was foreshadowed earlier this month when Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie visited Schuster at his home in the Eye of Africa estate south of Johannesburg. Footage from the visit on Wednesday, 5 August showed McKenzie, Schuster and Ntombela sharing laughs in a relaxed catch-up.
McKenzie had announced at the time that the pair would receive a special award for their contribution to entertainment. 206f
In a break from tradition, this year’s NACA came with cash. McKenzie confirmed that every recipient walked away with R50 000, arguing that certificates alone were no longer enough.
“For me, people can’t just come here and get certificates. All these years, they’re getting certificates. What is that? People are doing their hair; it costs money. Their nails, makeup, all these things. Then they come here with no money. No, not under Minister McKenzie.”
He said the department plans to double the prize money going forward: “So moving forward, we are even going to double that.”
The ceremony was hosted by media personality Pamela Mtanga and comedian Vafa Naraghi, with a programme of music, fashion, poetry and performance celebrating the country’s creative sector.