From literature and design to visual arts, heritage and performance, the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) shine a spotlight on artists and institutions whose contributions have shaped, preserved and reimagined the country’s cultural identity.
Ceramic artist Andile Dyalvane was named the winner for the Outstanding Crafter Award (in the Visual Arts category) at the NACA Awards 2025.
This year’s nominees and winners reflect the rich diversity, imagination and resilience that define South Africa’s creative sector. “The National Arts and Culture Awards are about more than recognition,” said the Honourable Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. “They are about remembering who we are, celebrating who we’ve become, and encouraging what we can still be.” Commenting on the artists and the work being spotlighted: “Your work is the heartbeat of our creative legacy.”
The awards ceremony, recorded live and broadcasted on TV’s SABC 1, took place on 22 August at the Sun City Super Bowl – a night dedicated to honouring excellence among the storytellers, performers and visionaries spanning the breadth of South Africa’s creative landscape.
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the National Arts and Culture Department for this prestigious award,” says Dyalvane. “It is an incredible honour to be acknowledged among such talented individuals, and I am thrilled to be part of a community that celebrates the beauty and diversity of African craftsmanship. This recognition will undoubtedly inspire me to continue creating, innovating and sharing my passion with others, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa.”
The arts remain one of the most powerful forces in South African society; they carry our history, express our present, and inspire our future. They preserve traditions, open doors for innovation, and remind us of who we are while showing the world the depth of South Africa’s creativity.
