The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has called on artists, cultural institutions, industry bodies, community organisations and the public to submit nominations for the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards before the deadline this week.
The awards, held under the theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence,” recognise individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sectors.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie urged South Africans to nominate creatives who have made a difference.
“South Africa is full of incredible talent, but talent cannot be honoured if no one nominates it. Don’t assume someone else will do it. If you know an artist, performer, writer, filmmaker or cultural practitioner who has made a difference, nominate them today,” McKenzie said.
Deputy Minister Peace Mabe also encouraged the sector to participate.
“The National Arts and Culture Awards belong to the entire creative sector. We encourage individuals, communities, institutions and industry leaders to nominate those whose work is preserving our heritage, transforming lives and strengthening South Africa’s cultural future,” Mabe said.
Nominations must be submitted through the official NACA Digital Portal, https://naca.dsac.gov.za/, by 23:59 on 19 July 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.
Nomination guidelines, award categories and eligibility criteria are available on the portal.
The awards ceremony will take place on 21 August 2026. Updates are available on the Department’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sportartsculturersa
-SAnews.gov.za
