Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela Receive Lifetime Achievement Award and R50k Each
- Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela bagged the National Arts and Culture Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award at Sun City on 21 August
- Leon Schuster missed the ceremony due to ill health but addressed the audience via a heartfelt video message played on the big screen
- Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed that all award recipients walked away with R50 000 in cash, with plans to double the prize in future
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South African comedy legend Leon Schuster has finally been given his flowers. The beloved actor and comedian, best known for his iconic Candid Camera-style films, was honoured with the National Arts and Culture Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award at Sun City on Friday, 21 August 2026, alongside his longtime comedy partner Alfred Ntombela.
The ceremony, broadcast over the weekend, saw more than 20 recipients recognised for their contributions to South Africa's arts and film industries. Sharing the Lifetime Achievement category with Schuster and Ntombela were media mogul Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and gospel queen Rebecca Malope, among others.
Leon Schuster's emotional video message
Sadly, Schuster could not attend the ceremony in person due to ill health. Instead, a video message from the comedian was played on the big screen for the audience at Sun City. In it, he said:
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"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."
Ntombela, his co-star and frequent on-screen partner, was present at the event to accept his award in person.
Gayton McKenzie adds R50k cash prize for all recipients
The awards came with more than just recognition. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed after the event that every recipient received R50 000 in prize money alongside their accolades.
McKenzie was candid about his reasoning, saying certificates alone were no longer good enough under his watch:
"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."
The minister also hinted that the generosity would grow in years to come, adding:
"So moving forward, we are even going to double that."
Earlier in August, McKenzie had visited Schuster at his home, a gesture that signalled the minister's respect for the veteran entertainer ahead of the award.
Minister of Arts visits Leon Schuster
Gayton McKenzie paid a visit to comedy legend Leon Schuster at his home in the Eye of Africa estate south of Johannesburg.
The group shared laughs and fond memories during what appeared to be a relaxed, candid catch-up filmed on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
