Actresses Leleti Khumalo and Thembi Mtshali-Jones have been honoured with the highest recognition at the second annual Golden Elephant Awards. Mtshali-Jones and Khumalo were both awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards at the ceremony that was held at Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, yesterday.

VETERANS

Mtshali-Jones is widely recognised as one of South Africa's most celebrated actresses and is known for her remarkable performances in popular television series such as Sgudi 'Snaysi', Stokvel, Silent Witness, and Imbewu, while Leleti is known for her iconic role in the popular stage play Sarafina. She recently landed a role on Muvhango.

 FOUNDED BY DUMA NDLOVU 

Duma Ndlovu, executive producer at Word-of-Mouth Pictures and DNA Academy, stated that the award is given to individuals who are recognised for their exceptional contributions and impact on the creative industry. He emphasised that the purpose of the award is to sustain and invigorate the creative industry. "Creativity is the heartbeat of the industry, and we must recognise and celebrate those who bring extraordinary contributions to keep it alive," said Ndlovu. "The esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by Word of Mouth Pictures and Duma Ndlovu Academy to individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the creative industry, both locally and internationally.

RECOGNITION MOTIVATES THEM

This year's recipients, Mtshali-Jones and Leleti, join the ranks of John Kani, the first recipient of the award who was meant to hand the awards to this year's recipients but had to rush to London for a Disney (Lion King) project. Ndlovu added that the esteemed recognition aims to commemorate outstanding achievements in the global arts and further elevate the creative industry on a global scale. "We are deeply honoured and grateful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the ceremony. Mtshali-Jones said the award is a recognition of their years of dedication to the arts. "We hope to continue inspiring others through our work," she said. Leleti said: "We are humbled by this prestigious award and thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the creative industry. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and telling meaningful stories through our art."