End of the road for top TV presenter Thembisa Mdoda
Star scoops major award as ‘Our Perfect Wedding’ gig comes to end
TV PRESENTER Thembisa Mdoda ended her journey on Our Perfect Wedding on a high note this weekend when she was crowned best presenter at the inaugural DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
The awards were held on Saturday night at the Sandton International Convention Centre. The host for the show was South Africa’s own Bonang “Yo Girl B” Matheba.
More than one million votes were cast for 50 nominees in 10 categories, and the winners were celebrated in style.
Not only did Mdoda emerge as the best TV presenter, she was also awarded the overall winner for the night after receiving the most votes.
In the best presenter category, Mdoda was nominated alongside, Robert Marawa, Pearl Modiadie, Phat Joe and Bonang Matheba.
In her speech, Mdoda thanked Tumi Morake who was the presenter of Our Perfect Wedding before she took over.
“Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to audition for Our Perfect Wedding,” she said.
She thanked her team, and dedicated her best presenter award to her late mother.
Some of the winners for the night were, Summary for best comedian and Sjava as a rising star. B2Cada took home best radio personality, while Themba Ndaba took best actor for his role on The Queen. The song of the year went to Prince Kaybee featuring Lady Zamar for their smash hit, Charlotte . Mthatha’s Vatiswa Ndara took home best actress, while the Ngud hitmaker Kwesta took best music artist or group award. The nation’s pride, Black Coffee, was awarded the best DJ award and Caster Semenya was named this year’s sports personality.
The legendary jazz maestro, Hugh Masekela, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award handed to him by M-Net CEO, Yolisa Phahle. He also gave a spectacular performance.
The ICC auditorium was transformed into a laser-and-tribal print cavern, with the stage hosting – among others – the likes of Lady Zamar, social media dance “maven” Zodwa Wabantu, the majestic Thandiswa Mazwai, Lion of Judah power voice Lebo Sekgobela and some Gqom sounds, led by seasoned industry pros DJ Cleo, Winnie Khumalo and Busiswa.
However, the night was not just about the who’s who of the entertainment industry. Anna Dithane walked off with R50 000 after being named the 1Life Life Changer for uplifting her community. Her son Eugene Dithane also won R50 000 for nominating the eventual winner.
Viewers who voted also got a slice of the cake when one was rewarded with a brand-new Kia Picanto worth R150 000 after being randomly selected via an audited process. Another lucky voter found themselves with a R100 000 Vodacom World Shopping Experience after predicting the Song of the Year, .—