Minister Zizi Kodwa emphasizes the significance of these awards in uplifting and supporting the rich cultural tapestry that binds South Africans together. “It’s about honouring wisdom, voice, and experience while benchmarking ourselves against the best globally,” says Minister Kodwa. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture has announced the release of rules and guidelines for nominations on the CCIA website, setting the stage for an inclusive and transparent process. Various entities, including the National Film and Video Foundation and the National Library of South Africa, have meticulously crafted these guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy.

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Brought to you by the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, the CCIA offers strategic benefits that extend beyond recognition. Winners not only boost their reputation but also engage with fellow creatives, sponsors, and audiences, fostering meaningful relationships. Moreover, the awards increase awareness of individual offerings, attracting media attention and international partners.

The CCIA features a comprehensive array of categories, each encompassing the diverse facets of South Africa’s cultural and creative landscape:

1. Heritage Site Category (x3 Awards)

• Outstanding Museum Award
• Outstanding Archaeological & Historical Site Award
• Outstanding Cultural Landscape Award

2. Visual Arts & Craft Category (x3 Awards)

• Outstanding Visual Artist Award
• Outstanding Curator Award
• Outstanding Crafter Award

3. Literary Works Category (x4 Awards)

• Outstanding Children’s Fiction Book Award
• Outstanding Fiction Book Award
• Outstanding Non-Fiction Book Award
• Outstanding Publisher Award

4. Audio Visual & Interactive Media Category (x6 Awards)

• Outstanding Fiction Film Award
• Outstanding Documentary Film or TV Series Award
• Outstanding TV Drama Award
• Outstanding Actor in Film and TV Award
• Outstanding Animation Award
• Outstanding Gaming Award

5. Design & Creative Services (x4 Awards)

• Outstanding Fashion and Textile Designer Award
• Outstanding Graphic & Multimedia Designer Award
• Outstanding Product Design Award
• Outstanding Architecture and Interior Designer Award

6. Performing Arts Category (x5 Awards)

• Outstanding Theatre Production Award
• Outstanding Dance Production Award
• Outstanding Musician Award
• Outstanding Actor in Theatre Award
• Outstanding Performance Award (Poet, Comedian)

7. Ministry (Discretionary Category) (x3 Awards)

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Internationally Recognised Artist or Group Award
• Artist with Disability Award

8. People’s Choice category (x2 Awards)

• Breakthrough Artist Award
• Online Creator of the Year

These categories represent the breadth and depth of creativity in South Africa, spanning from traditional heritage sites to cutting-edge digital media. Notable awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring individuals with decades of contributions to the creative industry, and the Online Creator of the Year, recognizing the burgeoning influence of digital content creators.

Looking ahead, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture aims to continuously improve the CCIA, adapting to the dynamic nature of the sector. As a starting point, the inaugural CCIA sets a high standard for excellence, with a rigorous nomination review process and certified auditing to ensure integrity.