Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela receive Lifetime Achievement Awards

Comedians Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela have been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA). The ceremony, held at Sun City and presented by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, recognized the duo for their significant contributions to the South African film and entertainment industries.

Ntombela accepted his award in person and used his speech to pay tribute to Schuster, noting that their decades-long partnership began when Ntombela was 18 years old. He remarked that their work aimed to “bring White and Black together for the new South Africa.”

Schuster, who was unable to attend the event, accepted the honor via a video message, describing the recognition as a humbling experience. The pair are well-known for iconic South African films such as the Mr Bones trilogy, Sweet ‘n Short, Mama Jack, and Frank and Fearless.