Johannesburg, South Africa – Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, an animated anthology series celebrating African stories, took home the Best Animation award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) over the weekend. This achievement marks the pinnacle of a 13-year filmmaking journey for the project’s creators, who began with a vision to bring authentic African narratives to the screen. “Starting off, I was barely making ends meet as a fresh graduate passionate about telling African stories. Now, being celebrated on one of the continent’s biggest platforms, it is my highest honour to be recognised on home ground,” read a statement on the Tenye Creates LinkedIn page.

The SAFTA win is a tribute to the dedication of over 1,000 creatives involved in bringing Kizazi Moto to life. Produced by Triggerfish Animation and Disney Television Animation, the series showcases diverse African voices and is a benchmark for African storytelling in animation. Executive producers Peter Ramsey, Tendayi Nyeke, and Anthony Silverston collaborated on this 10-part series, which features films by African creators from across the continent. Notable works include Stardust (Egypt), Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer and Surf Sangoma (South Africa), Moremi (Nigeria), Herderboy (Uganda), and Mukudzei (Zimbabwe), among others. The anthology appeals not only to kids and families but also to adult animation and anime enthusiasts.

“Yay! Herderboy won a hashtag#SAFTA!! thanks hashtag#SouthAfricanFilmTelevisionAwards (SAFTAS) for the recognition and shout out to everyone who worked on the film including the entire hashtag#kizazimoto family and The Walt Disney Company , & Creatures Animation We made something really cool and heres to making many more!!” wrote Raymond Malinga CEO Creatures Animation Studio Multi Award winning director, based in Uganda.

The SAFTAs, launched in 2005 by the National Film and Video Foundation, aim to honor and promote excellence in South African film and television. Each award winner receives the iconic “Golden Horn” trophy, symbolizing the collective effort, community, and teamwork essential in the industry.

See list for all SAFTAs winners here.