Bundu wins big at Zaftas

Mthabisi Tshuma, revmmthiretshuma@gmail.com
In a dazzling evening of glitz and glamour, Bundu, a series that sheds light on the fight against poaching, clinched the Outstanding Television Production Award at the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (Zaftas) held in Harare recently.

The event, hosted by the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, celebrated excellence in local film and television, spotlighting the immense talent shaping Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape.
Captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances, Bundu was recognised for its cultural resonance and production quality. It triumphed over strong contenders such as Inkaba and Love and Reality, standing out for its unique narrative and technical prowess.

Eddie Ndhlovu, Bundu’s creator, writer, and co-director, accepted the award alongside cast members. In a heartfelt speech, Ndhlovu expressed gratitude to the audience and his team.
“I didn’t prepare a speech for tonight, but what I can say is, thank you to everyone who has supported this show,” said Ndhlovu.

In a follow-up interview, he described the win as humbling and motivating.
“Winning the Outstanding Television Production Award is incredibly validating. It recognises the hard work of our entire team and reinforces our commitment to storytelling. This moment inspires us to push boundaries, take risks, and create art that entertains, provokes thought, and fosters connection,” he said.
The series also received nominations in multiple categories, including Outstanding Achievement in Editing for Television Production, further solidifying its status as a standout production.

The awards ceremony, themed “Frame by Frame: Building a Thriving Cinematic Landscape in Zimbabwe”, featured 34 categories, showcasing the industry’s diversity and creativity.
They not only honoured established productions but also highlighted emerging talents and contributions from diverse entertainment sectors, such as podcasting and online content creation.
The People’s Choice Award added an interactive element, enabling viewers to celebrate their favourite shows. — @mthabisi_mthire