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Khanyisile won the EB Award, previously known as the Savanna Newcomer Award.
Comedian Khanyisile Ngwenya. Picture: Instagram/@khanyisilecomedy
Soweto-born comedian Khanyisile Ngwenya won her very first award at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards this past weekend.
The 12th edition of the awards ceremony took place at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on Saturday night, hosted by comedians Nina Hastie and Carvin H Goldstone, under the theme Comics Do It Best.
Ngwenya won the EB Award, previously known as the Savanna Newcomer Award. The category was renamed this year in honour of the late comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane.
Speaking to The Citizen, Ngwenya said the win validated her passion and dedication to comedy.
“It’s surreal, it’s unbelievable. I’m nervous, and I’m excited. Just being nominated alongside the other four guys is an honour. I think it’s a validation of the hard work I’ve put in – a validation that I’m in the right place, doing the right thing,” she said.
She added that the recognition has empowered her after many years of being a laughingstock due to her appearance as a differently abled person.
“I’ve been laughed at on the streets, and now my superpower is to make people laugh at me and my jokes. So basically, I’m taking the control back.
“It has been a journey, a rollercoaster ride. You discover your strengths, and you learn to turn your weaknesses into a superpower,” she added.
The 2025 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards winners
The awards honoured a diverse range of talent in the industry, with Khanyisa JamJam being the first winner of the night and taking home the Breakthrough Act of the Year Award.
That’s Not Funny: Moveable Feast Comedy Night won the Best Comedy Festival or Show Award. The Best Solo Show Award was claimed by Robby Collins for his Come As You Are tour, while Céline Tshika received the Innovative Comedy Performance Award.
The Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs Ball’s, went to Noko Mashaba. The Joe Mafela Award was awarded to King Flat, and the Headliner of the Year Award went to Robby Collins. Sifiso Nene scooped the Winners’ Choice Award, and the top honour, Comedian of the Year, was awarded to Celeste Ntuli.
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