Entries are officially open for the 13th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards (SCCCA), in proud partnership with Savanna Premium Cider, marking the start of another exciting season honouring the best comedic talent across South Africa, both on stage and online.  

Whether you’re a stand-up comedian, an online sensation, or breaking comedic boundaries, there’s a category for you. This is the only awards platform of its kind, where comedians crown their own. 

After a record-breaking year that saw the comedy scene reach new heights, the 2026 edition will continue to do what the awards has always done: celebrate not just the punchlines, but the purpose, creativity, and community behind comedy. 

12 Awards Celebrating Excellence in Comedy: 

Stand-Up Categories 

1. Savanna Newcomer Award: For emerging comedians with up to 3 years’ professional experience. 
2. Breakthrough Act of the Year Award: Recognising rising stars with up to 7 years’ experience. 
3. Headliner of the Year Award: Celebrating seasoned pros who consistently bring down the house. 
4. Comedian of the Year Award: The ultimate honour, voted for by the comedy industry. 
5. Best Solo Show Award: Awarded to the most outstanding one-person stand-up show or tour. 
6. Best Comedy Festival or Show Award: For standout festivals, comedy nights, or line-up shows. 
7. The Joe Mafela Award: Honouring comedians performing predominantly in South African languages other than English. 
8. Innovative Comedy Performance Award: Celebrating originality and creativity in comedic expression. 
9. Beyond the Mic Award (NEW): Recognising comedians who have taken their talent beyond the mic and made a powerful impact in the broader entertainment industry 
10. The Legacy Award (NEW): Celebrating a comedic stalwart whose body of work, career achievements, and enduring presence have defined South African comedy. 
11. Best friend of Comedy Award (NEW): Honouring a comedian who has become a true pillar of the comedy industry, someone whose influence extends far beyond their own performances.

Content Categories 

1. Comedic Content Award (NEW): For comedians who are exceptional at creating funny content online, independent of their live stage shows. 

Since its inception, the Awards have stood for one thing: uplifting the people who make South Africa laugh. Each year, comedians across the country cast their votes, celebrating their peers and raising the bar of the industry as a whole. 

The awards have become a launchpad for some of the country’s biggest names, with past winners including; Trevor Noah, Sifiso Nene, Loyiso Gola, Tumi Morake, Kagiso Lediga, Celeste Ntuli, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Robby Collins, Mpho Popps Modikoane, and Khanyisa Bunu, among others. 

Enter Now:  

Submissions are now open at www.comicschoice.com. 

• Savanna Newcomer Award entries close: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at midnight. 

• All other categories close: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at midnight. 

Save the Date: The 13th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards will light up Johannesburg in April 2026, an unforgettable night of laughter, entertainment, and recognition for South Africa’s finest comedic voices. 

Keep an eye on #SavannaCCA and the official channels for updates, line-up reveals, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. 

_Ends_ 

For media queries or photographs, please contact: Laurell Kok at One-eyed Jack on media@one-eyedjack.co.za 

#SavannaCCA 

www.comicschoice.com  

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