Leon Schuster gets his flowers, R50k from Gayton

Leon Schuster received his flowers after being given the National Arts and Culture Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award over the weekend. The award – which he received alongside his longtime collaborator Alfred Ntombela – was given by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

In addition to receiving their accolades, recipients of the awards also received R50 000 each from the minister.

LEON SCHUSTER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, R50K

Over the weekend, the National Arts and Culture Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award was broadcast after it took place at Sun City on Friday, 21 August.

Over 20 recipients were honoured with awards for their contribution to the arts and film industry in South Africa.

Bagging the Lifetime Achievement Award were comedic duo Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela.

While Alfred received his award in person, Leon sadly had to skip the ceremony due to ill health. Leon said via a video message played on the big screen: “I cannot be there this evening. I cannot travel with my back, unfortunately

“This is a big pat on my bag. I am so honoured, and I feel so humbled that a local little boy is getting that award”.

Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela were honoured in the category alongside media mogul Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and singer Rebecca Malope, amongst others.

CASH PRIZE TOO

Speaking to The Citizen after the awards, Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that all recipients had also been gifted R50 000 in cash money.

He said, “For me, people can’t just come here and get certificates. All these years, they’re getting certificates. What is that?” 

“People are doing their hair, it costs money. Their nails, makeup, all these things. Then they come here with no money. No, not under Minister McKenzie.”

The minister added that the prize money would increase in future.

“So moving forward, we are even going to double that,” he added.