Disaster Holiday earns prestigious nominations at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards
Rethabile Ramahakela, Producer and Director of hit South African movie Disaster Holiday
Image: Supplied
Disaster Holiday, a proudly South African feature film that shot to international fame after becoming one of the Top 5 Films globally on Netflix, has earned prestigious nominations at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards.
It has been recognised in the categories of Best Production Design, Best Pan African Film, Best Feature Film and Best Use of KZN as a filming location.
“It’s an incredible honour to have our work recognised, especially knowing that it represents local stories told with heart and humour,” said Rethabile Ramahakela, Producer and Director of Disaster Holiday.
The road to realising Disaster Holiday was made possible largely thanks to support from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA).
Ramahakela describes the funding as a game-changer.
“It was a turning point. The support closed critical budget gaps and gave us the confidence to move forward, ultimately helping us unlock additional investment,” she recalled.
Disaster Holiday, a proudly South African feature film that shot to international fame after becoming one of the Top 5 Films globally on Netflix
Image: Supplied
With KZNTAFA backing, the film didn’t just get made; it was elevated. The production remained on schedule, scenes were shot in diverse and breathtaking locations across KZN and the story was told with the scale and authenticity it deserved.
KZN is more than a backdrop in Disaster Holiday, it is a living, breathing character. From Durban’s buzzing beachfront and the tranquil beauty of Mtwalume, to iconic landmarks like uShaka Marine World and Suncoast Hotel and Towers, the province adds rich layers of texture, humour, and warmth.
Local communities were involved in production, from extras and crew to service providers in accommodation, catering, and transport. Children from KZN even served as body doubles for some of the young actors.
Released on Netflix in December 2024, Disaster Holiday quickly soared to become one of the Top 5 Films globally, a remarkable feat for a local story with universal resonance.
For Ramahakela, the nomination and success of the film have opened new doors and solidified her place in the South African film landscape.
Even though her company is based in Gauteng, Ramahakela is committed to continuing her creative journey in KZN.
“There’s so much untapped potential in KZN. I want to keep telling stories here, while creating jobs, developing skills, and contributing to the local creative economy,” she said.
To emerging filmmakers, she advises: “Tell authentic stories and focus on marketability. And when you get the chance, like we did with KZNTAFA, make the most of it.”
The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards, scheduled to take place on July 19 in Durban.