Dr Ismail Mahomed, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has been honoured with the 2026 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was presented by JOMBA! curator Dr Lliane Loots at the opening of the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Monday, 25 August.
Mahomed was recognised for his decades-long contribution to South African and African contemporary dance and the wider arts sector.
Loots praised his work in creating platforms and opportunities for artists and dancers locally and across the continent.
She described Mahomed as a “bridge-builder” and “door-opener” whose leadership helped connect artists, communities and countries while creating spaces for new voices and ideas.
JOMBA! organisers said the award recognised not only Mahomed’s achievements, but also the opportunities he created for artists to find audiences, build connections and take creative risks.
JOMBA! runs until 6 September at various Durban venues, with a shorter programme scheduled for The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 13 to 16 September.
For more information, visit JOMBA!.
