Nonkanyiso ‘LaConco’ Conco at the SAFTA’s nominee celebration hosted by Netflix. Picture: LaConco Instagram
In an evening to remember, South African television personality Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco was celebrated at an exclusive nomination party hosted by Brown Sugar, a popular restaurant situated in Umhlanga.
The occasion marked LaConco’s first nomination for Best Television Presenter at the esteemed South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), a significant milestone both for her career and for the representation of diverse voices within the industry.
The elegant venue was abuzz with excitement as friends, fellow actors, and influential personalities from the entertainment sector came together to honour LaConco, offering their support as she embarked on this remarkable journey.
The celebration was not just about her nomination, but rather a testament to her trailblazing roles that have left an indelible mark on SA television.
Sharing her gratitude with fans, LaConco took to Instagram following the event, expressing her heartfelt thanks.
“Yesterday @brownsugaroceans invited me for a toast of my @saftassa nomination. Kwaze kwamnandi ngiyathobeka (I’m happy and humbled). Ngiyabonga kunina nonke (Thank you to everyone) who spent the evening with me, and the voting in-between our dinner,” she wrote.
The event was immersed in a celebratory spirit, but in the days leading up to the party, LaConco set social media alight with a revealing video.
The clip featured an intimate moment with former South African president Jacob Zuma, stirring speculation regarding their relationship status.
In the video, LaConco directed Zuma, who was clad in a uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) t-shirt, on how to vote for her.
“Nxamalala ithi ngikuxoxele ke (Nxamalala, let me tell you something). So, kunama awards ekuthwa amaSAFTA (there are awards called Saftas). Vul’ phone (unlock your phone), I want to show you) khona muzothi uyolala uvotele uMakaSakha (so when you go to sleep you can vote for Sakha’s mom),” she instructed, showcasing a playful interaction.
LaConco, who has typically kept her personal life under wraps, opened up earlier this year about her connection with Zuma, revealing a history that intertwined romance and tradition.
Having attended the maiden reed dances, a celebration for Zulu women, LaConco shared that she dated Zuma for four years before he formally expressed his intentions by sending his family to pay lobola in 2016.
Later that year, she received an engagement ring from Zuma, symbolising their commitment, and, in April 2018, she became a mother to their son, Sakhumuzi, born on the president's birthday, intertwining their lives in more ways than one.