The 18th edition of the Feather Awards celebrated the individuals and organisations whose contributions have helped advance equality, visibility and queer joy at an intimate ceremony in Joburg last night.
Held under the theme The Signature Edition, the ceremony brought together community leaders, advocates, creatives and allies to recognise those whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ people and what a night it was.
While the spotlight shone brightly on the 2026 nominees, the Feather Awards remained a celebration of more than entertainment. This year's special recognitions honoured the quiet revolutionaries, community builders and individuals creating safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ people could thrive.
The ceremony recognised a diverse group of individuals and organisations whose work has shifted public narratives and championed inclusion. The special recognition awards for the night included:
- The Global Feather of the Year - Hillary Shimi (Namibian Lesbian Festival Pride PopUp Cross-Border Advocacy)
- Sport Personality of the Year: Coach Desiree Ellis
- Role Model of the Year: Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
- The Media Platform of the Year Award: Black Burns Fast
- The Rainbow Parenting Award: Salome Lebeko
One of the key highlights of this year's ceremony was the introduction of the Thami Dish and the Maria McCloy (formerly Designer of the Year) Awards, created to recognise individuals making a meaningful difference within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The awards acknowledged outstanding contributions to creating safe spaces, fostering community and cultivating queer joy. It reflected the Foundation's commitment to celebrating individuals whose work has a tangible, day-to-day impact on the community, including those whose contributions may not always receive formal recognition on mainstream platforms.
The Designer of the Year Award was formally renamed the Maria McCloy Award this year in honour of the late media powerhouse Maria McCloy, recognising her remarkable legacy and lasting contribution to the media industry. In a fitting tribute, Maria was named the inaugural recipient of the award.
The inaugural Thami Dish Award was presented to Lelo Whats Good, recognising his contribution to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices, championing queer visibility and using his platforms to celebrate authentic stories, representation and the power of community.
In addition to these named categories, the ceremony celebrated a host of community honourees – individuals and organisations working tirelessly to create safe spaces, support queer communities and champion visibility across South Africa's nine provinces.
These Honourees include:
- Cutest Couple of the Year - Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba
- Fag Hag of the Year - Thobeka Mbane
- Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative - Other Village People
- Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative - ABSA
- Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative - Professor Zozo Nene
The Simon Nkoli Award went to South African entertainment living legend Baby Joe Correira, celebrating his iconic contribution to industry and his enduring legacy of breaking barriers, championing individuality and inspiring generations.
The colourful evening was hosted by media personalities Zizo Beda, Khaya Dladla and Lula Odiba, who guided guests through the celebrations. Tyrone Gordon Willard led the glamorous red carpet proceedings, which also featured a special fashion-focused spotlight in partnership with Proudly SA celebrating the best of South African queer style.
"The Feather Awards are an iconic celebration of diversity, creativity, and self-expression. As Proudly South African, we brought that same energy to the pink carpet by encouraging guests to wear local and showcase the incredible creativity of South African designers through our popular: ‘Are you wearing local’ activation at the event. Fashion is more than a personal statement, it's an economic choice. Every locally designed and manufactured garment supports South African designers, manufacturers, artisans, and jobs. By choosing locally made fashion, consumers are not only making a style statement, they are helping to sustain businesses, create jobs and strengthen South Africa's creative economy. Our mock jail may be playful, but the message is serious: local is fashionable, local is impactful, and local deserves to be worn with pride," says Eustace Mashimbye, Chief Executive Officer of Proudly South African.
THE 2026 FEATHER AWARDS WINNERS
- Best Styled Individual - Kagiso Mogola
- Hunk of the Year - Teddy Geldart (DopeZuluboi)
- Hot Chick of the Year - Desiree Komi
- Musician of the Year - Manana
- Drama Queen of the Year - Credo V
- Social Media Personality of the Year - Coachella Randy
- Diva Extraordinaire of the Year - Miss Gaga
Beyond the awards ceremony, the Feather Awards reinforced its commitment to building a more inclusive South Africa. The ceremony also shone a spotlight on the Thami Dish Fellowship, a 12-month leadership programme designed to equip nine emerging LGBTQIA+ leaders, one from each South African province, with the skills, resources and networks needed to drive meaningful community change. The announcement also included the formal resignation of Thami Willis’from the Feather Awards, as he steps away to dedicate his time to the Foundation and embrace this exciting new chapter in his personal life following his recent marriage.
"History will not wait for us to feel ready. The Feather Awards is the catalyst. The Fellowship is the work. And tonight we celebrated the signatures of those who have made our communities safer, louder and more joyful. Every signature counts. And tonight I bid farewell to this chapter of my life as I move on to a new one. Thank you for the past 18 years, and good night" concluded Thami Willis.
Instagram / X: @FeathersSA
Hashtag: #Feathers18 #TheSignatureEdition