Feather Awards 2025 in SA: All the nominees

Founded in 2009, the Feather Awards honour individuals and organisations that have contributed to visibility, advocacy and representation for LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa and beyond. The event is known for combining glamour with social impact, highlighting both established figures and emerging voices.

Co-founder Thami Dish said the awards remain an important platform for awareness and change. “While we love the glamour and the fashion, the Feather Awards have always been the heartbeat of a movement,” he said. “In a time where the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, our role in fostering dialogue, driving awareness, and advocating for tangible policy change is more vital than ever. We are a platform that doesn’t just celebrate; we agitate, educate, and work towards a safer and more equitable South Africa for all.”

This year’s edition will recognise seven honourees for their lasting contributions, while other categories will spotlight nominees across entertainment, media, sport, and activism.

Below is the full list of nominees:

Musician of the Year

• Nkosazana Daughter
• Craig Lucas
• Mawhoo

Hunk of the Year

• Troy Malange
• FreshbyCaddy
• Prince Beez

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

• Lilian Dube
• Kefilwe Mabote
• Jojo Robinson

Hot Chick of the Year

• Natasha Joubert
• Luyanda Zuma
• Caylene

Social Media Personality of the Year

• Zaca Dominic
• Shoun B
• Thobi Mashitiso

Best Styled Individual

• Kagiso Mogola
• Mordecai
• Mawhoo

Sports Personality of the Year

• Refiloe Jane
• Andile Dlamini
• Dirkie Chamberlin

Honorary Awards

Fag Hag of the Year

• Busiswa

Role Model of the Year

• Lee-che Janecke

Media Award of the Year

• Netflix

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector

• The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill

Global Feather of the Year

• Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement

• Zandile Mabaso

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector

• Nedbank #PrideAtWork

African Feather of the Year

• John Meletsi

Simon Nkoli Award

• Luiz De Barros