The rainbow Pride flag was raised at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Thursday, marking the start of Africa Pride Month and the countdown to the 2026 Feather Awards.
Activists and celebrities gathered at the historic home of South Africa’s Constitutional Court for the announcement of the nominees and honorary recipients of the 18th Feather Awards, an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ excellence, visibility, creativity and allyship.
Pride Flag Flies Over Constitution Hill
The event began with the hoisting of the Pride flag on the World Heritage Site’s ramparts, overlooking the Constitutional Court and the former fort and prison that once housed the likes of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
The moving ceremony was led by 18-year-old Chanel Diale, representing the next generation of queer activists, advocates and leaders.
The flag will fly proudly for the rest of October, which is celebrated as Pride Month in Johannesburg and other parts of the continent in commemoration of Africa’s first-ever Pride march, held in Johannesburg on 13 October 1990.
Participants were then led to a preview of a new exhibition reflecting key moments in queer history captured by MambaOnline, which is marking 25 years of documenting LGBTQ+ life in South Africa. The exhibition will officially launch on 8 October.
Feather Awards Marks Its 18th Edition
Feather Awards co-founders Joe Correira and recently married Thami “Dish” Willis welcomed guests to the nominees announcement, highlighting the significance of this year’s “signature” edition in the wake of US funding cuts and the critical upcoming local government elections.
“We are 18. This is the age of signature – an age where the choices you make matter, and where your name becomes a binding pledge. South Africa is asking its youth to sign on the dotted line of history, and we refuse to let that moment pass by in silence,” said Willis.
“The funding landscape is punishing, and young people are being told there is no budget for their future. But we have never waited for permission. We have always built our own table. Feather Awards 18 is about showing up, speaking plainly, and adding your name to the future you want.”
True to the event’s history, Feather Awards 18 promises to blend irrepressible glamour with unflinching advocacy.
Among those being honoured this year are the late cultural pioneer Maria McCloy, television talk show pioneer Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Namibian LGBTQIA+ activist Hillary Shimi.
The signature categories that have become cultural touchstones — Diva Extraordinaire, Hunk of the Year, Cutest Couple and the Simon Nkoli Award — return alongside additions recognising youth-led movements, digital activism and grassroots organisers.
Feather Awards 2026 Nominees
Best Styled Individual
Banele Ndaba
Siya Bunny
Kagiso Mogola
Hunk of the Year
Sdumo Mtshali
Vuyo Biyela
Teddy Geldart (DopeZuluboi)
Musician of the Year
Thando Zide
Manana
Zee Nxumalo
Social Media Personality of the Year
Primo Baloyi
Grace Mondlana
Coachella Randy
Drama Queen of the Year
Credo V Daniels
Mel Viljoen
Limpopo Boy
Hot Chick of the Year
Desiree Komi
Kitso Kgori
Dominic Zaca
Feather Awards 2026 Honorary Recipients
Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative
Other Village People
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Miss Gaga
Sports Personality of the Year
Coach Desiree Ellis
Cutest Couple of the Year
Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba
Fag Hag of the Year
Thobeka Mbane
Maria McCloy Award
Maria McCloy
Simon Nkoli Award
To be announced
Role Model of the Year
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
Global Feather of the Year
Hillary Shimi – Namibian Lesbian Festival Pride PopUp
Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative
ABSA
Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative
Prof. Zozo Nene
Media
Black Burns Fast
‘Add Your Signature. Make It Count’
Concluding the announcement, Willis offered a direct message to young South Africans:
“History will not wait for us to feel ready. The questions that are before the country right now – about equality, about resources, about dignity – will be answered one way or another. The only choice we have is whether our voices are written into that story or erased from it.”
