The nominees for the 17th annual Feather Awards, South Africa’s biggest celebration of queer excellence and allyship, have officially been announced.
Under the theme of “Pause, Look, Listen To Your Heart”, nominees and awardees for the 2025 edition were revealed at a vibrant event at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Friday evening.
The announcement coincided with a two-day “Q20” convening hosted by the Thami Dish Foundation, aimed at amplifying queer voices in global policy and advocacy.
Honourees this year include a dynamic mix of activists, celebrities, allies, and organisations, across a range of fields, who will be recognised for their impact at the awards ceremony in November.
Honouring Community Leaders
Some of the 2025 awardees have already been announced, including MambaOnline’s founder and editor-in-chief, Luiz De Barros, who will receive the prestigious Simon Nkoli Award for his contributions to South Africa’s LGBTIQ+ community in the media space.
The African Feather of the Year Award will go to John Meletse, a prominent activist for the rights and visibility of Deaf, HIV-positive, and LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Meanwhile, Ugandan LGBTIQ+ activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, internationally recognised for her advocacy and resilience, will be honoured with the Global Feather of the Year Award.
Nominees were also announced in Feather Awards categories ranging from Musician of the Year and Drama Queen of the Year to Cutest Couple of the Year.
Each nominated individual, organisation, or brand has, in their own way, represented, inspired, or celebrated the LGBTIQ+ community with distinction over the past year.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on the 6th of November in Johannesburg.
2025 AWARDEES
Simon Nkoli Award
Luiz De Barros
African Feather of the Year Award
John Meletse
Global Feather of the Year Award
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector
Nedbank
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector
The Hate Crimes Bill
Fag Hag of the Year Award
Busiswa Gqulu
Media of the Year
Netflix South Africa
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
Zandile Mabaso
Role Model of the Year
Lee-ché Janecke
2025 NOMINEES
Musician of the Year
Craig Lucas
Mawhoo
Nkosazana Daughter
Designer of the Year
Mzukisi Mbane
Gugu Peteni
Xhvnti Mpu
Socialite of the Year
Minnie Dlamini
Gogo Skhotheni
DJ Tira
Drama Queen of the Year
Simphiwe Dana (and “her hairstyle”)
Miss SA Organisation
Nonku Williams
Hunk of the Year
Prince Beez
Troy Malange
Fresh By Caddy
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Kefilwe Mabote
Lilian Dube
Jojo Robinson
Sports Personality of the Year
Refiloe Jane
Dirkie Chamberlain
Andile Dlamini
Social Media Personality of the Year
Dominic Zaca
Shoun B
Thobi Mashitiso
Cutest Couple of the Year
Jojo and Calvin Robinson
Crosby Jodwana and Simon Sean Nhlapo
Selaelo and Kgomotso Mannya
Hot Chick of the Year
Natasha Joubert
Caylene
Luyanda Zuma
Best Styled Individual
Kagiso Mogola
Mawhoo
Mordecai
