Durban’s LGBTQI+ community came together in style and solidarity on Friday evening as eThekwini Pride hosted its annual Recognition Awards 2026, celebrating individuals, organisations and allies whose work continues to advance equality, visibility and justice.
Held at Curfew in Durban and supported by the Irish Embassy, the awards ceremony was a vibrant and emotional celebration of excellence, advocacy and community impact. Guests arrived dressed to impress in elegant formal attire, creating a glamorous backdrop for a night that honoured those working tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ people across South Africa.
The event was masterfully hosted by Nomsa Manzini, Director of Nomtriam Consultant, whose work focuses on NGO capacity building, non-profit leadership, governance and human rights advocacy.
Throughout the evening, the venue echoed with songs of struggle, resilience and resistance as community members celebrated one another’s achievements while reflecting on the ongoing fight for equality. The atmosphere was one of joy, pride and determination, with many attendees describing the evening as both inspiring and deeply affirming.
Opening the ceremony, eThekwini Pride Chairperson Siphokazi Nombande reminded attendees that Pride must go beyond visibility and translate into meaningful action.
“Every person here is an act of defiance,” she told the audience.
Referencing this year’s theme, Beyond Waves, Pride in Action, Nombande challenged the community to create lasting change.
“A wave comes. A wave goes. The shore looks the same. Pride in Action means that we are here to change the shore permanently. Policy by policy. Council chamber by council chamber. Legislature by legislature. Street by street.”
She also acknowledged the Irish Embassy and numerous community partners for supporting eThekwini Pride, noting the importance of investing in LGBTQI+ communities at a time when queer rights are increasingly under threat across parts of Africa and the world.
Addressing guests on behalf of the Irish Embassy, Programme Manager Sibusisiwe Nkosi praised the work of eThekwini Pride and the award recipients.
“Tonight is a celebration of courage, leadership and community,” she said. “It’s a celebration of individuals, organisations, activists, artists and allies whose work continues to advance dignity, equality and inclusion for LGBTQI+ people.”
Nkosi highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, saying that Pride must be about more than visibility.”It’s about turning awareness into action, solidarity into support, and recognition into meaningful change.”
She reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to LGBTQI+ rights, noting that human rights are universal and that progress is made possible through the efforts of activists, advocates and communities who continue to organise and demand change.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Recognition Awards, which honoured a diverse group of leaders, activists, professionals and organisations making a tangible difference in LGBTQI+ communities.
Recognition Awards 2026 Recipients
Voice for Inclusion Award
Xolile Junior Mpisane
Recognised for using his voice and platform to advance inclusion and representation for LGBTQI+ communities.
Queer Community Empowerment Award
Busisiwe Nxumalo
Honoured for creating opportunities, support systems and safe spaces that empower queer communities.
Queer Trailblazer Award
Sazi Jali
Celebrated for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of LGBTQI+ people.
Anchor for Inclusion Award
MEC Nomagugu Simelane
Recognised for consistently standing as a pillar of support and inclusion for LGBTQI+ communities.
Grassroot Activism Award
Zinhle Ndimeni
Honoured for driving meaningful change through grassroots activism and community organising.
Health & Research Advocacy Award
Dr Chris McLachlan
Recognised for advancing LGBTQI+ health, wellness, advocacy and inclusive research.
Queer Impact Award
Prof. Zanele Muholi
Celebrated for outstanding contributions to queer visibility, rights, empowerment and social justice.
Next Gen Achiever Award
Pink Roses
Recognised as an emerging young leader making bold contributions to advocacy, leadership and community transformation.
Voice & Visibility Award
Nompumelelo Nkosi
Honoured for using storytelling and advocacy to amplify queer voices and lived experiences.
Special Recognition Award
Amajuba District Men’s Sector
Presented in recognition of extraordinary contributions to LGBTQI+ inclusion and community support.
As the evening ended, the sense of community and collective purpose was unmistakable. Beyond the awards and accolades, the event served as a reminder that while significant progress has been made, the struggle for equality and dignity continues.
The Recognition Awards once again demonstrated the power of celebrating those who lead from the front, often with limited resources but unwavering commitment. More importantly, it reaffirmed that Pride is not simply about being visible, it is about building stronger communities, creating lasting change and ensuring that no one is left behind.
