The annual Feather Awards celebrated a milestone with its 18th edition in Johannesburg, honouring queer achievers, activists and allies from South Africa and across the continent.
Hosted under the theme “The Signature Edition” at Melrose Arch on Thursday night, the event brought together celebrities, community builders, politicians and creatives who have made an impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ people over the past year.
Glamour and Local Fashion Take Centre Stage
The glamorous evening began with black carpet arrivals led by host Tyrone Gordon Willard. Guests turned out in memorable outfits, ranging from the outrageous to the sophisticated, with a focus on local fashion.
The awards ceremony was hosted by media personalities Zizo Beda, Khaya Dladla and Lula Odiba, who guided guests through the celebrations.
Among those recognised for their work was Namibian activist Hillary Shimi, who is behind initiatives such as Pride Pop-Up Namibia and the Namibian Lesbian Festival. Shimi was presented with the Global Feather of the Year.
Desiree Ellis, coach of Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s women’s national football team, was named Sport Personality of the Year, while the acclaimed South African lesbian coming-of-age film Black Burns Fast was recognised as Media of the Year.
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Salome Lebeko Recognised
Legendary South African talk show pioneer Felicia Mabuza-Suttle was honoured for her longstanding support for the queer community, having brought LGBTQ+ voices into South African living rooms during the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Rainbow Parenting Award was presented to Salome Lebeko of Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ), known by many as “Mama Gay” for her work educating parents and creating inclusive environments for queer youth.
Maria McCloy’s Legacy Honoured
A highlight of the event was a moving tribute to the late creative, fashion and media powerhouse Maria McCloy, who passed away earlier this year.
In the presence of McCloy’s sisters, the Feather Awards honoured her legacy by posthumously bestowing the Designer of the Year Award on her and formally renaming it the Maria McCloy Award.
The inaugural Thami Dish Award was presented to DJ, producer, writer and performer Lelo Whats Good, who founded Vogue Nights South Africa.
He was recognised for his contribution to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices, championing queer visibility and using his platforms to celebrate authentic stories, representation and the power of community.
In a heartwarming moment, queer filmmakers Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba received the Cutest Couple of the Year Award, celebrating their 27 years as creative collaborators and romantic partners.
Baby Joe Correira Receives Prestigious Simon Nkoli Award
The prestigious Simon Nkoli Award went to South African entertainment legend Baby Joe Correira, one of the founders of the Feather Awards. The honour celebrated his iconic contribution to the industry and his enduring legacy of breaking barriers, championing individuality and inspiring generations.
Stunned by the unexpected award, Correira was led onto the stage, where he was surprised by family members who came to congratulate him and share the moment.
The ceremony also spotlighted 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 change in their communities.
Thami Willis Steps Aside from Feather Awards
The audience was surprised when recently married Feather Awards co-founder Thami Willis announced that he was stepping aside from the awards “to have babies” with his husband, Dr Wesley D Willis.
Willis plans to continue leading his Thami Dish Foundation.
“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 as I bid farewell to this chapter of my life,” said Willis.
The evening concluded with a vibrant musical tribute to the late queer icon Brenda Fassie, featuring performances by Busiswa Gqulu, Buhlebendalo Mda-Mondi, Tamara Dey and Thembisile Ntaka-Dube, who were joined on stage by Bongani Fassie.
The ceremony also celebrated a host of other community honourees – individuals and organisations working tirelessly to create safe spaces, support queer communities and champion visibility across South Africa’s nine provinces.
Feather Awards 2026: Other Honourees
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
Other 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
