By: Natasha Archary

The Feather Awards, one of the most anticipated events on the South African entertainment calendar, concluded its fifteenth annual celebration of diversity and inclusivity in a spectacular soiree on Thursday night, 09 November.
The glitzy affair, which took place at The Market Theatre, brought together luminaries from the world of entertainment, fashion, and of course activism to recognize and honor outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity in the LGBTIA+ community over the past year.
Hosted by Refilwe and Bontle Modiselle alongside Andiswa P Gebashe, the Feather Awards XV celebrated the importance of unity, acceptance, and breaking down barriers in society. The evening was filled with quirky antidotes, heartwarming moments, entertainment, and unforgettable performances that captivated the audience and reinforced the message of embracing diversity.
The winners of the Feather Awards XV were selected by a panel of esteemed judges who assessed the nominees in various categories. This year’s recipients demonstrated their unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, and they serve as shining examples to inspire change and acceptance within South Africa and beyond.
Here are the winners of the Feather Awards XV:
Best Styled Individual (JOINT AWARD)
· PonaHalo and Yaya Mavundla
Hunk of the Year
· Thembinkosi Mthembu
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
· Mrs Mops
Sports Personality of the Year
· Andile Dlamini
Role model of the Year
· Tony Kruger
Cutest Couple
· Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
Hot Chick of the Year
· Homba Mazaleni
Media Award of the Year (JOINT AWARD)
· The Lunch League and Sowetan / S Mag
Fag Hag of the Year
· Tamara Dey
Designer of the Year
· Otiz Seflo
Musician of the Year
· Bongezizwe Mabandla
Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)
· Tshiamo
Drama Queen
· Lebo M
Social Media Personality of the Year
· Sabelo The Creator
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector
· Nike
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector
NO NOMINEES | NO WINNER
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
· Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
Best Rainbow Parenting (JOINT AWARD)
· Zodwa Rannyadi and Nandipha Jovuka and Abraham SebidiAfrican Feather of the Year
· Samuell Matsikure
African Feather of the Year
· Samuell Matsikure
This year, the Simon Nkoli Award went to the multi talented, award winning South African sweetheart Thandiswa Mazwai.
The 15th annual Feathers Awards, is produced in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation.
Also read: Cheslin Kolbe and his wife celebrate their daughter Mila’s birthday



