Feather Awards: Dr Musa Mthombeni among the nominees

The Feather Awards XV is thrilled to announce the fabulous and fierce nominees for 2023. The awards ceremony is an event that symbolizes unity, diversity, and empowerment.

THE FEATHER AWARDS XV TAKE PLACE IN NOVEMBER

As always, the Feather Awards XV promise to honor the community’s outstanding achievements and contributions.

“This year we are here to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of all communities, during these challenging times” commented Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards.

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“Finding support for our initiatives continues to be a struggle, but we are forever inspired by the boldness and braveness of the Queer community in continuing to push boundaries, claim spaces and create greater freedom for all. Thanks to them, we can continue our work in the community at large to educate and sensitize, culminating into this fabulous annual gathering of all things queer and beyond. Congratulations to all our wonderful nominees for the Feather Awards XV!  We celebrate you!”

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Taking place on Thursday, 9 November 2023, at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, media, partners and other key stakeholders will gather to recognize and applaud these fantastic individuals for their incredible contributions to the LGBTIQ+ community.

For a third consecutive season, the beloved Modiselle sisters, Refilwe, Bontle and Candice will return as the 2023 hosts.

In this spirit of celebration and unity, the Feature Awards XV announce this year’s nominees. The list includes dazzling stars, inspiring activists, and community leaders who have not only risen but also shone brightly.

AND THE 2023 NOMINEES ARE

 
Best Styled Individual 

• Musa Keys
• PonaHalo
• Yaya Mavundla

Hunk of the Year 

• Thembinkosi Mthembu
• Mondli Makhoba
• Toss

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

• Mrs Mops
• Sorisha Naidoo
• Swanky Jerry

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Sports Personality of the Year

• Andile Dlamini
• Akani Simbine 
• SA Netball

Role model of the Year

• The Fruit Basket
• Tony Kruger
• Patsy P. Alley 

Cutest Couple

• Mandisa Mfeka & Kenay
• Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
• Xihla & Busi

Hot Chick of the Year

• Uncle Waffles
• Homba Mazaleni
• Mordecai

Media Award of the Year. 

• The Lunch League
• Sowetan / S Mag
• Kasi 2 Kasi Queer Cinema

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Fag hag of the Year 

• Nhlanhla Mafu
• Tamara Dey
• Musa Mthombeni

Designer of the Year (new category)

• Otiz Seflo
• Gert-Johan Coetzee
• Lulama Wolf

Musician

• Tyler ICU
• Bongezizwe Mabandla
• Lloyiso

Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)

• Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho
• Tshiamo
• Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

Drama Queen

• Joku
• Lebo M
• Ayanda Ncwane

Social Media Personality of the Year  

• Sethu Nkosi
• Barbie Jackson
• Sabelo The Creator 

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector 

• Miss SA
• Woolworths
• Nike

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector 

• Do Better

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement 

• Sacred Heart School
• Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
• WAQE

Best Rainbow Parenting 

• Zodwa Rannyadi
• Nandipha Jovuka
• Abraham Sebidi 

 
This year, the Simon Nkoli Award will be awarded to the multi talented, award winning South African sweetheart Thandiswa Mazwai.