The Feather Awards 2026, held in Johannesburg, marked its 18th edition under the theme "The Signature Edition" at Melrose Arch. The event brought together celebrities, community builders, politicians, and creatives who have made an impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ people. The ceremony was hosted by media personalities Zizo Beda, Khaya Dladla, and Lula Odiba.
The awards recognized several individuals for their contributions to the queer community. Namibian activist Hillary Shimi received the Global Feather of the Year award for her initiatives, including Pride Pop-Up Namibia and the Namibian Lesbian Festival. Desiree Ellis, coach of South Africa's women's national football team, Banyana Banyana, was named Sport Personality of the Year.
The ceremony also honored legendary South African talk show pioneer Felicia Mabuza-Suttle for her longstanding support for the queer community. The Rainbow Parenting Award was presented to Salome Lebeko of Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ), known as "Mama Gay" for her work educating parents and creating inclusive environments for queer youth.
A highlight of the event was a tribute to the late creative, fashion, and media powerhouse Maria McCloy, who passed away earlier this year. The Feather Awards posthumously bestowed the Designer of the Year Award on her and formally renamed it the Maria McCloy Award. The inaugural Thami Dish Award was presented to DJ, producer, writer, and performer Lelo Whats Good.
The prestigious Simon Nkoli Award went to South African entertainment legend Baby Joe Correira, one of the founders of the Feather Awards. The honor celebrated his iconic contribution to the industry and his enduring legacy of breaking barriers and championing individuality. Queer filmmakers Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba received the Cutest Couple of the Year Award.
During the ceremony, 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. The evening concluded with a vibrant musical tribute to the late queer icon Brenda Fassie, featuring performances by several artists.
The ceremony also celebrated other community honourees, individuals, and organizations working tirelessly to create safe spaces, support queer communities, and champion visibility across South Africa's nine provinces. Other winners included Thobeka Mbane, who received the Fag Hag of the Year award, and Teddy Geldart, who was named Hunk of the Year.
Key points
- The Feather Awards 2026 celebrated 18 years of queer achievement in South Africa and recognized several individuals for their contributions to the queer community.
- The event honored the legacy of Maria McCloy and Brenda Fassie, two prominent figures in the South African queer community.
- The ceremony also announced the Thami Dish Fellowship, a 12-month leadership program designed to equip emerging LGBTQIA+ leaders with the skills and resources needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
