The Feather Awards have returned! They are all about inclusivity and diversity. At the nominees announcement held at Constitution Hill, co-founder Thami 'Dish' Kotlolo said this year was all about embracing the theme of 'Borderless Existence' and people can expect the usual glitz and glamour.

INCLUSION ALL ROUND

This year, the LGBTQIA+ community also extends its arms to include diverse minority groups and differently-abled individuals, such as the deaf and blind people of South Africa. "There are about 30 deaf staff members who will be working on the ground as part of the inclusivity theme,' he said. "There are gay, deaf and blind people in our community and we need to have their voices heard. We honour the strength of every individual, regardless of ability, background or identity. The diverse talents and stories that our nominees bring forward inspire us all to envision a world where inclusivity reigns supreme.'

HOSTS WITH THE MOST

This year, the awards will be hosted by Dineo Langa, sign language interpreter Andiswa Gebashe and actor Khaya Dladla, who promises to add some class and comedy to the show. "It's time to add some spice to award ceremonies.' Dineo Langa said she grew up with 'uncles' in the LGBTQI community and to be part of the ceremony is an ode to those late uncles who were close to her mom. The Feathers Awards will take place on 7 November 2024 at 1 Fox in Johannesburg.

Nominees Felipe Mazibuko with Brown and Blue Mbombo

And the Nominees for the Feather Awards XVI are:

Best Styled Individual

• Maglera Dope Boi
• Lunathi Mampofu
• Nomalanga Shozi

Hunk of the Year 

• Makazole Mapimpi
• Akani Simbine
• Rulani Mokoena

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

• Nthati Moshesh
• Naledi Pandor
• Gayton McKenzie

Sports Personality of the Year

• Kgothatso Monjane
• The Springboks
• Alyssa Conley

Role Model of the Year

• SA Legal Team @ ICJ
• Kgothatso Montjane
• John Meletse

Cutest Couple

• Justice and Fhatuwani Mukheli
• Celeste and Fezile Ntuli
• Blue and Brown Mbombo

Hot Chick of the Year

• Lunathi Mampofu
• Ntokozo Mhlongo
• Tyla

Media Award of the Year 

• Ha Molefi! (Mzansi Magic)
• Youngins! (Showmax)
• Netflix 

Fag Hag of the Year 

• Lindiwe Zulu
• Brenda Mtambo
• Nontokozo Madonsela

Designer of the Year 

• Orapeleng Modutle
• Thebe Magugu
• Justice & Fhatuwani Mokheli

Musician

• Young Stunna!
• Zoe Modiga
• Tito; M Yuppe and Eeque!

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

• Icebolethu Funerals
• Kgomotso Seboko
• Gayton McKenzie

Drama Queen

• Penuell Mlotshwa
• Nara Smith
• Tshedi Mholo & Bongani Nchang

Social Media Personality of the Year  

• Hope Ramafalo
•  Eva Mofokeng
• Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector 

• #JustDetention initiative
• Momentum Group
• #ShePoppedInn

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector 

• Department of Justice & Const Dev
• Higher Health
• SADTU

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement 

• Olivenhoutbosch Secondary School
• Sacred Heart College
• Crawford College

Best Rainbow Parenting 

• Sape Maodi & Valvi Swartz
• Orapeleng Modutle
• Phiko's Mom (Royal Bafokeng)