The Feather Awards made a return last night for their 16th edition, with the theme "Borderless Existence,' which embraces the concept of unity without limits or boundaries and celebrating diversity. Hosted by Dineo Langa, Khaya Dladla and Andiswa P Gebashe alongside Pink Carpet hosts Ayanda Makuzeni and Tumi Powerhouse, the awards saw downtown Johannesburg light up in rainbow colours. The African Feather Award of the Year went to HIV and social justice activist Zackie Achmat while Felipe Mazibuko received the Simon Nkoli Award, which honours an individual whose work has made an exceptional impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. 

THE PINK CARPET

Tumi Powerhouse

Felipe Mazibuko and Khaya Dladla

Penny Lebyane

Dineo Langa, Andiswa P Gebashe and Khaya Dladla

Hope Ramafolo

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Best Styled Individual - Lunathi Mampofu

Hunk of the Year - Akani Simbine

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year - Nthati Moshesh

Sports Personality of the Year - Kgothatso Monjane

Role model of the Year - Kgothatso Montjane

Cutest Couple - Blue and Brown Mbombo

Hot Chick of the Year - Lunathi Mampofu

Media Award of the Year - Ha Molefi! (Mzansi Magic)

Fag hag of the Year - Nontokozo Madonsela

Designer of the Year - Thebe Magugu

Musician - Zoe Modiga

Socialite - Icebolethu Funerals

Drama Queen - Tshedi Mholo & Bongani Nchang

Social Media Personality of the Year - Hope Ramafalo

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector - Momentum Group

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector - Higher Health

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement - Olivenhoutbosch Secondary School

Best Rainbow Parenting went to all the nominees - Sape Maodi & Valvi Swartz, Orapeleng Modutle and Phiko's Mom (Royal Baf