2025 Feather Awards: Luyanda Zuma, Busiswa and Lilian Dube among the night's biggest winners
Luyanda Zuma won the Hot Chick of the Year award at the 17th Feather Awards.
Image: Instagram.
Some of the biggest stars from various industries and communities were recognised at the 2025 Feather Awards.
The 17th edition recently took place at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg and called on guests to "pause, look and listen to your heart".
Khaya Dladla and Andiswa P. Gebashe co-hosted the awards ceremony alongside Penny Lebyane and Troy Malange on the Pink Carpet.
The annual awards celebrate members of the LGBTQIA+ as well as their allies.
The night's programme featured heartfelt tributes, captivating performances from the likes of award-winning artist Lira, singer and dancer Donovan Yaards and musical-theatre personality Lebo Toko Mathibe.
Busiswa closed the show with her dynamic beats and walked away as the honorary recipient of the Fag Hag of the Year award.
Seven honourees were recognised for their lasting influence, while the remaining awards celebrated individuals who have captivated audiences across screens, airwaves and social media throughout the past year.
"This year, we wanted to remind everyone to pause, look, and truly listen not just to the noise of the world, but to the rhythm of your own heart," said Thami Dish, Feather Awards co-founder.
Dish added: "The Feathers have always been about more than the lights and glamour; they’re about reflection, authenticity and courage. In a time where so many are rushing through life, this night was an invitation to slow down, reconnect with your truth, and celebrate the power of living boldly and unapologetically."
Gogo Skhotheni was awarded with the Socialite of the Year prize.
Image: Instagram.
The winners of the night included iconic Mzansi actress Lilian Dube, who won the Diva Extraordinaire of the Year accolade, Troy Malange walked away with the Hunk of the Year prize and Miss SA 1st runner up Luyanda Zuma was crowned Hot Chick of the Year.
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini won the Sports Personality of the Year, Gogo Skhotheni was awarded the Socialite of the Year prize, while Sfisio Khumalo and Vusumuzi Sobopha scooped the award for Best Rainbow Parenting.
In addition, one of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector, which went to the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.
Here is the complete list of Feather Awards 17 winners:
Hunk of the Year: Troy Malange
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year: Lilian Dube
Designer of the Year: Mzukisi Mbane
Hot Chick of the Year: Luyanda Zuma
Social Media Personality of the Year: Zaca Dominic
Best Styled Individual: Mordecai
Sports Personality of the Year: Andile Dlamini
Drama Queen of the Year: Simphiwe Dana and ‘Her’ Hairstyle
Musician of the Year: Nkosazana Daughter
Socialite of the year: Gogo Skhotheni
Best Rainbow Parenting: Sfisio Khumalo and Vusumuzi Sobopha
Cutest Couple of the Year: Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo
The Honorary Recipient of the Fag Hag of the Year: Busiswa
The Honorary Recipient for Role Model of the Year: Lee-che Janecke
The Honorary Recipient Media Award of the Year: Netflix
The Honorary Recipient of the Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector: Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
The Honorary Recipient for Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector: Nedbank #PrideAtWork
The Honorary Recipient for Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement: Zandile Mabaso
Global Feather of the Year: Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
African Feather of the Year: John Meletsi
Simon Nkoli Award: Luiz De Barros
Global Feather of the Year: Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera