Photo of Zintle Mdaka

Nonku Williams bags drama queen nomination at Feather Awards

11 months By Zintle Mdaka

The nominees for the 17th annual Feather Awards, South Africa’s biggest celebration of queer excellence and allyship, have officially been announced.

The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) star Nonku Williams has been recognised with a Drama Queen of the Year nomination. Nonku is one of the longest serving member of (RHOD), and has been serving drama while solidifying her spot herself in the hearts of viewers. She has been nominated alongside Simphiwe Dana (and “her hairstyle”) and the Miss SA Organisation.

The 2025 Feather Awards will follow the theme of “Pause, Look, Listen To Your Heart”. The nominees were revealed at a vibrant event at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg last week.

According to MambaOnline, honourees this year include a dynamic mix of activists, celebrities, allies, and organisations across a range of fields, who will be recognised for their impact at the awards ceremony in November.

Thami Dish, who is the co-founder of the Feather Awards, said the event’s role is now more vital than ever. “In a time when the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, our role in fostering crucial dialogue, driving awareness and advocating for tangible policy change is more vital than ever.

“We are a platform that doesn’t just celebrate; we agitate, educate and work towards a safer and more equitable South Africa for all.”

2025 NOMINEES

Musician of the Year
Craig Lucas
Mawhoo
Nkosazana Daughter

Designer of the Year
Mzukisi Mbane
Gugu Peteni
Xhvnti Mpu

Socialite of the Year
Minnie Dlamini
Gogo Skhotheni
DJ Tira

Drama Queen of the Year
Simphiwe Dana (and “her hairstyle”)
Miss SA Organisation
Nonku Williams

Hunk of the Year
Prince Beez
Troy Malange
Fresh By Caddy

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Kefilwe Mabote
Lilian Dube
Jojo Robinson

Sports Personality of the Year
Refiloe Jane
Dirkie Chamberlain
Andile Dlamini

Social Media Personality of the Year
Dominic Zaca
Shoun B
Thobi Mashitiso

Cutest Couple of the Year
Jojo and Calvin Robinson
Crosby Jodwana and Simon Sean Nhlapo
Selaelo and Kgomotso Mannya

Hot Chick of the Year
Natasha Joubert
Caylene
Luyanda Zuma

Best Styled Individual
Kagiso Mogola
Mawhoo
Mordecai

LIFESTYLE

Natasha Mkhize on nurturing South Africa’s next generation of world-class talent

Through her work as Executive for Strategic Relations at the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, Natasha Mkhize oversees initiatives designed to grant academically and athletically gifted learners from financially constrained backgrounds access to high-quality education at Curro schools across the country. Also see: Bayanda Walaza continues rise with Grand Prix Brescia victory In this deep dive, Mkhize […]

Read more...
WORK & MONEY

Domestic workers’ rights: 4 Rules every household should know

Domestic workers play an important role in many South African households, from cleaning and laundry to childcare, gardening and caring for older or sick family members. However, employing someone in a private household also comes with legal responsibilities. Also see: Primary workers’ rights you should know as a woman South Africa’s labour laws provide domestic […]

Read more...
ENTERTAINMENT

Theo Kgosinkwe joins dancing fans in surprise moment

Mafikizolo’s Theo Kgosinkwe gave a group of fans an unforgettable surprise when he joined them as they danced to one of the duo’s songs. Also see: Theo Kgosinkwe celebrates 50th birthday The musician shared the heartwarming moment with his followers, revealing that the women had no idea he was about to join them. ‘They didn’t […]

Read more...