THE 16th Feather Awards started on a bad note.
Having braved the rain, patrons were made to wait for hours with no clear message of when the show was going to start.
The awards were held at the iconic 1 Fox in Joburg on Thursday night, 7 November. Just as the audience was glad that the ceremony had started, they were shocked to discover that the hosts were delayed.
Actress and TV personality Dineo Moeketsi, actor Khaya Dladla, and sign language activist Andiswa Gebasha hosted the ceremony under the theme Borderless Existence.The annual South African ceremony recognises celebs and organisations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and society. Over the years, the awards have celebrated diversity, inclusiveness, and tolerance.
Gay activist and singer Amstel opened the show with a performance that set the mood right and got the audience excited.Actress Lunathi Mampofu and South African wheelchair tennis player Kgothatso Montjane stood out, walking away with two awards each. Kgothatso wasn’t at the ceremony to receive her award, and a video of her speech was played.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t receive the award in person. Thank you for the award,” she said.
Momentum’s Nontokozo Madonsela won Fag Hag of the Year, beating Minister Lindiwe Zulu and gospel singer Brenda Mtambo.
“I love because it’s in my veins, I make space for different voices because God is,” she said.
Sports Personality of the Year was taken by Kgothatso Montjane. Fashion Stylist Felipe Mazibuko received an award for the Simon Nkoli Feather Award.
“Every single person in this room I can have dinner with. This is not about me but about us,” he said.
He added that it isn’t about a beautiful dress but a beautiful moment.
“I am because we are,” he said.
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year was taken by Nthati Moshesh, who beat two ministers, Naledi Pandor and Gayton McKenzie.
“Thank you so much. Do I consider myself a diva? My roles certainly do, but me, I don’t know. Thank you and to more Feather Awards,” she said in a video.