From established designers and fashion icons to emerging creatives and industry executives, the nominees for the second edition South Africa Fashion Awards have been revealed.
Johannesburg,The country’s fashion industry is gearing up for another major night of celebration as the South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) announces its nominees for 2026, with public voting now officially open.
The awards ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, October 3, at Hotel Sky in Sandton, Johannesburg, bringing together some of the biggest names across South Africa’s fashion and creative industries.
This year’s awards have expanded to 21 publicly voted categories, recognising talent across fashion design, modelling, styling, beauty, retail, photography, streetwear and the business of fashion.
Among the nominees for Best Fashion Designer are some of the country’s most recognised names, including Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi, Laduma Ngxokolo, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Mzukisi Mbane, Thando Ntuli, Sindiso Khumalo, David Tlale and Lukhanyo Mdingi.
David Tlale, David Tlale × Gautrain — I Am Africa, Not African / Art in Transit nominated for best fashion campaign
The Best Fashion Influencer category also features a star-studded line-up, with Sarah Langa, Kim Jayde, Mihlali Ndamase, Boity Thulo, Bonang Matheba, DJ Zinhle, Kefilwe Mabote and Dineo Langa among the nominees.
Meanwhile, Best Fashion Icon sees Bonang Matheba, Rich Mnisi, Nandi Madida, Nomzamo Mbatha, Thebe Magugu, Laduma Ngxokolo, Minnie Dlamini and Somizi Mhlongo competing for the public vote.
The awards are also placing a stronger spotlight on the next generation of fashion talent, with the Best Emerging Fashion Designer category featuring 20 creatives, including Lucky Masemola, Mlungisi Ndlovu, Dawn Nquma, Simphiwe Mqanjelwa, Kiyaan Pillay, Gift Nematei and Emily Mutombo.
Beyond designers and personalities, this year’s nominations highlight the wider business ecosystem supporting the fashion industry.
Two new categories have been introduced for 2026: Best Fashion Campaign and Fashion Executive of the Year.
The Best Fashion Campaign nominees include collaborations such as Foschini and Rich Mnisi’s Foschini 100 × RICH MNISI 10, Thebe Magugu and Mount Nelson’s Thebe Magugu Suite & Magugu House, David Tlale and Gautrain’s I Am Africa, Not African / Art in Transit, and Adidas South Africa and SoccerBible’s Bafana Bafana 2026 Kit Campaign.
The new Fashion Executive of the Year category recognises the people working behind the scenes to drive some of the country’s biggest fashion businesses. Nominees include Mr Price managing director Kevin Smit, Side Step brand manager Tevin Sebela, Ackermans chief marketing officer Bronwyn Pretorius, adidas South Africa’s senior director and head of brand Tom Brown, and PUMA South Africa marketing director Brett Bellinger.
According to Kabelo, Head of Partnerships at the South Africa Fashion Awards, the expanded categories reflect the changing nature of the fashion industry.
“This year’s nominees demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of talent, creativity and business innovation within South African fashion,” Kabelo said.
The awards will also honour seven industry figures through special honours that are not subject to public voting.
Among those receiving recognition are Lucilla Booyzen, who will receive the Fashion Industry Legacy Award, Joani Johnson, who will receive the Modelling Industry Legacy Award, and Thebe Magugu, who will be honoured with the African Fashion Global Impact Award.
Basetsana Khumalo will receive the Fashion & Cultural Impact Award, while Thatiso Dube will receive the Fashion Entrepreneurship Award. Stephen Manzini will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to fashion, while Papama Mtwisha will receive the Legacy Award for Cultural Entrepreneurship.
With voting now open, fashion enthusiasts can have their say across all 21 competitive categories.
The awards will culminate in a black-tie and fashion-glamour celebration at Hotel Sky in Sandton on October 3.
Public voting is open via the South Africa Fashion Awards website, while tickets for the ceremony are also on sale.
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