The winners of the 2nd Annual South Africa FashionAwards (SAFA) were revealed on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the Infinity Theatre, HotelSky Sandton. The ceremony was broadcast live on Channel ONE Africa.
Hosted by Tyron Gordon Williams and Taylo Edith Mannetti, the evening honoureddesigners, models, stylists, photographers, beauty brands and retailers across 21 publiclyvoted categories. Winners were chosen by public vote through the official SAFA website.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Honourable Peace Mabe, deliveredthe opening address and presented the Fashion Entrepreneurship Award.
The 2026 winners
Category | Winner |
Best Fashion Designer | Palesa Mokubung |
Best Emerging Fashion Designer | Tebogo Selebi |
Best Stylist | Lethabo Motlatle |
Best Fashion Influencer | Kefilwe Mabote |
Best Fashion Icon | Kim Jayde |
Best Male Model | Bethel Sanza |
Best Female Model | Lwandle Maluvá Ngwenya |
Best Modelling Agency | Boss Models |
Best Hairstylist | Kelvin Takudzwa |
Category | Winner |
Best Makeup Artist | Fanyana Maseko |
Best Make-Up Brand | Signature Cosmetics & Fragrances |
Best Skincare Brand | Clere Skincare |
Best Fashion Photographer | Fuaad Abdool |
Best Fashion Retailer | Woolworths |
Best Fashion E-Commerce Brand | Woolworths |
Best Sustainable Fashion | Something Good Studio |
Best South African Jewellery Brand | Meraki Jewellery Design |
Best Streetwear Brand | GALXBOY |
Best Footwear Brand | Veldskoen Shoes |
Best Fashion Campaign | Foschini × Rich Mnisi – Foschini 100 × RICH MNISI10 |
Fashion Executive of the Year | Kaboomo Mgibi-Marshoff, Senior Brand Manager,Skipper Bar |
Special Honours
Two Special Honours recognised outstanding contributions to the industry:
Fashion Entrepreneurship Award: Thatiso Dube, presented by Deputy Minister PeaceMabe
Modelling Industry Legacy Award: Joani Johnson, for more than two decades ofshaping South Africa’s modelling industry
A celebration of South African style
“Congratulations to every winner and nominee. South African fashion is creative,entrepreneurial and ready for the world stage, and the public came out in force to vote forthe talent they believe in. Thank you to the Honourable Deputy Minister, our partners andeveryone who made the night possible,” said Jordan Kensington, Global Director of theWorld Fashion Awards.
The evening also featured an industry panel on the future of South African fashion withLauren Burmeister (Mentos South Africa), Mbulelo Mashilo (L’OR Espresso South Africa),Renee New (TFG) and Jeannine van Straaten (Proudly South African).
Partners: SAFA 2026 was sponsored by L’OR Espresso South Africa, Mentos South Africa,Black Crown and Madepossible.ai. It was powered by the World Fashion Awards Group,Republic Africa and Republic Worldwide Group.
Watch the ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmmUfovCA8c
Photos: https://safashionawards.co.za/media-gallery/2026 (credit: SAFA 2026)