TV host Kim Jayde won the Best Fashion Icon award at the 2026 South African Fashion Awards. The ceremony took place on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
This was the second edition of the awards, according to Bona. The event honoured people who work in the local fashion industry, from designers to stylists, models and photographers.
In her acceptance speech, Jayde thanked local designers. “I’ve been wearing local, and so nothing in my life would have been possible without the incredible designers that chose to support me and believe in me and dress me when I could not afford to wear you guys,” she said.
Palesa Mokubung was named the best fashion designer of 2026. She is the first African designer to work with the Swedish fashion company H&M.
Mokubung is known around the world for her colourful, patterned designs. She has won an international award at the Fashion Forward International Thessaloniki show in Greece. She also won a Fashion and Innovation Award at the Mbokoko Women in the Arts Awards.
Lethabo Motlale won Best Fashion Stylist of the Year. He has worked in the industry for nearly ten years. His clients include international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Toyota, Pepsi and Disney.
Kefilwe Mabote was named the best fashion influencer. She is an author and reality TV star who has won several awards for her work as an influencer.
Tebogo Selebi took home Best Emerging Fashion Designer. He founded IDAYIMANI, a luxury Afro-luxe fashion and lifestyle brand. Forbes has recognised him for mixing artistic design with strong business systems.
Fanyana Maseko won Best Make-up Artist of the Year. He is a senior artist at MAC Cosmetics. He has done make-up for local stars, including Kell Khumalo and Khabonina.
The Best Fashion Photographer award went to Fuaad Abdool. His past work in modelling, styling and data engineering shapes the way he takes photos. He has worked with fashion designer David Tlale.
Celebrity hairstylist Kelvin Takudzwa was also listed in the roundup of winners. He has styled hair for Thuso Mbedu, Tyla and Nani Madida. He has also worked with Glamour magazine.
Lwandle Ngwenyana won the 2026 Best Female Model award. She is also a jeweller and a track athlete. The former Miss Bachelorette of 2023 has walked at SA Men’s Wear Week and worked for Essence Cosmetics.
Bethel Sanza, an artist, model and athlete, was also named in the list. Sanza has modelled for the Gucci x Dossier editorial.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Bona. Image: Bona. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.