Woolworths takes double honours as Palesa Mokubung, GALXBOY and more win at the 2nd Annual South Africa Fashion Awards
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Peace Mabe, opens a night celebrating the people and brands shaping South African fashion
JOHANNESBURG, 5 October 2026 – The winners of the 2nd Annual South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) were revealed on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the Infinity Theatre, Hotel Sky Sandton. The ceremony was broadcast live on Channel ONE Africa.
Hosted by Tyron Gordon Williams and Taylo Edith Mannetti, the evening honoured designers, models, stylists, photographers, beauty brands and retailers across 21 publicly voted categories. Winners were chosen by public vote through the official SAFA website.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Honourable Peace Mabe, delivered the 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 |
| 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 MNISI 10 |
| 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 Peace Mabe
- Modelling Industry Legacy Award: Joani Johnson, for more than two decades of shaping 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 for the talent they believe in. Thank you to the Honourable Deputy Minister, our partners and everyone who made the night possible," said Jordan Kensington, Global Director of the World Fashion Awards.
The evening also featured an industry panel on the future of South African fashion with Lauren 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)
About the South Africa Fashion Awards
The South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) celebrate the designers, models, creatives and brands driving South Africa's fashion industry. Winners in the main categories are chosen by public vote. SAFA is part of the World Fashion Awards Group and is produced by Republic Africa, part of Republic Worldwide Group.
Website: https://www.safashionawards.co.za
Media contact
Richard van der Merwe, Marketing Director, South Africa Fashion Awards
Office: +27 10 442 0712
E-mail: richard@safashionawards.co.za
ENDS
About South Africa Fashion Awards
The South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) celebrate the designers, models, creatives and brands driving South Africa's fashion industry. Winners in the main categories are chosen by public vote. SAFA is part of the World Fashion Awards Group and is produced by Republic Africa, part of Republic Worldwide Group.
Media Contact
Richard van der Merwe
richard@safashionawards.co.za
+27 10 442 0712