REPUBLIC AFRICA AND WORLD FASHION AWARDS ANNOUNCE THE HISTORIC LAUNCH OF THE 1ST ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICA FASHION AWARDS 2025
Sandton, South Africa 12/09/25 — Republic Africa, in proud partnership with the internationally acclaimed World Fashion Awards (www.worldfashionawards.org), are delighted to announce the launch of the 1st Annual South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) (www.safashionawards.co.za), set to take place on Saturday, 4th October 2025 at the prestigious Hotel Sky, Sandton.
The World Fashion Awards has long been regarded as the ultimate voice in global fashion, celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation from designers, models, influencers, and creatives worldwide. With a history of spotlighting the industry’s finest talent across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, its arrival in Africa marks a historic expansion — with South Africa chosen as the first stop on the continent.
The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 will not only showcase the very best of South African style, but also serve a greater cause. This year’s ceremony will be in aid of the Diamond Children’s Foundation, raising awareness and support for homeless children across South Africa.
Nominees Announced
The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 nominees reflect the strength, creativity, and innovation driving the country’s fashion industry. Categories span across Best Fashion Designer, Best Stylist, Best Fashion Influencer, Best Model, Best Photographer, Best South African Jewellery Brand, Best Streetwear Brand, Best Footwear Brand, and more.
Highlights include world-renowned talents such as Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi, Laduma Ngxokolo, David Tlale, Sindiso Khumalo, and Gert-Johan Coetzee, alongside rising stars and innovative brands reshaping the future of South African fashion.
Full List of SAFA 2025 nominees:
Best Fashion Designer
Thebe Magugu
Rich Mnisi
Laduma Ngxokolo
Gert-Johan Coetzee
Mzukisi Mbane
Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana
Sindiso Khumalo
Best Stylist
Lethabo “Boogy” Maboi
Don Delicious
Bee Diamondhead
Amy Zama
Obakeng Rantlhane
Oratile Moh
Lethabo Motlatle
Shané Badenhorst
Phupho Gumede K
Thobeka Mbane
Best Fashion Influencer
Sarah Langa
Nabilah Kariem
Kim Jayde
Ntandokazi Mzamo
Pamela Mtanga
Naliyani Uma
Mihlali Ndamase
Boity Thulo
Bonang Matheba
Blue Mbombo
Best Make-up Brand
Gloei Beauty
Swiitchbeauty
Creative Glamour
Inthusiasm
Hermosa Flor Cosmetics
Lula Fox Ecolux Make-up
Best Skincare Brand
SKOON. Skincare
Fundamentals Skincare
Dawn
Clere Skincare
Lelive
Skin Creamery
African Extracts Rooibos
Africology
Suki Suki Naturals
Skin Functional
Best Fashion Retailer
Mr Price
AYANA
Edgars
The FIX
Foschini
Markham
Archive
Sportscene
Best Fashion e-Commerce Brand
Bash
Superbalist
YDE
MyRunway
Edgars
Dunns
Mr Price (Online)
Best Male Model
Lebo Malope
Denetric Malope
TJ Ngoma
Rasaq Akinwunmi
Yuri Pailman
Best Female Model
Marie-Noëlle Graobe
Nondumiso Beattie
Ansolet Rossouw
Lwandle Maluvá Ngwenya
Best Emerging Designer
Katlego Mokwana
Jessica-Anne Shepherd
Onesimo Bam
Oyama Gonintebe
Busisiwe Buthelezi
Keneilwe Khobo
Fikile Sokhulu
Best Hairstylist
Jawad Maphoto
Bonolo Gabuza
Amiena Hartley Dolf
Kelvin Takudzwa
Irene da Fonseca
Tumelo “MJ” Mpholo
Hair By NanaR
Julie Tchouya
Best Fashion Photographer
Trevor Stuurman
Imraan Christian
Basetsana Maluleka
Pierre Van Vuuren
Eunice Driver
Legae Sehlako
Andile Mthembu
Brandon Barnard
Best Sustainable Fashion
Sama Sama
Lukhanyo Mdingi
Me&B
SELFI
The BAM Collective
GUGUBYGUGU
Yarnh
Mors Design
Best Modelling Agency
ICE Models
Boss Models
Rage Agency
GAPA Model Agency
Blaze Talent
SYNC Model Management
33 and Me Talent Agency
Invade Models
Steele Model Studio
Louis B Model & Talent Management
Best South African Jewellery Brand
Jenna Clifford
Lorne Jewellery
Pichulik
Dear Rae Jewellery
Famke Jewellery
Ida Elsje Jewellery
Meraki Jewellery Design
Kirsten Goss
Charles Greig
Best Streetwear Brand
Artclub and Friends
Galxboy
Boys of Soweto
Cultish
Embedded
Dirtylolli Clothing Brand
Suhu Original
Love Light Godspeed
Butan
Sol-Sol
Best Footwear Brand
Peset
Bathu
Nik’Ana by Lufiano
Hibacci
Yenza Africa
Vaya Footwear
Veldskoen Shoes
Froggie
Best Makeup Artist
Stephy Kwanaite
Nomsa Madida
Nono Linchwe
Bokamoso Dikobe (BK MUA)
Renee de Wit
Precious Xaba
Fanyana Maseko
Vuyo Varoy
In addition, David Tlale will be recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrious career spanning over two decades, while Laduma Ngxokolo (MAXHOSA AFRICA) will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Award, honouring his cultural impact and global recognition.
