South Africa is making history. The World Fashion Awards, known for celebrating top-tier talent across Europe, Asia, and America, has launched the inaugural South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA), spotlighting the country’s most exceptional designers, models, stylists, and creatives.
At the forefront of this milestone, legendary designer David Tlale will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to his over 20-year career transforming South African fashion with his bold, avant-garde designs.
A Career of Bold Creativity
Tlale’s influence on the local fashion landscape is undeniable. Since launching his namesake label in 2003, he has challenged conventions with dramatic couture and innovative ready-to-wear collections. By 2009, he was already celebrated as Fashion Designer of the Year at the Africa Fashion Awards.
Over the years, Tlale has amassed numerous accolades, including winning the 2003 SAFW Elle New Talent Show Competition and earning a nomination from the Sunday Times as Best New Designer that same year. His work has become synonymous with South African glamour, theatrical elegance, and unapologetic creativity.
Honouring South Africa’s Cultural Impact
Alongside Tlale, Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of MaXhosa Africa, will be recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Award for his dedication to weaving Xhosa heritage into modern fashion, gaining global recognition for South Africa’s cultural richness.
The awards will celebrate excellence across diverse categories including Best Fashion Designer, Best Stylist, Best Model, Best Photographer, Best Sustainable Fashion, and Best Jewellery Brand, among others. Public engagement is at the heart of SAFA, with nationwide voting open via the official platform, Telephonos.
The SAFA 2025 Nominees
From established names like Thebe Magugu, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Rich Mnisi, and Sindiso Khumalo, to rising stars in emerging design such as Katlego Mokwana and Jessica-Anne Shepherd, the nominee list reflects both heritage and innovation in South African fashion.
Other notable categories include:
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Best Stylist: Lethabo “Boogy” Maboi, Don Delicious, Bee Diamondhead
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Best Fashion Influencer: Sarah Langa, Boity Thulo, Bonang Matheba
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Best Female Model: Marie-Noëlle Graobe, Nondumiso Beattie
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Best Sustainable Fashion: Sama Sama, Lukhanyo Mdingi, The BAM Collective
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Best Streetwear Brand: Artclub and Friends, Galxboy, Boys of Soweto
This wide-ranging lineup underscores SAFA’s mission to celebrate talent from every corner of the fashion ecosystem—from streetwear innovators to high-fashion visionaries.
Event Details
The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 will take place on October 4 at Hotel Sky, Sandton, a venue befitting the glamour and prestige of this first-of-its-kind national celebration.
With public voting, attendees, and nominees coming together, SAFA 2025 promises to be not only a showcase of style but a celebration of South Africa’s creative spirit, cultural heritage, and global influence.
As the country’s fashion pioneers, from David Tlale to rising designers, prepare to take centre stage, one thing is clear: South African fashion is not just surviving, it’s thriving, and the world is watching.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: The South African