Minister McKenzie will be nominated along with Icebolethu Funeral Home and entrepreneur Kgomotso Seboko.
Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has earned two nominations at this year's Feather Awards, in the Socialite and Diva Extraordinaire of the Year categories.
The socialite category recognizes people who are “seen every time they open an envelope or pull up a stop sign,'' and no one in the United National Unity Government has ever been a member of the cabinet who spews abusive language.
This year's Feather Awards, themed “Borderless Existence”, will be held in November and will be hosted by Dineo Langa, Kaya Dladla and Andiswa Gebashe.
“This year, we are focusing on inclusivity and reminding ourselves that communities thrive when all voices are heard and celebrated,” said Tami Cotrolo, co-founder of the award. said.
“We are committed to pushing boundaries and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.”
Established in 2008 by LGBTQIA+ rights activists Cotrolo and Joe Correira, the award will be in its 16th year in 2024.
Also read: Lebo M wins this year's drama queen
socialites
Most recently, McKenzie joined the players lifting the Southern Hemisphere tournament trophy when the Springboks confirmed their status as Rugby Championship champions in Mbombela over the weekend.
The minister will be named alongside Aisbolethu funeral director and entrepreneur Kgomotso Seboko. Icebolethu Funerals appears to have become the unofficial go-to company for South African celebrities' funeral arrangements.
As far back as 2021, Icebolethu was in charge of the funeral of Amapiano artist Sakile “Killer Cow” Hlatswayo, and more recently, a few weeks ago, of the memorial service and funeral of Zahara, Connie Chiume and poet Jessica Mbangeni. did.
Seboko, a fashion show producer and award-winning modeling coach, is a key figure in the event. He recently attended Paris Fashion Week in France.
In the extraordinary diva category, Mr MacKenzie was nominated alongside Dr Naledi Pandor, newly appointed chair of the board of trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Another candidate is actress Ntati Moshesh.
Also read: “It's shocking to see Israel's lack of compassion for human life” – Pandor
the feathers
The nominees for this year's award have been described as embodying creativity, courage and resilience in the face of societal challenges.
This was reflected harshly in the South African government's nomination to bring genocide charges against the Israeli government to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) late last year.
South Africa's Rag Team was nominated in the Role Model of the Year category, along with Kgotasso Montjane, the first black South African woman to win Wimbledon, and HIV/AIDS and LGBTQI activist John Meretse.
“In recognizing the nominees, we celebrate the power of all individuals, regardless of ability, background or identity, who have contributed to the rich and diverse landscape of our society,” Cotorolo said.
Other notable nominees include Nala Smith, who was recognized in the Drama Queen category;
Thandiswa Mazwai was surprisingly left out of the Musician of the Year category after Zoe Modiga, Young Stunna, Titom & Juppe and Eek.
Although Mazwai last won the Simon Nkoli Award for his advocacy for the queer community, he had a stellar year musically.
She released her long-awaited album, toured the United States, and performed at the Tiny Desk Concert.
This year's Simon Nkoli Award is presented to Felipe Mazibuko in recognition of his contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community and the broader social fabric of the fashion world.
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