David Tlale receives a prestigious award at the Feathers

They got awards for being fabulous in various ways. This year's Feather Awards have come and gone and celebrities and media personalities celebrated in style at the Market Theatre in Newtown Johannesburg.

Celebrities Wiseman Zitha, Khanyi Mbau, and Johanna Mukoki walked off with the pink diamond.

President Cyril Ramaphosa showed his support to the LGBTQI community by giving a virtual vote of thanks to those who have helped to shape South Africa by sharing their knowledge and congratulating the nominees.

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka received the African Feather Award.

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The son of late entertainer Vinolia Mashego, Oratile “Coachella Randy” Mashego won the Social Media Personality of the Year Award which he dedicates to his mother. 

“I was doing skits and I did not know what I was doing, and I sent my mother just one video, she couldn’t stop laughing and she drove home. She told me that was going to be a star, three days later she left me and died,” says Oratile. “So when you see me, you see Vinolia Mashego.“

International fashion designer David Tlale (46) was awarded the Simon Nkoli Award for his extensive contribution to the LGBTIQ community and in the world of fashion design.

“David is an inspiration, he carved the way for young designers, and we need to show him the appreciation he deserves,” says Feather founder Thami Kotlolo. 

David says it’s an honour to be recognised while still alive.  

“Who would have thought that a designer from Vosloorus would make it to the world. Those dusty streets of Voslorus made me,” he says. 

In his speech he thanked family, friends, colleagues, and supporters.

“I want to thank my team. I started a one-man show in my backyard in Vosloorus. I then built a two-room house with one sewing machine and had to be the fashion designer, pattern maker, fashion buyer, machinist, and everything else. I bless those days because the House of David Tlale now employs 47 people,” he says. 

“I am grateful for the journey, the hard times and difficult times where I wanted to give up,” he adds.

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