VOTING IS OPEN FOR THEMBISA AWARDS NOMINEES

The nominees for the 2026 Thembisa Awards have officially been revealed, with creatives, entrepreneurs, content creators, artists and other community changemakers recognised across a wide range of categories.

The nominees were announced on 12 September 2026 at Headquarters in Tembisa, setting the stage for another celebration of talent and excellence in the community.

The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on 28 November 2026 at the Moses Molekwana Arts Centre.

Last year, KAE News was crowned Best Influential Media Broadcaster of the Year, following a successful community voting campaign.

This year, nominees are encouraged to rally their supporters and collect votes for their respective categories. Voting is conducted via bank transfer using the Voting Reference Number assigned to each nominee.

Voting closes on 7 November 2026.

For voting details and more information, visit the Thembisa Awards Facebook page.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

BEST ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• TFour Nkweer
• Ezkela Leroskie Doskie
• New Generation Fire Crew
• Dangerous Ivorian Revolutions
• Rising Phoenix Pantsula

BEST HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

• Lindy Lee Zwane
• Lwandile Ndebele
• Dineo Mashigoana
• Kgopotso Monareng
• Tower Hair and Beauty Salon
• The George Hair & Nail Salon

BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Aries Cooper & Cheez Kiddo
• Danki Stan NT
• Lin Del Ani
• Starproofer
• Kleanboy Mhlabawonke
• Malava Lava Inkabi
• Fake Smile MSD

BEST DJ OF THE YEAR

• Bradley DJ
• Ashless SA
• Cousin DJs
• DJ Ghetto HD
• Sizwe Schneider Moffat
• The Real Dolla SA
• Umsholozi Lo
• King Mish
• Maestro
• DJ Sthukza RSA
• Blacktik German

BEST KOTA SPOT OF THE YEAR

• Snack Sama Piano
• Amu’s Kitchen
• Tee Kota
• K’Kitcheners
• Borothong Eatery & Catering

BEST EVENT CONCEPT OF THE YEAR

• Something Live Different Sessions
• Envy League Sessions
• Party with the Groovist
• Beach Party

BEST NAIL TECH OF THE YEAR

• Black Crown Nails
• Nails by Kari
• Tshidi Beauty Nails
• Caron Nails Shapo
• Rammy’s Salon Hair & Nails
• Florah Masombuko
• Khomotso Maphala
• Mamello Zondi
• Palesa Showty Masuku

BEST CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR

• Shamein Unfiltered
• Sparkle Zandile
• Bongiwe Melokuhle
• Rorisang Mohatla
• Happiness Thabile Winpride
• Themba Dlamini
• Lo Wa Ne
• Griezz Alven Mothwa
• Sibusiso Padi
• X Aseza Braces

BEST CLOTHING BRAND OF THE YEAR

• Five Tails
• Bo Dese Fela
• Umshiso Kuphela
• Iphepha Lentokozo
• Lekompo La Matla
• Tlou Clothing Brand
• Kunyeke Clithing Brand

BEST SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• Tumelo Malapa
• Elijah Banda
• Njabulo Mnguni

BEST NPO OF THE YEAR

• Give a Girl a Pad
• Surubele Jones Foundation
• Sello Sa Tlou Youth Development
• Ledwaba’s Kindness Drive
• Tembisa Drug Rehabilitation Movement
• Mfana Ugagan Extra Classes

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

• Q Creative Hub
• Canny Cabby
• Mathokola Matt Mafa
• Malume Zwane
• Eezyshoots Inc
• Sizwe Graphics

BEST MODELLING AGENCY OF THE YEAR

• Face of Courage
• Miss Face of Beauty
• Miss Star Face of Tembisa
• Mr & Mrs Rovers
• K-Mafologela Foundation & Modelling Academy

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

• Ben Mafusa
• Miclo Dias
• Maphela Moloi
• Sfundo Ndlovu
• Tabia Sibiya
• 3 Pixelspd
• Eezyshoots Inc

BEST ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

• Tshireletso Phago
• Vince King Mthakathi
• Kamogelo Makgabo
• Nandipha Nkosi
• Veja Vandal
• Thabiso G Marakalla
• Khensani Mhlongo
• Blessing Natasha
• Thato Makota
• Eugene Tsotso Ferguson

BEST MC OF THE YEAR

• Dakalo Maelo
• Kabelo Maifo
• Shaubrave
• Kageethebest
• Smillow Ke Nna
• Mfana Boss Mayoyo

KAE News wishes all the 2026 Thembisa Awards nominees the very best as they campaign for votes and represent their respective fields.

The countdown to the awards ceremony is officially on.

28 NOVEMBER 2026 | MOSES MOLEKWANA ARTS CENTRE | TEMBISA

Good luck to all the nominees!

Tembisa to the World!