Darling we have a winner

Yaya Mavundla walks away with  socialite of the year at the Feather Awards 10.

Yaya Mavundla with her award: Picture by Lerato Dumse

It was a deserving win for a friend, a sister and one of my  customers, Yaya Mavundla at the Feather Awards 2018.

In its tenth year, the glitzy event held at Johannesburg City Hall also paid tribute to the work done by the  late struggle and gay activist, Simon Nkoli. Flanked by brave beauties as she went on stage to except the award, Mavundla-a proudly transgender woman- said being named a socialite of the year  

was not only about her being on the list of every glitzy event but it was all about being visible as a transwoman.

I've known Yaya for a while now, I first saw her during an interview with eNCA reporter, Nontobeko Sibisi and I loved her from the distance. Despite all the gossip, the mockery and name calling she just went on to live her most purposeful life. In the year 2018, I got closer to Mavundla, as friends we  shared a lot about life and she has given me advise on many things.  I have witnessed first hand the effort she puts in whenever she attends an event. From putting on her make-up, to choosing the right hair, outfit and shoes just to make sure she looks presentable for every red carpet moment.  I have also witnessed how people who know nothing about being trans, gay or lesbian treated her. To name but a few examples, recently when she was at Multichoice office in Randburg a well known actor who has been harassing her at events caused a scene when he saw her. He intimidated her and told security not to allow her in the building because she is gay. Just last Sunday, one of the national tabloid newspapers saw it fit to refer to her as a man. This despite the writer and some senior reporters in that newsroom knowing she is openly trans.

These are two most recent incident but there are many more that she can pen down.

I was  both happy and proud on Thursday. From the day she was nominated, I dreamt of the day she will walk on that stage to grab the recognition she deserve. The category itself was  highly contested with the Modiselle sisters and Dr Smile also nominated in the same category. I'm so glad that her first ever award came from an event which recognize the work done by those in the LGBTIQ+ community.

The event itself did not disappoint at all when it came to entertainment or lets just say when Thami Dish knows how to treat guests. He made sure all his guests are entertained from the red carpet moment to the actual event, the Feather Awards ceremony. The event kicked off with a dramatic performance by amongst many artist, Kelly Khumalo. This beautiful mother of two and  strong woman was joined by transgender women on stage and through out the evening, Khumalo was in the arms of her new men. Idols judge and the  most famous gay in South Africa, Somizi Mhlongo was the MC for the night. The veteran entertainer left threw shades at the it girl whose name is now not worth a mention. While his  lover was watching him do his magic from the balcony of the hall. The event this year  also received a message of support from our president, Cyril Ramaphosa. We also spotted former Miss South Africa and now businesswoman, Basetsane Khumalo. You would swear aunt Bassie and aunt Khanyi Dlomo knows and uses an anti aging cream. Khumalo looked stunning in a black beaded glittery dress.

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Yaya is also the founder of Mzansi Pride. The annual event will be held in its fourth year will take place on the 24th of this month at Newtown Precinct Park

Feather Awards 10 nominees pic Supplied

The first neck piece we did for Yaya was a transflag

Pic Zanele Mholi