Briefly Awards 2025

Recognition of the Best in SA Entertainment

The Briefly News 2025 Entertainment Awards have been launched to recognise and award the most brilliant South African entertainers and personalities.
We will highlight the names who made us laugh and cry, evoked true emotions, made us feel proudly South African and changed Mzansi for the better. But who will become the winner? You will make this choice by voting for your favourite celebrities.
Pick Your Winner
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Influencer of The Year

The Influencer of the Year category celebrates creators who’ve driven trends and sparked meaningful engagement across social media. This award recognises individuals whose creativity, authenticity, and powerful storytelling have made a lasting impact on their audiences.

Corporate Housewife

Nelisile Mkhonto, popularly known as The Corporate Housewife in a content creator whose content focuses on the day-to-day experiences of a professional woman who is also a wife and mother. This includes daily routines, work challenges, family life, and personal vlogs. Nelly also started her NPO, Love In A Bag, an initiative aimed at assisting new mothers with baby essentials.

Yanda Woods

Luyanda Mhlalukwara is an award-winning South African media personality best known for her vibrant presence on social media. She has built a strong following through her fashion-forward content, relatable lifestyle posts, and her growing footprint in the entertainment industry.

Sam Mzingelwa

Sam Mzingelwa is a South African non-binary, queer content creator and HIV-positive advocate known for being open about their identity and journey. They use their platform to share personal stories, mental-health reflections, and promote awareness and acceptance of queer identities and living openly with HIV.

City Makoti

City Makoti, born Anika Dambuza, is a rising South African content creator and social media personality known for her sharp humour, relatable skits, and vibrant online presence. She has quickly built a loyal following with her witty take on everyday South African life, cementing her place as one of the standout young digital creatives in the country.

Titus Mokou

Titus Mokou, better known as Mologadi, is a fun, outspoken South African content creator who’s become a hit online for his hilarious skits and real-talk moments. His bold personality and relatable humour have earned him a solid fanbase, and he’s quickly becoming one of the fresh voices shaking up Mzansi’s social media streets.
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Upcoming Actor of the Year

The Upcoming Actor of the Year category celebrates rising male talents whose standout performances in movies and series have captured the attention and admiration of fans.

Toka Mtabane

Toka Mtabane is known for his compelling screen presence and versatility. Best recognised for his role in Queendom, he has quickly become a fan favourite for his emotional depth and natural delivery.

Khaya Xaba

Khaya Xaba is a South African actor best known for his role as Vusi Kubheka in the popular show Homecoming. He grew up in the industry as one of the standout child stars and has since continued to make waves in the industry.

Siya Xaba

Siya Xaba, full name Siyabonga “Siya” Xaba, is an actor and filmmaker best known for his role as Langa on the popular Mzansi Magic drama series Gomora. After departing Gomora in 2021, Siya expanded his career into writing, producing, and directing.

Lebohang Lephatsoana

Lebohang Lephatsoana is one of the many upcoming actors to look out for in South Africa. He is best known for his breakout role as Tumelo in the teen drama Youngins.

Wonder Ndlovu

Wonder Ndlovu is a rising South African actor best known for his role as Mandla in the Netflix series Go! and as Ntuthuko Gasa on the soap Scandal!. Trained in performing arts, he has quickly gained recognition for his talent, charisma, and promise as one of Mzansi’s next breakout stars.
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Upcoming Actress of the Year

The Upcoming Actress of the Year category celebrates rising female talents whose performances in movies and series have made a strong impact on fans throughout the year.

Noluthando Ngema

Noluthando Ngema is a South African actress known for her versatile roles on TV and stage, admired for her talent and vibrant presence in the entertainment industry.

 Thandolwethu Ngidi

Thandolwethu Ngidi is a South African actress best known for her role as Thembelihle “Lihle” Gasa on the popular soap opera Scandal!. Trained at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre Laboratory, she has also appeared in series like Youngins‑Cemeo and Inimba, establishing herself as a rising talent in local television.

N’kone Mametja

N’kone Mametja is an actress and voice-over artist, known for her roles in Generations: The Legacy and the telenovela Redemption. A versatile performer trained in drama, singing, and dance, she has also earned recognition for her stage work and voice-over projects.

Lethabo Mekoa

Lethabo Mekoa is an award-winning actress best known for her role as Ntswaki on the popular soap Skeem Saam. Born in Pretoria in 2004, she is also a beauty queen, radio co-host, and aspiring producer who inspires young fans through her work in the arts.

Nandipa Khubone

Nandipa Khubone is a South African actress and filmmaker best known for her role as Sibongile “Sbosh” Buthelezi on the hit TV drama Gomora. Trained at the New York Film Academy, she is also pursuing directing and producing, gaining recognition for her versatile talent both on and off screen.
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Couple of the Year

The Couple of the Year category celebrates partners whose love, unity and shared influence have captivated Mzansi throughout the year. This award honours duos whose chemistry, collaboration and positive impact, both online and in their communities, have inspired audiences and left a memorable mark on pop culture.

 Tino Chinyani and Simz Ngema

Tino Chinyani and Simz Ngema share a high-profile relationship that has captured the attention of Mzansi. Known for their public displays of affection on social media, the couple often makes headlines for their sweet interactions and supportive partnership. Fans admire their chemistry, which seems built on mutual respect, love, and a shared passion for their careers.

Kwesta and Yollanda Vilakazi

Kwesta and Yollanda Vilakazi are a high-profile South African couple, married and often celebrated for keeping their relationship strong while balancing their successful careers in music and media.

Bontle Modiselle and Priddy Ugly

Bontle Modiselle and Priddy Ugly share one of South Africa’s most admired celebrity love stories. The couple, who met as teenagers, have been together for over a decade and openly celebrate their journey of growth, loyalty, and partnership. Their relationship is rooted in friendship and mutual support, with both often praising each other’s influence on their personal and professional lives.

Gogo Maweni and Sabelo Mgube

Gogo Maweni and Sabelo Mgube always keep it real. Known for their strong bond and mutual support, this dynamic duo shows us how partnership and loyalty look in action.
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Sports Personality of the Year

The Sports Personality of the Year category celebrates athletes and sports figures who have inspired fans and elevated South African sport over the past year. This award recognises individuals whose exceptional performance, leadership and sportsmanship have not only delivered memorable moments but also made a meaningful impact on supporters and the sporting community.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu is a South African professional rugby player who primarily plays fly‑half for the DHL Stormers and the Springboks. Born in Cape Town in 2002, he is celebrated for his record‑breaking performances and is considered one of South Africa’s rising rugby stars.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. Known for his composure, strength, and maturity on the field, he has quickly risen to become a key player and vice-captain at a young age.

Ayabonga Khaka

Ayabonga Khaka is a South African cricketer known for her skillful right-arm medium-fast bowling. She has represented the South African women’s national team in all formats of the game and is celebrated for her consistency, ability to swing the ball, and key performances in international tournaments.

Prudence Sekgodiso

Prudence Sekgodiso is a South African middle-distance runner who specialises in the 800 m and 1500 m. In 2025, she made history by winning gold in the women’s 800 m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, becoming the first South African woman to claim a world indoor title in the event.

Dricus du Plesis

Dricus du Plessis is a South African mixed martial artist and UFC Middleweight Champion known for his explosive fighting style and relentless work ethic. A former kickboxer with multiple championship titles in EFC and KSW, he made history as the first South African-born UFC champion.
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