DJ Oskido, Sarah Langa and Ciza were amongst the South African stars who received top prizes at this year’s “GQ South Africa’s” Men of the Year (MOTY) ceremony.
The glittering ceremony, which took place in Johannesburg on Thursday, November 11, saw some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports and business winning various accolades.
The GQ SA MOTY Awards recognise individuals who have shaped culture, driven influence and created meaningful impact in South Africa and beyond.
Held at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Morningside, Sandton, the event was an evening of reflection, recognition and a celebration of excellence.
DJ Oskido (real name Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa) received a standing ovation when he was announced as the winner of the The Legend Award.
Wearing an off-white pants and shirt, attendees applauded and cheered as he accepted the award.
Ciza (real name Nkululeko Nciza), whose viral song, “Isaka (6am)” is one of the biggest local hits of 2025, won the Breakout Star Award.
Dressed in a white trousers with a navy shirt, blazer and tie, the 24-year-old joked that he would practice acceptance speeches in his room when he was dreaming of being a star.
Meanwhile, lifestyle content creator and businesswoman Langa won the Editor’s Tribute Award.
Dressed in a black corset top with a long black skirt and gold accessories, Langa said that she was honoured to receive the prize.
“I could never have imagined this when I started off 12 years ago, I have always stayed true to my heart.
Other entertainment stars who received GQ MOTY accolades include musician Sjava who won the Excellence in Music Award and DJ Shimza, who won the Master of Entertainment Award.
While he was not in attendance, he sent a video message, which was played during the ceremony, where he thanked “GQ SA” for the honour while his partner, Athi Geleba was at the event to accept him prize.
Meanwhile, Siya “Silkour” Metane who won the Game Changer Award: Music & Entertainment while Thandiswa Mazwai was the Music Icon Award recipient.
They were all in attendance and they all expressed gratitude for their awards, while also praising South Africans stars and their many achievements.
In other categories, Dr Pitso Mosimane was the recipient of Sports Maverick prize. While he joked about being excited to see Oskido at the event, he also spoke of his pride in winning the award as well as his passion for sports in the country.
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Others stars who received prizes at the intimate affair was Mmuso Potsane who was the Design Trailblazer Award honouree while Sean Barber won the Business Leader Award.
Sekunjalo Chairman Rayhaan Surve said during the award ceremony that South Africa is bursting with talent, referencing Mzansi-born superstar Tyla, the Springboks and other local stars who are trailblazers flying the flag high internationally. He added that this is not a new phenomenon, with the likes of Mafikizolo taking South Africa to the world decades ago.
“The theme of the night is an intimate experience to celebrate all of the winners and all of those who put effort and showed resilience,” Surve told those gathered.
“There is so much of hope in South Africa and so many amazing things happening.”
Surve also urged the star-studded attendees to continue to inspire the next generation.
“Give back in small ways, celebrate those who come next and continue to inspire the next generation with everything you do.”
Meanwhile, GQ SA Editor Molife Kumona also thanked all those gathered for all their incredible contributions and him and his team announced the winners on the night.
Other celebrities who were in attendance included actor Wiseman Zitha, musician Zoe Modiga and Netflix’s “Love and Wine” star Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi who also won the Breakout Star Award.
Now in its seventh year, the event took on a refined and intimate format this year in a bid to honour this year’s distinguished recipients alongside their partners and close friends of the brand.
During the gathering, attendees were entertained by renowned local artist Wandile Mbambeni,who serenaded the crowd while DJ Lebreezy – fresh off her residency at Sandton’s Zioux – rocked the decks.
This year’s event was supported by Huawei Nova 14 Series, Roberto Vino Milano (RV Milano), John Craig, Issey Miyake Parfums, Narciso Rodriguez and Wahl.
Here is the full winner’s list:
Business Leader Award: Sean Barber
Business Leader Award: Sheldon Tatchell
Sport’s Champion Award: Akani Simbine
Sports Trailblazer: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Excellence in Music: Sjava
Master of Entertainment Award: DJ Shimza
Breakout Star Award: Thandolwethu “Olly Zondi”
Breakout Star Award: Nkululeko “Ciza” Nciza
Breakout Star Award: Lindokuhle Sobekwa
Design Trailblazer Award:Mmuso Potsane
Design Trailblazer Award:Maxwell Boko
The Disruptor Award: Paul Siguqa
Game Changer Award: Music & Entertainment: Siya “Silkour” Metane
Editor’s Tribute Award:Relebogile Mabotja
Editor’s Tribute Award: Sarah Langa
The Legend Award: DJ Oskido
Music Icon Award: Thandiswa Mazwai
Sports Maverick: Pitso Mosimane
