The 9th Annual Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025, held during Women’s Month under the theme Pastels, proudly celebrated ordinary women in KwaZulu-Natal who continue to make extraordinary contributions through their passion, excellence, and commitment to community and professional work – often reaching beyond the borders of KZN.
With a consistent rise in both the volume and quality of nominations over the years, the 2025 edition of the Shero Awards lived up to its promise of being the most inspiring to date. Hosted at the prestigious Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, and led by The Lift Off’s charismatic Njabs Zwane as Master of Ceremonies, the event showcased twelve award categories through which Gagasi FM listeners nominated their Shero – the woman who inspires them most.
Winners of the 9th Annual Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025 (in no particular order):
- Big Business Professional: Dr. Sibu Lubelwana
- Creative Arts: Hlengiwe Ngubane
- Community Leadership: Zamambo Mkhize
- Education: Prof. Nokuthula Sibiya
- Entertainment & Music: Philisiwe Madisa
- Enterprise: Samkelisiwe Sithole
- KZN Ambassador: Phakamile Mazibuko
- Public Service: Nkosingiphile Biyase
- Science & Technology: Sanele Ndlovu
- Sport: Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Social Entrepreneurship: Thandekile Mabhida
A defining highlight of the annual ceremony is the Lifetime Achievement Shero Award, which honours a woman whose profound impact has shaped her industry and South African society at large. This year, Gagasi FM proudly bestowed this prestigious accolade upon Deli Malinga, the Umlazi-born actress whose career spans decades of influence and artistry in the local entertainment industry.
Malinga’s body of work reflects dedication, resilience, and an enduring passion for storytelling. She has captivated audiences through iconic productions including:
Generations, Umkhokha: The Curse, Jozi Streets, Mponeng, Gaz’lam, Mfolozi Street, Home Affairs, Broken Vows, eKasi: Our Stories, Greed & Desire, Imbewu, Jacob’s Cross, iNkaba, Isibaya, Lingashoni, Saints and Sinners, Single Galz, The Queen, and many more.
In her emotional acceptance note, Malinga expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“What a feeling to be recognized at home, which meant to me, we see you,” she shared, acknowledging the significance of receiving recognition from her own community.
“Whoever doubted God should look at me and follow my story. God is alive.”
Each year, the Shero Awards receive countless heartfelt nominations, underscoring the invaluable role women play in shaping communities across KZN. The awards are not only about fame or recognition – they are about amplifying voices, celebrating resilience, and honouring the extraordinary journeys of ordinary women.
Thank You to Our Partners
Gagasi FM extends heartfelt appreciation to its proud sponsors – Château Gâteaux, Perfect Choice, and Deluxe Laser & Aesthetics – whose support elevated this year’s awards. A special thank you also goes to all attendees, who embraced the Pastels theme and brought glamour, grace, and unity to the evening.
The 9th Annual Gagasi FM Shero Awards 2025 was more than just a celebration – it was a powerful reminder of the impact of women who inspire change, uplift communities, and embody excellence in every sphere of life.
