Ten South African designers and manufacturers have earned top honours in the country’s premier platinum jewellery awards!
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 November 2026) – The winners of the 2026 PlatAfrica Awards have been announced – a selection of established jewellers and students have taken top honours!
In the world of platinum jewellery design and manufacturing, the PlatAfrica Awards is South Africa’s premier competition that celebrates South African jewellers who show creativity, craftsmanship and beneficiation.
Each year, participants are challenged to design and manufacture finished products from platinum. Each of the participants design and make a custom piece around a shared concept.
For this year’s edition, the theme was ‘Equilibrium’, which challenged entrants to explore different contrasts like strength and delicacy, or tradition and innovation.
The competition has two main tiers. There is the Professional Category for established jewellers, and the Student & Apprentice Category for emerging talent. Finalists also compete for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by public vote.
The entries were judged by Josh Helmich, a third-generation jewellery entrepreneur and consultant who served at several leading jewellery companies before founding Helmich Luxury Group. Joining him is Tai Wong, who has worked with Platinum Guild International in China for more than 13 years, partnering with jewellery manufacturers and retailers around the world.
The winner who took first place in the Professional category this year was Walter Pienaar from Carat Jewellers! Aimee Bredenkamp and her team from Mark Solomon Jewellers came second, and Nihal Shah from Vijay Shah Concepts was third. Samantha Vincent and Songezo Baleni from Durban University of Technology placed fourth.
In the Student & Apprentice category, Shane Field from Aurum Design won first place. Vhutali Mudau from Cape Peninsula University of Technology was second, Wesley Fransman from Prins & Prins was third, and Berlize Groenewald from Rene Honeyman Jewellery was fourth.
The People’s Choice Award went to Mongameli Obed Thafeni from Thuto Jewellery Workshop, while ERRE was named Fashion Designer of the Night!
Winners receive cash prizes and industry recognition, along with the chance to display their work on international stages. Top pieces are often featured at trade events like Jewellex Africa, and at international exhibitions.
Mama Haus Wins Season Two of My Incredible Business Competition
South Africans Raise R38.4 Million in 12 Hours to Change Lives!
by 
