South African reality TV personality Happy Simelane has been named Reality TV Star of the Year at the 6th edition of the Africa Choice Awards, held in Lagos, Nigeria. The recognition marks another career highlight for Simelane, who continues to be a major presence in South African popular culture.
The Africa Choice Awards, hosted annually by Vergeria Life Magazine, is one of the continent’s most respected events celebrating talent in television, film, and digital entertainment. Now in its sixth year, the awards aim to spotlight African creatives who are shaping the media industry across the continent and abroad.
Simelane, who rose to fame through reality television, has steadily built a public profile beyond the screen. She’s an author, a businesswoman, and a philanthropist, known for supporting young women and education initiatives in South Africa. Her approach to storytelling — often direct, emotional, and relatable — has kept her relevant in a genre that thrives on both entertainment and authenticity.
Her latest win reflects how reality TV has become a powerful space for self-expression and cultural influence. While Simelane hasn’t made a formal statement about the award, she acknowledged the honour on social media with a simple post that read: “Grateful.”
As South African figures continue to be recognised on broader African stages, Simelane’s award underscores her role not just as a TV personality, but as a growing force in entertainment and social influence.