With so many incredible photographs to choose from, we were hard-pressed to select 10 that came out tops, and gave you the even more difficult task of voting for the five winning shots.
Now, it's the moment you've all been waiting for – meet our #JacarandaInYourPocket 2025 winners...
1. First prize: @shotsbyaqeel
Congratulations to Shots By Aqeel (@shotsbyaqeel) for taking first place. With a street densely carpeted in jacaranda blooms, it's easy to see why our voters loved this shot.
First prize: A two-night stay for two people in a presidential suite at Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge in Hoedspruit, including full breakfast, a four-course dinner, and a guided nature drive. Complimentary return transfers from Hoedspruit Airport and free parking at the lodge (if arriving in your own vehicle) are included, subject to availability. Valued at R20,000.
This prize is sponsored by Bastion Aviation. The company recently launched its Hoedspruit base, and offers VIP scenic flights and picnics into the Blyde River Canyon.
2. Second prize: @bretto_07
Brett David (@bretto_07) takes second place for his “purple peace and quiet” bench moment.
Second prize: An overnight stay for two at The Leonardo in Sandton, including welcome drinks, breakfast in the Leo Lounge, and access to the Alto234 rooftop bar with additional welcome drinks. Valued at R6,500.
3. Third prize: @petridishza
Third place goes to Petrie Jansen van Vuuren (@petridishza) for a cinematic puddle shot that turns Joburg into a purple dreamscape.
Third prize: A weekend night stay (Friday or Saturday) for two people sharing a VIP King Room at Hyde Hotel, Rosebank, including breakfast, worth R5,000. Plus, a R1,500 voucher to spend at the popular Rosebank Sunday Market. Combined value of R6,500.
4. Fourth prize: @williamward7074
William Ward (@williamward7074) takes fourth place with an intimate nature shot capturing a starling nestled within a jacaranda tree.
Fourth prize: An overnight stay for two people in a stylish one-bedroom apartment at The Capital On Bath hotel in Rosebank, including breakfast, worth R2,565. You will also receive a set of City Sightseeing bus tickets worth R1,535. Combined value of R4,100.
5. Fifth prize: @justjozi
Last but certainly not least, Adam Affuta (@justjozi) secured the fifth and final spot with an urban-meets-nature take on jacaranda season, featuring the famous purple canopies framing one of Joburg’s most iconic landmarks: the Telkom Joburg Tower.
Fifth prize: An overnight stay for two at Radisson RED Rosebank, with breakfast included. Valued at R2,756.
Voters' lucky draw prizes
Thank you to everyone who voted for their favourite photos out of the top 10 finalists. We're sure the winner and four runners-up are grateful too. As a token, we've selected three voters for spot prizes. They are:Jacky Ho: Jacaranda Afternoon Tea for two people, including signature cocktails, at Flames restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Valued at R2,000.
Zesta Mitchell: A voucher for two people for a handcrafted ceramic workshop at Studio Artwave, 44 Stanley. Valued at R1,500.
Richard Ueckermann: Two coffee cupping lesson tickets, along with 1kg of coffee from Bean There Coffee, 44 Stanley. The coffee can either be selected as a variety in 250g bags or as a single 1kg bag. Valued at R1,100.
Winners will be contacted via email.
Huge congratulations to our 2025 winners on their outstanding achievements, and thanks to everyone who entered. We've loved seeing your jacaranda photos this year.
We’re already gearing up for next year, and we’d love you to be part of it. If you’re interested in sponsoring prizes or collaborating on an event for 2026, get in touch. We’re dreaming up a festival to celebrate our 12th year in business and the eighth year of #JacarandaInYourPocket. Send your ideas or proposals to johannesburg@inyourpocket.com.
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