National Press Club Calls for Entries: Journalist of the Year Competition
The National Press Club (NPC), in partnership with North-West University (NWU), is inviting its members to submit entries for the prestigious Journalist of the Year competition 2024. This annual event celebrates journalistic excellence, integrity, and the role of the media in upholding democracy.
Journalists, photographers, presenters, producers, and media liaison officers are encouraged to enter before the deadline on 4 April 2025.
A Platform for Excellence
NPC acting chairperson Antoinette Slabbert emphasizes the competition’s commitment to recognizing outstanding journalism and the accessibility of dedicated spokespersons. “We stand for journalistic integrity as well as excellence in this noble craft, while we also seek to celebrate our diligent and accessible spokespersons.”
Slabbert also acknowledged the growing popularity of these awards and expressed gratitude to North-West University for its unwavering support of media freedom and plurality of voices in South Africa.
Prestigious Awards Ceremony
The winners will be honored at the Newsmaker of the Year function, one of the NPC’s most significant annual events. This year, the event is set to be particularly special, with the Government of National Unity named as the 2024 Newsmaker of the Year.
The Importance of Journalism in Democracy
Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of NWU, underscored the essential role of journalism in shaping leadership legitimacy and public opinion. “Last year, South Africa once again demonstrated that we are a country where democracy thrives. We need measures of accountability, and we applaud your steadfast approach to ensuring honesty and transparency in all spheres of society.”
Competition Categories
The competition spans 11 categories across print, digital, and broadcast media:
Print & Digital
News
Features/Investigative Journalism
Photography
Broadcast Media
Radio News
Radio Features/Investigative/Actuality
TV News
TV Features/Investigative/Actuality
TV Cameraperson
Community Journalism
Print/Digital
Radio Features/Investigative/Actuality
Media Liaison Officer of the Year
This category recognizes spokespersons who demonstrate excellence, outstanding communication skills, accessibility, and helpfulness. The winner will be chosen by the NPC committee.
Prizes and Recognition
Each category winner will receive a cash prize sponsored by NWU. Additionally, an overall Journalist of the Year will be selected from all categories (excluding media liaison officer), earning a grand prize of R10,000.
“This continued partnership with NWU is a testament to their commitment to recognizing and celebrating the fourth estate,” Slabbert adds.
How to Enter
To participate, ensure your NPC membership is up to date. For new members, a discounted membership fee of R250 is available until 4 April 2025, valid until December 2025.
🔗 Submit your entry before 4 April 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized for your contribution to journalism and media excellence!