A Big Night for Storytellers: Here’s What You Missed
The 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards have unveiled the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga regional champions, spotlighting an impressive year of storytelling, accountability, and media innovation. With more than 1 330 submissions received nationally—surpassing last year’s 1 200—the competition continues to cement its place as one of South Africa’s most respected journalism honours. The two provinces contributed 168 standout entries, reflecting the strength of newsrooms across the regions.
Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal, said the awards arrive at a critical moment for the industry.
“In an era of AI and digital platforms, credible journalism is crucial. Traditional media holds power accountable and ensures transparency. Vodacom proudly honours excellence in journalism, highlighting its vital role in society and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the media industry.”
Khan also highlighted Vodacom’s massive investment into connectivity across KwaZulu-Natal. More than R1 billion will be channelled into new network sites, mobile modernisation, fibre rollout and energy projects this financial year. A further R100 million will fund 106 new base stations in deep rural areas, helping bridge the digital divide and expanding access to economic opportunities powered by broadband.
Judges Praise High-Calibre Entries
The judging panel—unchanged from last year and chaired by veteran media leader Ryland Fisher—once again had to navigate fierce debate as they assessed the high-quality submissions.
“The judging panel had vigorous debate about the winners because the quality of entrants was once again very good. We extend our gratitude to the panel for their hard work in recognising the country’s top media talent,” said Fisher.
The panel includes respected industry figures such as Arthur Goldstuck, Dr Elna Rossouw, Neo Ntsoma, Patricia McCracken, Advocate Robin Sewlal, Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe and others.
2025 Regional Winners: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga
Each regional winner receives R5 000. The KZN/Mpumalanga winners are:
- Live Reporting / Breaking News: Sakhiseni Nxumalo, News24, “They disappeared one by one’: KZN teen recalls horrific night he lost 3 siblings to deadly floods”
- Investigative: No winner
- Opinion: Nivashni Nair, TimesLIVE – “This is not a movie, it’s our lives”
- Lifestyle: Jayed-Leigh Paulse with Japan Mathebula & Justine Robilliard, SABC – Story on a retired neurosurgeon’s 7 000km charity motorbike journey
- Features: No winner
- Photography: Sandile Ndlovu, TimesLIVE – “Blowing away the blues”
- Sport: Carol Albertyn Christie with Macfarlane Moleli, Ryan Logie & Dan Clayton, Carte Blanche – “Chess for change”
- Financial & Economics: No winner
- Politics: Greg Ardé with Sam Sole, AmaBhungane – “All eyes on ANC bigwigs after NPA bags big witness”
- Sustainability: Tony Carnie, Daily Maverick – “Coal hunters encircle Africa’s first wilderness and rhino sanctuary”
- Innovation in Journalism: No winner
The Young Journalist nominee for the region is Prashalan Govender of The Witness, who will go on to compete for the national Young Journalist of the Year award.
Next Stop: The National Finals
Regional victors now advance to the national stage, where winners, announced on 4 December 2025—will each receive R10 000. The overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year will walk away with R100 000.
The overall Young Journalist of the Year will receive a course of their choice valued at R50 000, supporting their professional growth in the field.