JUDGES DECIDE ON THE FINALISTS OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE STANDARD BANK SIKUVILE JOURNALISM AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

04 JUNE 2025

JUDGES DECIDE ON THE FINALISTS OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE STANDARD BANK SIKUVILE JOURNALISM AWARDS

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), in partnership with Standard Bank, the proud sponsor of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, is delighted to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2025 awards. This announcement follows a rigorous judging process of exceptional journalistic talent nationwide.

Journalists from all corners of South Africa submitted their finest work, published or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The call for entries, which officially opened in early February and closed in April, garnered significant interest, showcasing the vibrant state of South African journalism.

This year, 437 entries were received. While this number is down from last year’s 573, the judges noted that a significant portion of these were comprehensive bodies of work. Consequently, the actual number of items viewed, read, and listened to amounted to a substantial 638, compared to 655 in the previous year.

A particularly encouraging development highlighted by the judging panel was the incredible progress in the quality of entries from community media. This signals a sector performing commendable work, as evidenced by the high calibre of submissions. We must encourage more community media journalists to enter the competition next year,” stated Lizeka Mda, convenor of the judges and veteran journalist, emphasising the importance of their participation.

In a significant evolution for the awards, the highly popular Features category has been separated into broadcast (radio, TV, and multimedia documentaries) and print/online entries for the first time. This change, long advocated by the judges, will see two winners receiving awards, one for each media platform, ensuring more focused recognition of excellence.

Sanef and Standard Bank extend their heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges for their dedication and invaluable contribution to this significant industry initiative. Their expertise and commitment ensure the continued prestige and integrity of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

The esteemed judges are: Lizeka Mda (convenor), Tyrone August, Kim Cloete, Ryland Fisher, Pippa Green, Portia Kobue, Thabo Leshilo, Nomsa Mdhluli, Ruth Motau, Andile Ntingi, Neo Ntsoma, Sue Olswang, Mary Papayya, Bulelwa Payi, Gus Silber, and Beauregard Tromp.

The list of finalists represents the pinnacle of journalistic achievement in South Africa over the past year. Sanef and Standard Bank congratulate all the finalists on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to celebrating their outstanding contributions to journalism at the gala event in Johannesburg on June 28th.

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director/071 682 3695 – [email protected]

Hopewell Radebe – Projects Manager/ 083 582 1734 – [email protected]

Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Coordinator/Administrator – 079 029 7656 – [email protected]