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June 15 2026

Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards announce 2026 finalists as judges praise the exceptional quality of entries.

Date: 15 June 2026

The South African National Editors’ Forum and Standard Bank are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a prestigious gala ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026, in Johannesburg.

This year’s competition attracted more than 400 entries from journalists and media practitioners across South Africa, reaffirming the enduring strength, resilience, and relevance of quality journalism in the country.

The judging panels described the 2026 competition as one of the most fiercely contested in recent years, with the overall quality of submissions surpassing previous editions of the awards. In several categories, judges found themselves engaged in lengthy and robust deliberations as they attempted to separate outstanding work from exceptional work.

The challenge was particularly evident in the Business Journalism, Investigative Journalism, and Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year categories, where six finalists were shortlisted in each category due to the remarkably high standard of entries received.

Similarly, the Features, Features Photography, and Sports Photography categories each produced five finalists, reflecting the depth of talent and excellence displayed by journalists and photographers throughout the country.

Judges remarked that reaching consensus on the finalists and eventual winners was no easy task. In many instances, the margins separating the leading entries were exceptionally narrow, resulting in rigorous debate and careful consideration before final decisions could be reached.

“The quality of work submitted this year demonstrates that South African journalism continues to produce impactful, courageous and innovative reporting despite the many challenges facing the profession. Several categories were so competitive that judges wrestled extensively with their decisions, with outstanding entries narrowly missing out on finalist positions,” said the convener judge Dr Dinesh Balliah, also the director at the Wits Centre for Journalism at Wits University.

While the awards celebrate excellence, the judging process also highlighted areas requiring further development. After careful consideration, the judges decided not to award winners in the Indigenous Language Reporting category and the Publisher/Manager of the Year category. The decision was based on the absence of entries that met the standard of excellence expected of the Sikuvile Awards.

The organisers expressed hope that media houses and journalists will seize future opportunities to strengthen participation and raise the quality of submissions in these categories.

“We have been proud partners of the Sikuvile Awards for over 15 years, and we are encouraged by this year’s excellent interest demonstrated in the sizeable number of entries. The finalists represent some of the country’s finest journalistic talent and embody the critical role of journalism in informing the public, strengthening democracy, and holding power to account,” says Virginia Magapatona, Group Head of Communications at Standard Bank.

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards remain South Africa’s premier journalism awards programme, recognising excellence in reporting, storytelling, photography, commentary, innovation, and leadership in the media sector.

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026, in Johannesburg.

The full list of finalists is here: Sikuvile Awards 2026 Finalists-15 June 2026 -FINAL

About the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards recognise and encourage outstanding journalistic work across South Africa. Over the years, the awards have become a cornerstone of excellence in the profession, highlighting the essential role the media plays in strengthening democracy.

The South African National Editors’ Forum has organised the awards since taking over the responsibility from Publishers’ Support Services (formerly PDMSA). The awards celebrate excellence across all media platforms, including print, digital/online, radio, television, and photojournalism.

Contact Information For further inquiries, please contact the SANEF Secretariat:

Reggy Moalusi (Executive Director): 071 682 3695 | [email protected]
Hopewell Radebe (Projects Manager): 083 582 1734 | [email protected]
Dzudzie Netshisaulu (Coordinator): 079 029 7656 | [email protected]

February 1 2026

SANEF Opens Entries for the 2026 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

Dzudzie News

Date: 02 February 2026

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is pleased to announce that the 2026 edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards is now officially open. These prestigious awards recognise outstanding journalistic achievement across print, digital, and broadcast platforms.

Eligibility and Deadlines

The 2026 awards will honour work published or broadcast by South African media between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
Submissions must be received by no later than Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Please note that due to the intensive adjudication process required to maintain the highest standards of evaluation, no extensions to this deadline will be granted. The winners will be celebrated at a gala ceremony in June 2026 at a venue in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Upholding the Integrity of the Fourth Estate

Now in its fifth year under the stewardship of SANEF, the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards serve as a cornerstone of media excellence in South Africa. In an era characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation, these awards reaffirm the vital importance of accurate, ethical, and courageous reporting. We continue to shine a spotlight on the journalists who safeguard our democracy through truthful storytelling.

ALL ENTRIES in ALL CATEGORIES published in languages other than English must include subtitles or a transcript in English.

2026 Award Categories

Please consult the entry information pack for details and rules in every category:

We invite submissions from journalists in the following categories:

• Hard News: Breaking stories and frontline reporting.
• Indigenous Language Reporting: Celebrating proactive reporting in South Africa’s Indigenous languages within community-specific contexts.
• Community Reporting: Focused on hyper-local issues and grassroots narratives published by members of the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), or similar organisations.
• Investigative Journalism: In-depth reporting that uncovers systemic issues.
• Business Journalism: Insightful coverage of the financial and economic sectors.
• Features: Separate awards are now offered for Print/Online and Broadcast platforms.
• Lifestyle: Exceptional coverage of culture, leisure, and society.
• Columns/Editorials: Excellence in opinion-based journalism and analysis.
• Visual Journalism: Including editorial cartoons and graphic layouts.
Photography: (Consult the entry information pack)
• News Photographs
• Feature Photographs
• Sports Photographs
• Manager/Publisher of the Year: Recognising leadership in the newsroom (requires a motivation letter).
Special Judges’ Awards
• Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Honouring the industry’s most promising emerging talent.
• Journalist of the Year: The top accolade for exemplary contribution to the craft.
• The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognising sustained excellence and impeccable ethics throughout a distinguished career.

Submission Process

Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to download declaration forms from the website www.sikuvileawards.co.za

We kindly request that all forms be digitally completed or typed to assist with legibility and accurate record-keeping. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted.

Submit the entries via email, together with the forms and samples of the stories, to [email protected].

Detailed submission guidelines and category requirements are available at the official website: www.sikuvileawards.co.za.

Contact Information: For further inquiries, please get in touch with the SANEF Secretariat:

• Reggy Moalusi (Executive Director): 071 682 3695 | [email protected]
• Hopewell Radebe (Projects Manager): 083 582 1734 | [email protected]
• Dzudzie Netshisaulu (Coordinator): 079 029 7656 | [email protected]

June 29 2025

Standard Bank and Sanef congratulate the winners of the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

Dzudzie News

29 June 2025

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), in partnership with Standard Bank, the proud sponsor of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, extends congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, which took place last night at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

The evening celebrated journalistic excellence and integrity, recognising the brave, ethical, and impactful work done by South African journalists across print, digital, broadcast, and multimedia platforms.

A special and hearty congratulation goes to Kyle Cowan of News24, named Journalist of the Year. The judges praised Cowan’s exceptional investigative reporting on the 18 March 2023 assassinations of Cloete and Thomas Murray, a father-and-son liquidation team, calling it “remarkable in both ability and tenacity.” The story uncovered key details from police sources and exposed the broader implications of corruption and organised crime. “This underscores the critical role good sources play in investigative journalism,” said the panel.

The Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year Award went to Buyeleni Sibanyoni of AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, whose piece “Joburg awards R263-million water tanker tender to two 20-somethings” exposed red flags including price manipulation, collusion, and irregular tender allocations. The judges hailed the story for its sophistication and the journalist’s promise for future excellence.

The Allan Soga/Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon veteran journalist Phil Mtimkulu for his decades-long commitment to media freedom and the democratic cause. From apartheid-era resistance journalism, the panel said Mtimkulu’s contribution reflects the finest standards of integrity and craftsmanship.

Sanef’s chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, in his address, noted that the global media landscape has become increasingly perilous for journalists. He said that according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 129 journalists and media workers were killed in 2023, and another 122 in 2024. These brave individuals were not only reporting from a war zone but were often targeted, labelled partisans, and tragically, many were killed along with their families.

He highlighted the central theme of the awards, ‘Guardians of Democracy: Upholding Integrity in a Changing World’, saying journalists must continue serving the public interest through fearless storytelling, safeguard their integrity, and hold fast to the ideals of their craft. “Let us raise our voices against impunity, demand accountability for those who target journalists, and advocate for stronger protections against all forms of threats, old and new.”

Margaret Nienaber, Chief Operating Officer of Standard Bank, praised the profession, saying: “Even in a sea of noise, it is your voice that brings clarity. Even in an age of speed, it is your integrity that brings trust. Journalism isn’t just about reach, it’s about responsibility — about asking the hard questions, telling the hard truths, and standing firm when it matters most.”

The awards ceremony also received a heartfelt message from Standard Bank’s chief executive officer, Sim Tshabalala, who could not attend, telling journalists that “the work you do is so important, and we recognise and value you for it. The independent, serious press – staffed by brave and critical thinkers like yourselves, is essential to shaping opinion and strengthening democracy in South Africa and beyond.”

The 2025 Sikuvile Awards not only celebrated individual excellence but reaffirmed the profession’s collective responsibility in telling the truth, challenging power, and shaping a better society.

List of categories and winners:

1. Hard News	WINNER: Norman Masungwini City Press “South Africa’s worst City Manager” RUNNER-UP: Ziyanda Zweni and Sino Majangaza Daily Dispatch “Dying of thirst in democracy” COMMENDATION: Lisalee Solomons and Nicole McCain News 24 “‘Please help us get out’: Trapped survivor speaks from beneath rubble of collapsed George building”
2. Indigenous Language Reporting	WINNER: Cleopatra Jones SABC’s Cutting Edge “Human Dumping Site” RUNNER-UP: Dennis Tshetlhane SABC’s Leihlo la Sechaba “Love Scams” COMMENDATION: Raymond Mojapelo – SABC’s Leihlo La Sechaba: “Moretshe” Vukosi Mathonsi – SABC’s Ngula ya Vutivi: “Sassa R350”
3. Community Service Reporting	WINNER: Tammy Jane Fray GO! & Express “Maternity ward mayhem” RUNNER-UP: Thembi Siaga Limpopo Mirror “Unregistered school in Mpheni may soon be closed” COMMENDATION: Shanti Jafta – UD Express: “Lapland residents demand liveable homes”
4. Investigative Journalism	WINNER: Kyle Cowan News24 “Murray Murders” RUNNERS-UP: 1. Pieter-Louis Myburgh Daily Maverick “Ghost company bags R428-million Oxygen plants tender for state hospitals” 2. Devi Govender eNCA “Boys and Girls Town” (1 and 2) COMMENDATION: Dewald van Rensburg – AmaBhungane: “The #Laundry: City of Gold” Nicky Troll – Carte Blanche: “Black Gold”
5. Business Journalism	WINNER: Kabelo Khumalo Business Day “Mystery of former Remgro director’s elusive PhD” RUNNER-UP: Lyse Comins Mail & Guardian “SABC’s Manas is ‘heartbroken’ over deepfake adverts” COMMENDATION: Mpho Lakaje – eNCA: “Recycling – From Trash to Treasure”
6. Features (Print)	WINNER: Sean Christie GroundUp “Follow the Water” RUNNER-UP: Giulietta Talevi Currency “The great Joburg art grift” FINALIST: Don Pinnock – Daily Maverick: “Hunting the Joule”
Features (Broadcast)	WINNER Luke Daniel and Marvin Charles News24 “No Place to call Home” RUNNER-UP: Taryn Crossman Carte Blanche “Kidnapping Crisis” FINALIST: Cleopatra Jones – SABC: “Victims of Hope”
7. Lifestyle	WINNER: Charles Leonard Mail & Guardian “The Islamic roots of Afrikaans” RUNNER UP: Mervyn Naidoo IOL Daily News “Warrior in the Comrades ‘bus driver’ seat” COMMENDATION: Theunis Strydom – Currency: “Grazing through Uruguay’s beefy heritage”
8. Columns/Editorials	WINNER: Garth Theunissen News24 “Mr Kganyago, scary inflation isn’t under your bed, it’s in the Union Buildings” RUNNERS-UP: Shirley de Villiers Currency “Lesufi’s R200bn flight of fancy” Sisonke Mlamla Daily Dispatch “Tragic food poisoning cases demand urgent action” COMMENDATIONS: Don Pinnock – Daily Maverick: “Trading in wild things: Major rethink required, for biodiversity’s sake” Zongile Nhlapo – EWN: “Black women on SA TV – if they’re not victims of paedophilia, their private parts are on misogyny blast” Willemien Brummer – Netwerk24: “Hoekom vier ons nie ons plooie en warmgloede nie?”
9. Visual journalism (Editorial cartoons & graphic layout)	WINNER: Jeff Wicks, Alex Patrick and Sharlene Rood News24 “Final Footsteps: the Kirsten Kluyts Murder” RUNNER-UP: Themba Siwela The Citizen “30 Years of Democracy” COMMENDATIONS: Jonathan Shapiro – Daily Maverick: “The Gnu Dawn” Brandan Reynolds – Business Day: Body of work
10. News Photographs	WINNER: Siphiwe Sibeko Reuters “Unrest in Mozambique Following Disputed Elections” RUNNER-UP: Lulama Zenzile Netwerk24 “Hoe lank nog?” COMMENDATION: Melinda Stuurman Netwerk24 “Floyd Shivambu quits EFF for MK”
11. Feature Photographs	WINNER: Lulama Zenzile Netwerk24 “Mens en dier op knieë langs dieselfde damme” RUNNER-UP: Felix Dlangamandla Daily Maverick “Down in the River to Pray: Good Friday Baptism ceremony at the Klipriver bridge” SPECIAL COMMENDATION: Luke Daniel News24 “ON THE ROAD: No water, toilets and electricity but Lourierpark occupiers hope they can call it home.”
12. Sports Photographs	WINNER: Theodore Jeptha Netwerk24 “Handre Pollard Flying” RUNNER-UP: Lefty Shivambu Gallo Images “Flying high to score a goal” COMMENDATIONS: 1. Deaan Vivier, Netwerk24 “Leeus-breier skud kop oor besluit om nie in doodsnikke uit te skop” 2. Ettienne van Rensburg, Vaalweekblaad “SA se beste landlopers gekroon”
13. Manager/Publisher of the Year	WINNER: Dunisani Ntsanwisi

Further information:

Sanef:

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]

June 4 2025

Judges Decide on the Finalists of the 2025 Edition of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

Dzudzie News

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.

Further information:

Sanef:

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]

April 1 2025

Deadline Extended for Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards Submissions

Dzudzie News

01 April 2025

It’s no April’s Fool joke, the deadline for the entries to the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards has been extended.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has decided to extend the deadline and allow those who missed yesterday’s deadline to enter.

Journalists who may have missed the initial deadline on 31 March 2025 now have another golden opportunity to submit their outstanding work for consideration. The new submission deadline is next Monday, 7 April 2025.

Sane officially opened the call for entries on 3 February 2025, inviting journalists across South Africa to showcase their exemplary work published or broadcast between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024. The awards celebrate journalistic excellence across various media platforms, including print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV).

Winning journalists will be honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony scheduled for 28 June 2025 at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

About the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards serve as a beacon of excellence, recognising outstanding journalism that informs, educates, and holds power to account. Over the years, these awards have become a cornerstone of journalistic recognition, reinforcing the media’s critical role in South Africa’s democracy.

SANEF is proud to organise the awards for the fourth consecutive year, continuing the legacy previously upheld by the Publishers’ Support Services (formerly PDMSA). The awards highlight exceptional work in categories such as investigative journalism, feature writing, lifestyle journalism, and photojournalism.

Upholding Journalism Standards

At a time when misinformation and disinformation pose serious challenges, the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards reaffirm the importance of accurate, fact-based, and ethical reporting. The awards honour the integrity and courage of journalists who strive to uncover the truth and keep the public informed.

SANEF encourages all eligible journalists who have not yet submitted their entries to take advantage of this extended deadline.

For more information on the submission process, please visit the www.sikuvileawards.co.za website or contact Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Coordinator/Administrator, email: [email protected]

Award Categories

Entries are invited from journalists across all platforms for the following categories:

Hard News
Indigenous Language Reporting in Community Media: This category has been refined to entail news articles/broadcasting clips that are the result of proactive reporter enterprise. It is distinct from breaking news and represents stories initiated by the newsroom. Entrants should submit journalistic work that was produced using any of South Africa’s Indigenous languages across media segments, particularly meant to speak to the community the journalists work.
Community Service Reporting: This category has been remodelled to highlights hyper-local issues crafted from a community interest perspective, to inform, educate, and build resilient communities by amplifying grassroots narratives that matter. These are general community feature and creative journalism stories initiated to capture the depth of community sentiments and concerns. Qualifying entries must be journalistic work produced for and published exclusively in community media platforms in all languages, and not in any commercial or publicly owned news entities.
Investigative Journalism
Business Journalism
Features: The Features category will now have two winners: one for Print and Online platforms, and another for Broadcasting. This is after the judges proposed a split in the Features category between print and broadcast entries.
Lifestyle
Columns/Editorials
Visual Journalism (Editorial Cartoons/Graphic Layout)
News Photographs
Feature Photographs
Sports Photographs
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Recognising exceptional newsroom managers and publishers for their contributions. Entries should include a motivation letter or supporting documents provided by colleagues.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries to honour emerging talent.
Journalist of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries for exemplary contributions to the field.
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating sustained and extraordinary contributions to journalism by an individual who has demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.

Submission Details

Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to submit their entries via the official awards platform. For more information on the submission process and guidelines, please visit the Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards’ website.

Join us in recognising the dedication, integrity, and talent of South Africa’s finest journalists. Be part of the celebration of media excellence at the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards.

To enter the awards, go to https://sikuvileawards.co.za.

Further information:

Sanef:

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]

March 20 2025

Renewed Call: Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards 2025 Submission Deadline Approaching!

Dzudzie Uncategorized

20 March 2025

South Africa’s journalists, the countdown has begun! The deadline for submissions to the prestigious 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards is fast approaching — March 31, 2025.

Do not let procrastination cost you the recognition you deserve. This is your chance to showcase impactful journalism — whether in investigative reporting, breaking news, feature writing, business and politics, or photojournalism.

There will be no extensions due to the tight judging schedule and the organisational work required ahead of the awards ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Since the call for entries opened on February 3, journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media have been invited to submit their best work from January 1 to December 31, 2024. If you have not submitted yet, now is the time to act!

Why Wait? Seize the Opportunity!

Sanef’s chairperson and Sunday Times editor, Makhudu Sefara, urges journalists to avoid last-minute submissions:

“Procrastination is the enemy of opportunity. Submit your entries while there’s still time—do not risk missing out due to unforeseen circumstances,” Says Sefara.

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are South Africa’s yardstick for journalistic excellence, recognising outstanding work that informs, inspires, and holds power to account. As the leading media advocacy organisation, SANEF continues to champion ethical and high-quality journalism.

Do not Miss Out—Submit Today!

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards have become the gold standard of journalistic excellence in South Africa. As SANEF continues to oversee these prestigious awards, they remain a benchmark for integrity, quality, and impact in journalism.

Be among the country’s top journalists celebrated for their outstanding work. Submit your entries long before March 31 to [email protected]

About the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are designed to encourage and recognise outstanding journalistic work across South Africa. Over the years, these awards have become a cornerstone of journalistic excellence, highlighting the critical contributions of the media to our democracy.

Sanef is proud to organise the awards for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, having taken over from the Publishers’ Support Services (formerly PDMSA). The awards celebrate excellence across all media platforms, including print, online/digital, and broadcast (radio and TV). They shine a spotlight on exceptional work in categories such as investigative reporting, feature writing, lifestyle journalism, and photojournalism.

Upholding Journalism Standards

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards underscore the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, and fair reporting in an era where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the media landscape. They serve as a testament to the vital role of the Fourth Estate in safeguarding democracy.

Award Categories

Entries are invited from journalists across all platforms for the following categories:

Hard News
Indigenous Language Reporting in Community Media: This category has been refined to entail news articles/broadcasting clips that are the result of proactive reporter enterprise. It is distinct from breaking news and represents stories initiated by the newsroom. Entrants should submit journalistic work that was produced using any of South Africa’s Indigenous languages across media segments, particularly meant to speak to the community the journalists work.
Community Service Reporting: This category has been remodelled to highlight hyper-local issues crafted from a community interest perspective, to inform, educate, and build resilient communities by amplifying grassroots narratives that matter. These are general community features and creative journalism stories initiated to capture the depth of community sentiments and concerns. Qualifying entries must be journalistic work produced for and published exclusively in community media platforms in all languages, and not in any commercial or publicly owned news entities.
Investigative Journalism
Business Journalism
Features: The Features category will now have two winners: one for Print and Online platforms, and another for Broadcasting. This is after the judges proposed a split in the Features category between print and broadcast entries.
Lifestyle
Columns/Editorials
Visual Journalism (Editorial Cartoons/Graphic Layout)
News Photographs
Feature Photographs
Sports Photographs
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Recognising exceptional newsroom managers and publishers for their contributions. Entries should include a motivation letter or supporting documents provided by colleagues.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries to honour emerging talent.
Journalist of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries for exemplary contributions to the field.
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating sustained and extraordinary contributions to journalism by an individual who has demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.

Submission Details

To enter the awards, go to https://sikuvileawards.co.za.

Further information:

Sanef:

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]

February 19 2025

Standard Bank and Sanef call on journalists to submit entries for the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards 2025

Dzudzie News

19 February 2025

South Africa’s journalists, the time has come to showcase your excellence! The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) in partnership with Standard Bank, sponsors of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, reminds all journalists to submit their finest work from January 1 to December 31, 2024, for the prestigious 2025 awards.

The call for entries officially opened in early February, and we urge all journalists not to wait until the last minute to enter. The deadline of March 31st is fast approaching, and any delay could cost you an opportunity to be recognised for your exceptional reporting. Do not be a “better late than never” journalist—be a leader. Go through your 2024 stories, with the help of colleagues and editors, or pictures now and select your best work to enter.

Virginia Magapatona, Standard Bank’s head of communication, says about the awards: “Excellence in journalism shapes societies, yet it often goes unrecognised. The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, now in its thirteenth year recognises journalists and media practitioners who selflessly pursue the truth with courage and dedication. We encourage all journalists working in print, digital, and broadcast media platforms to continue to strive for excellence. Whether you specialise in feature writing, breaking news, business, politics, or photojournalism, this is your opportunity to be recognised for excellence.”

Sanef’s chairman and Sunday Times editor, Makhudu Sefara, emphasises the importance of early submissions: “South African journalists do fantastic work, hence they should be encouraged to enter these awards. They should not risk losing an opportunity to shine and be recognised for their hard work.”

Over the years, the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards have become a defining moment in South African journalism. “Through these awards, the media industry can see the best of the best across various journalistic platforms being benchmarked against their peers by a panel of top-quality and highly credible judges,” Sefara adds.

Originally known as the Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards (MSNA), the awards have evolved into the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards. With Standard Bank now contracting Sanef to oversee the awards, they remain the yardstick of quality journalism in South Africa.

As the country’s most influential media freedom advocacy group, Sanef represents veteran and current editors, senior journalists, media trainers, and academics across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Sanef is committed to promoting quality and ethical journalism while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards are positioned to be South Africa’s flagship journalism awards across all media platforms—Print, Digital, Radio, and TV. Do not miss your opportunity to be celebrated among the finest journalists in the country. Submit your entries now and secure your place among the best!

Submission Details

Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to submit their entries by sending their documents to [email protected]

For more information and submission guidelines, visit https://sikuvileawards.co.za/

Award Categories

Entries are invited from journalists across all platforms for the following categories:

Hard News
Indigenous Language Reporting: This category has been refined to entail news articles/broadcasting clips that are the result of proactive reporter enterprise. It is distinct from breaking news and represents stories initiated by the newsroom. Entrants should submit journalistic work that was produced using any of South Africa’s Indigenous languages across media segments, particularly meant to speak to the community the journalists work.
Community Service Reporting: This category has been remodelled to highlight hyper-local issues crafted from a community interest perspective, to inform, educate, and build resilient communities by amplifying grassroots narratives that matter. These are general community features and creative journalism stories initiated to capture the depth of community sentiments and concerns. Qualifying entries must be journalistic work produced for and published exclusively in community media platforms in all languages, and not in any commercial or publicly owned news entities.
Investigative Journalism
Business Journalism
Features: The Features category will now have two winners: one for Print and Online platforms, and another for Broadcasting. This is after the judges proposed a split in the Features category between print and broadcast entries.
Lifestyle
Columns/Editorials
Visual Journalism (Editorial Cartoons/Graphic Layout)
News Photographs
Feature Photographs
Sports Photographs
Manager/Publisher of the Year Award: Recognising exceptional newsroom managers and publishers for their contributions. Entries should include a motivation letter or supporting documents provided by colleagues.
Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries to honour emerging talent.
Journalist of the Year: Selected by the jury from category entries for exemplary contributions to the field.
The Allan Kirkland Soga / Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating sustained and extraordinary contributions to journalism by an individual who has demonstrated impeccable ethics and craft excellence.

Further information Contact Sanef:

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]

July 21 2024

South African Media Celebrates Excellence in Journalism at the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Award

Dzudzie News Sikuvile awards

21 July 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and Standard Bank held a successful and prestigious awards ceremony on Saturday night to honour the best of SA journalism.

This year’s Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards (SBSJA) edition, held at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, was a testament to the dedication, passion, and courage of journalists who relentlessly strive to tell South Africa’s stories.

Lucas Ledwaba was crowned Journalist of the Year, earning high praise from the judges for his “intensely poignant writing” and “commendable journalism.” His work has highlighted critical issues facing South Africa, challenging authorities to act on behalf of marginalised communities.

The Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year award was presented to Julia Evans of the Daily Maverick. Her exceptional piece, based on research from the University of Stellenbosch, explored the feasibility of electric vehicles in the minibus taxi industry, showcasing her potential as a future leader in journalism.

The late James Clarke was posthumously honoured with the Allan Soga/Standard Bank Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his impeccable ethics and excellence in the journalism craft. Clarke’s legacy as an activist journalist who rallied public support against the National Party Government’s plans to mine the Kruger Park remains a beacon of inspiration. His humour and wit also endeared him to readers through his columns and books. Below are other award winners;

The Hard News category was taken by both Zikhona Tshona of Newzroom Afrika for the story, “Ofentse” and Slindelo Masikane of eNCA for the story “Best Escape”.
The Indigenous Language Reporting in Community Media went to Hlengiwe Ngwenya of SABC’s Cutting Edge for the story “Amabhodlo”.
The Community Service Reporting category was taken by Hazel Friedman of Fokus on SABC2 for her story “Oukloof”.
The Investigative Journalism award was taken by team News24 Kyle Cowan, Azarrah Karrim, and Sipho Masondo for their story “Mashatile unmasked”.
The Business Journalism award went to Nick Wilson of News24 Business for the story “Convicted Health & Racquet fraudsters sub-let lucrative site to Virgin Active”.
The Features award winner is Lucas Ledwaba of Daily Maverick for stories “On a quest for healing justice” and “Gold mining widows battle with trauma and poverty”.
The Lifestyle category winner is Nomvuyo Ntanjana of SABC’s Cutting Edge for the story “Buru the Snake Guru”.
The Columns/Editorial category winner is Bhekisisa Mncube from LitNet for the story “The contested legacy of Mangosuthu Buthelezi”.
The Visual journalism (Editorial cartoons & graphic layout) winner is Thulani Ntsong of Maverick Citizen for the body of work, including: “Lesufi”, “Elections”, and “CR Zondo”.
The News Photographs winner is Ayanda Ndamane of Cape Times for the story “Pro-Palestine crowd clash with Police”.
The Feature Photographs winner is Theodore Jeptha of Daily Dispatch for the story “We walked a mile in their shoes…. And it was Terrifying”.
The Sports Photographs winner Bertram Malgas of News24 for the body of work, including: “Springboks demolish Romania in Bordeaux try-fest” and “Springboks stumble against still-unbeaten Irish outfit in Paris”.

Lizeka Mda, the convener of judges, expressed deep gratitude to her fellow judges for their dedication and expertise in the adjudication process. Despite receiving 573 entries, the total number of items reviewed, including bodies of work, reached 655—an increase of 55 from last year. Mda noted significant growth in the Indigenous, Community, and Investigative Journalism categories, attributing this to the ease of the online entry process.

Nwabisa Makunga, the newly elected SANEF chairperson, lauded the awardees, stating, “These awards showcase and celebrate South Africa’s excellent journalism. They honour the sacrifices made by journalists every day, who tell the story of our country with so much courage, passion, and dedication. The impact of their work to advocate for social justice and to hold power to account is often unseen, but it is significant. For this, we must celebrate them. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Lungisa Fuzile, Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa, emphasised the enduring power of journalism in an age dominated by social media. “Journalism is more than just a profession; it is a powerful force that shapes our future. Through the lens of a camera, the stroke of a pen, and the click of a keyboard, you have the ability to influence public opinion, drive social change, and hold power to account. Stories have the power to inspire, to inform, and to ignite action. By capturing the essence of our people and their stories, you preserve our heritage and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collective identity.”

He further underscored the importance of press freedom, calling it the cornerstone of a vibrant and functioning democracy. “It is critical for the nation to protect the rights of journalists to report without fear of censorship or retribution. At Standard Bank, while we support initiatives like the Sikuvile Awards to promote excellence in journalism, we are also reviewing other ways in which we can support local publications,” Fuzile added.

The judges are Tyrone August, Kim Cloete, Ryland Fisher, Pippa Green, Portia Kobue, Thabo Leshilo, Mapi Mhlangu, Lesley Mofokeng, Ruth Motau, Andile Ntingi, Neo Ntsoma, Sue Olswang, Mary Papayya, Gus Silber and Beauregard Tromp.

The Sikuvile Journalism Awards magazine may be accessed here: 2024 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards Magazine

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research, and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Nwabisa Makunga – Chairperson (082) 555-1972

Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621

Dr. Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer General (073) 404-1415

Makhudu Sefara – Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134

Katy Katopodis – SANEF Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028

Sisanda Nkoala – SANEF Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564

Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sanef.org.za

July 18 2024

Deserving winners of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards to be announced at a gala dinner on Saturday night

Dzudzie News

18 July 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is thrilled to present our third, prestigious, and impactful Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards (SBSJA) which recognise the best in South Africa’s journalism.

On Saturday 20 July, winners of various categories of the SBSJA will be announced, with the awards hosted at the Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

In an era where disinformation and misinformation threaten societal stability, SANEF views these awards as crucial for raising public awareness about journalistic ethics. By celebrating outstanding work, the awards help build public trust and credibility in the media, reinforcing the indispensable role of journalists in providing reliable information to the public.

The SBSJA proudly carries forward the legacy of these awards, originally established by the media industry association Publisher Support Services (PSS), formerly the PDMSA, in 2012. With steadfast support from our sponsor, Standard Bank, SANEF shares a mutual commitment to a free, fair, and independent media landscape. The bank’s enduring sponsorship underscores this commitment, rewarding journalists for their courageous truth-telling in challenging and often perilous circumstances.

Journalists around the country now know that achieving an SBSJA is a significant milestone in the South African journalism industry. It not only brings prestige to journalists and media organisations but also elevates their reputation and credibility.

The awards inspire aspiring journalists, garnering national recognition and respect from peers and future employers. By highlighting the industry’s best work, the SBSJA motivates young journalists to pursue excellence in their careers.

The recognition of these awards emphasises the crucial need for high-quality journalism in our country. The SBSJA continues to set a benchmark for journalistic standards in South Africa, promoting a culture of ethical, accurate, and impactful reporting. They encourage journalists to uphold the highest standards, delivering unbiased and compelling news stories.

The awards ceremony also serves as a vital networking and collaboration opportunity. SANEF leverages this event to bring together journalists, media professionals, and industry stakeholders, fostering an environment of collaboration and idea-sharing among the brightest minds in journalism.

Note to Editors:

For more information, please contact:

Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director: (071) 682-3695

Hopewell Radebe – Projects Manager: 083 5821734

Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Events Coordinator: 0790297656

June 3 2024

Announcement of Finalists after the Conclusion of the Adjudication Process for the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards

Dzudzie News

03 June 2024

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is delighted to announce the finalists and the closure of the adjudication process for the prestigious Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards for excellent journalism has been successfully concluded.

This year, we were honoured to receive an overwhelming response, with approximately 600 entries pouring in nationwide, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication within South Africa’s journalistic landscape.

SANEF, which coordinates and organises the awards, is thrilled to report that this year marked a significant milestone, with a record-breaking number of entries compared to previous years. We are proud to acknowledge the substantial representation from diverse media entities, further showing the diversity of voices and narratives that enrich our media landscape.

Quality news stories from these platforms stood tall alongside contributions from mainstream media establishments, highlighting the depth and breadth of journalistic excellence across all sectors.

This year’s finalists, in no particular order, are:

1. Hard News

Norman Masungwini –City Press

Zikhona Tshona – Newzroom Afrika

Slindelo Masikane – eNCA

2.Indigenous Language Reporting in Community Media

Annie Mokoena -SABC

Hlengiwe Ngwenya -SABC’s Cutting Edge

Zinhle Mugabe -SABC’s Cutting Edge

3.Community service Reporting

Hazel Friedman- Fokus on SABC2

Matthew Hirsch – GroundUp

Zikhona Tshona – Newzroom Afrika

Sune Payne and Samane Junior Marks -Daily Maverick

4.Investigative Journalism

Nicky Troll- Carte Blanche

Joy Summers- Carte Blanche

Kyle Cowan, Azarrah Karrim and Sipho Masondo-News24

Caryn Dolley -Daily Maverick

5.Business Journalism

Lisa Steyn- News24 Business

Na’ilah Ebrahim -News24 Business

Lulamile Feni -Daily Dispatch

Nick Wilson- News24 Business

Jan Cronje -News24 Business

6.Features

Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza -Eyewitness News

Don Pinnock – Jack Journal

Hazel Friedman – Fokus SABC2

Lucas Ledwaba- Daily Maverick

Sean Christie -Bhekisisa

7.Lifestyle

Don Pinnock –Daily Maverick

Nomvuyo Ntanjana- SABC Cutting Edge

Luke Feltham – Mail & Guardian
Jonathan Ancer- News24

8.Columns/Editorial

Bhekisisa Mncube -LitNet

Lucas Ledwaba- Daily Maverick

Carol Paton- News24

Ozayr Patel- Mail & Guardian

9. Visual journalism (Editorial cartoons & graphic layout)

Design Team -Daily Maverick

Carlos Amato- News24

Thulani Ntsong- Maverick Citizen

10.News Photographs

Alaister Russell -TimesLive

Jeremiah Thapelo Morebudi -Sunday Times

Ayanda Ndamane- Cape Times

Sandile Ndlovu – Sunday Times/TimesLive

11.Feature Photographs

Sandile Ndlovu- Sunday Times/TimesLive

Theodore Jeptha – Daily Dispatch

12.Sports Photographs

Jaco Marais- Netwerk24 , Die Burger

Bertram Malgas- News24

It is worth mentioning that this year marks the third consecutive year that SANEF has spearheaded the awards across all media platforms. Previously organised by Print and Digital Media SA, and later the Publishers’ Support Services, the transition to SANEF’s stewardship has further enhanced the awards’ inclusivity and reach, ensuring that outstanding journalism from digital, print, and broadcast backgrounds and perspectives receives the recognition it deserves.

SANEF extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the entrants, finalists, judges, and supporters who have contributed to making this year’s awards a resounding success. Stay tuned for the outcome when the finalists meet at the awards ceremony in at The Venue, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on 22^nd June 2024, where we will celebrate and honour the exemplary achievements in South African journalism. The awards are sponsored by Standard Bank.

Note to Editors:

For more information, please contact:

Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director: (071) 682-3695

Hopewell Radebe – Projects Manager: 083 5821734

Dzudzie Netshisaulu – Administrator: 0790297656