The National Press Club (NPC) hosted the 2025 Newsmaker and Journalist of the Year Awards in collaboration with University of South Africa (UNISA). The event took place on Friday 29 May 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre. The theme focused on honouring women and men in blue, the protectors of society, as well as citizens committed to being part of changing society for the better, in the words of Prof. Puleng Lenkabula.
Prof. Puleng Lenkabula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UNISA, explained that the media is much more than a source of information – it is the conscience of society. She said that the work of journalists is a public service and that democracy is shaped and strengthened through the media. “We celebrate excellence through the Madlanga Commission, one of the most successful commissions in South Africa. It illustrates the resilience and strength of the media, even though it exposes corruption,” she added.
The 2025 Newsmaker of the Year award was presented to Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in recognition of his significant influence on national conversations, his role in setting the news agenda, and his impact on public discourse in South Africa. In July 2025, he fearlessly exposed alleged criminal syndicates that had infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures during a media briefing.
“I took an oath, and I am living up to that oath. We cannot continue to normalize corruption, and we also cannot continue to romanticize crime. We need to stand for the truth and not for what makes people comfortable. It is our responsibility to uphold the principles of South Africa. I always say that integrity is not a performance, it is discipline, “Lt General Mkhwanazi stated in his speech.
2025 UNISA Press Club Journalist of the Year Awards were also presented at the event. Some of the awards presented included Spokesperson of the year, awarded to Ndabesihle Sibiya, Online/print journalist of the year, awarded to Morgan (Eyewitness) and Radio News journalist of the year, awarded to Alpha Ramushwana. The runner-up in each category received R500 and a certificate, while the winners received R30 000 and a certificate.
The 2025 Journalist of the year award was presented to Jeff Wicks, who is the News24 investigative journalist. He has done extensive work on the issues faced at Thembisa hospital and also written a book about the killing of Babita Deokaran, a civil servant and anti-corruption whistle blower who exposed a massive R850-million procurement fraud network at Thembisa hospital. Jeff Wicks walked away with R100 000 as a compensation for his amazing work.
The 2025 Newsmaker and Journalist of the Year Awards served as a powerful reminder of the vital role played by journalists, public servants, and courageous citizens in safeguarding democracy and promoting accountability. By honouring individuals such as Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the National Press Club and UNISA celebrated integrity, courage, and excellence in public service and journalism. The event highlighted the enduring importance of truth-telling, ethical leadership, and fearless reporting in building a more transparent and just South Africa.
