One of the most popular personalities in South Africa, Lt. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who made shocking allegations last year that some politicians and top officials were captured by criminal elements, was honoured on Friday night.
The National Press Club (NPC), with the support of Unisa – The University of South Africa, honoured outstanding men and women for their excellent work they have been doing in the country.
Lt. Gen Mkhwanazi was awarded the 2025 National Press Club Newsmaker of the Year. The sought-after accolade is a testament to the impact that the explosive media briefing the KZN Commissioner held in July last year had on the national discourse, with far-reaching implications on our socio-economic-political landscape.
Another winner from KwaZulu-Natal, who won the NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Spokesperson of the Year, was Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements Spokesperson.
The event also celebrated excellence in the craft of journalism and the outstanding work of communicators at the 2025 Newsmaker & Journalist of the Year awards.
The ceremony, hosted in Pretoria, honoured the outstanding work of journalists and communicators who have made significant contributions to the media and communications industry.
These awards are about honouring journalists and communicators who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of truth and the art of storytelling.
In celebration of the memory of community media journalist Sbusiso Aserie Ndlovu who was killed last year, the NPC this year introduced the Aserie Ndlovu Award for Community Journalism.
The 2025 NPC-UNISA Overall Journalist of the Year Award was scooped by News 24 Investigations’ Jeff Wicks.
He won a cash prize of R100 000 from this category. This is in addition to the R30 000 from the Investigative Journalism category he also won.
The National Press Club Chairperson, Antoinette Slabbert said: “As the NPC, we are encouraged by the exceptional quality of nominations received this year and deeply impressed by the calibre of work submitted across all categories.
“The volume and standard of entries reflect a vibrant, talented and highly competitive communications and journalism sector.”
The following winners of the 2025 Newsmaker & Journalist of the Year awards each pocket R30 000.
The winners are:
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Campus Radio – News / Current Affairs / Features: Nobuhle Zozo, Voice of Wits 88.1
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year competition winner: Aserie Ndlovu Award for Community Journalism: Radio News: Malesela Mangena, Alex FM 89.1
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Aserie Ndlovu Award for Community Journalism: Print/Online News: Lilita Gcwabe, Elitsha News
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Print/Online Photography: Elizabeth Sejake, Rapport/City Press
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Print/Online News: Kayleen Morgan, Eyewitness News
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Print/Online Features: Hamilton Wende, Daily Maverick
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Radio News: Alpha Ramushwana, Eyewitness News
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Radio Features/Investigative Journalism/Actuality: Alpha Ramushwana, Eyewitness News
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: TV Cameraperson: Peter Rudden- Carte Blanche
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: TV News: Botlhale Pele, SABC News and Eugenie Gregan, eNuus.
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: TV Features: Yusuf Abramjee & Pule Letshwiti-Jones, ENCA
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: TV Investigative Journalism/Actuality: Kate Barry, Carte Blanche
2025 NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year: Investigative Journalism: Jeff Wicks, News24 Investigations
Slabbert said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming interest shown by journalists and communications practitioners, which underscores the credibility of the awards and their growing stature within the industry.
“This enthusiastic response affirms the relevance of the NPC platform in recognising excellence, innovation and impact, and reinforces our commitment to celebrating outstanding storytelling and professional achievement.”
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Prof Puleng LenkaBula said: “The University of South Africa fully supports the freedom of press. Part of our commitment in this regard is our steadfast commitment to hosting the Annual Percy Qoboza Lecture. This year, 2026, will mark the 16th iteration of this important lecture. Hence Unisa’s partnerships with the National Press Club and those of its kind, are not coincidental. No! They are deliberate.
“They are necessary. And they are, in many respects, acts of democratic stewardship. We are intentional about cultivating this partnership for mutual benefit.”
