Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom Images: Supplied
The 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards have revealed the regional winners for Gauteng, celebrating excellence across 12 categories. Media professionals in the province showcased some of the strongest entries of the year, reflecting powerful storytelling, rigorous investigation, and industry-leading innovation.
This year saw more than 1,330 submissions from journalists nationwide—surpassing last year’s 1,200 entries. Gauteng alone contributed 477 outstanding entries, demonstrating the province’s continued leadership in South African journalism.
“In an era of AI and digital platforms, credible journalism is crucial. Traditional media holds power accountable and ensures transparency. Vodacom South Africa proudly honours excellence in journalism, highlighting its vital role in society and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the media industry,” said Ridwaan Soomra, Vodacom’s Managing Executive for the Southern Gauteng Region.
Soomra added that Vodacom Gauteng’s R660 million investment this year underscores the company’s commitment to expanding coverage, accelerating 4G and 5G rollout, and enhancing reliable connectivity for customers. “We’re also making digital access more affordable through personalised offers like Just4You and device financing with Easy2Own, so more people can participate in the digital economy.”
He further highlighted Vodacom’s ongoing effort to support education. Through the Vodacom Foundation and partnerships with the Department of Basic Education, the operator has equipped 3,000 underprivileged schools in Gauteng with ICT resources, upgraded infrastructure, and provided digital skills training. This includes three Schools of Excellence, six Early Childhood Development Centres, and two Youth Academy Centres with 20 learners enrolled in IT Technical Support Learnerships. Vodacom also provides connectivity to 75 schools and operates 14 Teacher Centres.
The judging panel—unchanged from last year—was convened by veteran media leader Ryland Fisher, who brings more than 45 years of experience as an editor, journalist, and columnist. The judging team includes Arthur Goldstuck, Collin Nxumalo, Dr Elna Rossouw, Obed Zilwa, Advocate Robin Sewlal, Neo Ntsoma, Patricia McCracken, Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe, Manelisi Dubase, Portia Kobue, and Jovial Rantao.
“The judging panel had vigorous debate about the winners because the quality of entries was once again very strong. We thank the judges for their dedication and commitment to recognising the country’s top media talent,” Fisher said.
Each regional winner receives R5,000 in prize money. The Gauteng regional winners for 2025 are:
- Live Reporting / Breaking News – Nokukhanya Mntambo (Eyewitness News) for body of work
- Investigative Reporting – Jeff Wicks, with contributors Sharlene Rood and Kyle Cowan (News24) for “9 Lives”
- Opinion – Shirley De Villiers (Currency News) for body of work
- Lifestyle – Kaunda Selisho (News24) for “News24 Life’s Under Pressure” series
- Features – Sibusisiwe Sebe Buthelezi, with contributors Sindisiwe Mpahlwa, Tshidiso Lechuba, and Ashley Market (eNCA Checkpoint) for “Mortuaries”
- Photography – Melinda Stuurman (Netwerk24) for “Bewaarders in Kgosi Mampuru II kry ‘kombuis’ met kaste, dwelms, fone”
- Sport – Tiisetso Malepa (City Press) for “Danny Jordaan and Safa CFO Gronie Hluyo to appear in court for fraud”
- Financial & Economics – Sinenhlanhla Masilela (IOL) for body of work
- Politics – Norman Masungwini (City Press) for “South Africa’s Worst Municipal Manager?”
- Sustainability / Environmental Journalism – Lunga Henrietta Simelane (City Press) for “WATCH – A threat to vultures is a threat to people: Inside Kruger’s vulture poisoning crisis”
- Innovation in Journalism – Jeff Wicks, with contributors Alex Patrick and Sharlene Rood (News24) for “Final Footsteps: The Kirsten Kluyts murder”
The Young Journalist nominee for Gauteng is Buyeleni Sibanyoni of amaBhungane, who will compete for the national Young Journalist of the Year title.
All regional winners now advance to compete for the national awards, which will be announced on 4 December. National winners will receive R10,000 each, while the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year will take home R100,000.
The winner of the Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year Award will receive funding of up to R50,000 toward a journalism-related course to advance their career.
