Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo regional winners for the 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards announced

The 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards have revealed the regional winners for Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo. Media professionals across these provinces are celebrating achievements in 12 categories, with journalists presenting exceptional entries that highlight the very best of their work over the past year.

This year, we received more than 1 330 submissions, received from journalists nationwide, exceeding last year's 1 200 entries. These provinces contributed 178 remarkable entries.

"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 Evah Mthimunye, Vodacom South Africa's Managing Executive for the Central Region.

"Vodacom is deeply invested in the Central Region and remains committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. This year, we are investing more than R400 million to expand network infrastructure, enhance capacity and resilience, and empower communities – especially in underserved areas across the Free State and Northern Cape. Our investment in education has uplifted Schools of Excellence and Early Childhood Development centres, benefitting 6 654 learners and young children. Through partnerships and targeted support, we are bridging the digital divide, equipping learners with future-ready skills, and strengthening the pipeline of skilled graduates entering the economy," she added.

Ryland Fisher, with more than 45 years of experience in the media industry as an editor, journalist and columnist, continues to serve as the convener of the judging panel. The judging panel remains unchanged from last year and 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 experienced judging panel had vigorous debate about the winners, because the quality of entrants were once again very good. I extend our gratitude to the panel for their hard work and dedication in recognising the country's top media talent," said Fisher.

The categories, in which regional winners will each receive R5 000 in prize money, include:

• Live reporting/ breaking news – Marti Will from Vista News for "Court hears horror details"
• Investigative – Zinhle Kanyane with contributors Ashley Market, Tshepo Dhlamini, Tshediso Lechuba, and Sindisiwe Mpahlwa from eNCA's Checkpoint for "Factory Fault"
• Opinion – Lance Fredericks from Diamond Fields Advertiser for "A giant cup of tea in the lion's den"
• Lifestyle – Lucas Ledwaba from Mukurukuru Media for "Face to face with giants of Africa on wilderness trail in Big Five territory"
• Features – Refilwe Mochoari with contributors Tshediso Lechuba and Tshepo Dhlamini from eNCA for "Wasted Youth Years"
• Photography – Willem van der Berg from Weg!/Go! Platteland for "Volg die reën met jou skape / Following the rain and the sheep"
• Sport – Willem van der Berg from Weg!/Go! Platteland for 'n Kaalvoetsprokie / A bare foot quest" 
• Financial and Economics – Charne Kemp from Landbouweekblad for body of work: "Maladministration at the Master", "Contradictory liquidation judgements causes confusion" and "CAA and Aviation Industry Impasse"
• Politics – Kekeletso Mosebetsi from OFM for "Masilonyana mayor allegedly caught in lie over Durban trip with state vehicle"
• Sustainability – Aphumelele Mdlalane with contributor Thompho Mashao from SABC TV for "Air Pollution"
• Innovation in Journalism – None

The Young Journalist nominee for the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo region is Liza-May Pieters of Netwerk24, who will compete for the national Young Journalist of the Year Award.

The regional winners will compete against other regional winners for the national title. The national winners will be announced on 4 December at an awards ceremony where they will each receive R10 000, while the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year titleholder will win R100 000.

The Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year award overall winner will be able to enrol in a course of their choice, to the value of R50 000 towards enhancing their craft and career prospects in Journalism.