The National Press Club (NPC), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), celebrated outstanding contributions to journalism and public service at the 2025 Newsmaker and Journalist of the Year Awards. Held on Friday, 29 May 2026, at the CSIR International Convention Centre, the event paid tribute to individuals whose courage, integrity and commitment continue to strengthen South Africa’s democracy.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, UNISA Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Puleng Lenkabula, emphasised the indispensable role of the media in society. She described journalism as more than a profession, calling it the conscience of society and a pillar of democratic accountability.
“The work of journalists is a public service. Democracy is shaped and strengthened through the media,” she said. Referring to the Madlanga Commission, Prof. Lenkabula noted that it stands as an example of how the media’s resilience and dedication to exposing wrongdoing contribute to building a more transparent society.
The prestigious 2025 Newsmaker of the Year Award was presented to Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his influence on national discourse and his commitment to exposing corruption. His actions in July 2025, when he publicly revealed allegations of criminal syndicates infiltrating law enforcement and intelligence structures, sparked widespread public debate and renewed calls for accountability.
Accepting the award, Lt General Mkhwanazi reaffirmed his dedication to the oath he took as a public servant.
“I took an oath, and I am living up to that oath. We cannot continue to normalise corruption, and we also cannot continue to romanticise 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. Integrity is not a performance; it is discipline,” he said.
The ceremony also recognised excellence across various journalism categories in the 2025 UNISA Press Club Journalist of the Year Awards. Ndabesihle Sibiya received the Spokesperson of the Year Award, Morgan from Eyewitness News was named Online/Print Journalist of the Year, while Alpha Ramushwana took top honours as Radio News Journalist of the Year. Winners in each category received R30 000 and certificates, while runners-up were awarded R500 and certificates.
The coveted 2025 Journalist of the Year Award went to News24 investigative journalist Jeff Wicks. Wicks was honoured for his extensive investigative reporting on challenges at Thembisa Hospital and for shedding light on corruption linked to the murder of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran. Through both his reporting and his published work, he highlighted the R850-million procurement fraud network exposed by Deokaran before her death. In recognition of his impactful journalism, Wicks received R100 000 and a certificate.
The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the essential role played by journalists, principled public servants and courageous citizens in defending democracy. By honouring individuals who pursue truth and accountability despite immense challenges, the National Press Club and UNISA reinforced the values of ethical leadership, fearless reporting and integrity.
As South Africa continues to confront complex social and governance challenges, the event underscored that the pursuit of truth remains one of the country’s most powerful tools in building a more transparent, accountable and just society.
