The finalists for the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards have been announced, spotlighting South Africa’s most impactful journalism across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Organised by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), this year’s competition saw a record-breaking number of entries, reflecting the resilience and innovation of the country’s media landscape.
Celebrating Excellence Across Diverse Categories
The finalists represent a broad spectrum of journalistic excellence, from hard-hitting investigative pieces to compelling community stories. Notable nominees include:
Hard News: Norman Masungwini (City Press), Zikhona Tshona (Newzroom Afrika), and Slindelo Masikane (eNCA)
Indigenous Language Reporting: Annie Mokoena, Hlengiwe Ngwenya, and Zinhle Mugabe (all from SABC’s Cutting Edge)
Investigative Journalism: Nicky Troll and Joy Summers (Carte Blanche), Kyle Cowan, Azarrah Karrim, and Sipho Masondo (News24), and Caryn Dolley (Daily Maverick)
Features: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza (Eyewitness News), Don Pinnock (Jack Journal), Hazel Friedman (Fokus SABC2), Lucas Ledwaba (Daily Maverick), and Sean Christie (Bhekisisa)
Visual Journalism: Design Team (Daily Maverick), Carlos Amato (News24), and Thulani Ntsong (Maverick Citizen)
For a complete list of finalists across all categories, please refer to the official announcement by SANEF.
Upholding Journalism Standards
The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards underscore the importance of groundbreaking, accurate, fact-based, truthful, and fair reporting in an era where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the media landscape. They serve as a testament to the vital role of the Fourth Estate in safeguarding democracy.
Looking Ahead
Winners will be honoured at a prestigious event scheduled for June 2025, with the venue to be confirmed in Gauteng. The ceremony will not only celebrate the achievements of individual journalists but also highlight the critical role of the media in upholding democratic values and informing the public.
For more information on the awards and to view the full list of finalists, visit the official Sikuvile Awards website.
