An evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition took place in Melrose, Johannesburg, as South Africa’s leading journalists gathered for the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards on Saturday.
The prestigious event honours outstanding achievements in both print and broadcast media, shining a spotlight on the courage, integrity, and dedication that define the country’s media landscape.
Amid growing concerns about media freedom and journalist safety in South Africa, this year’s awards served not only as a celebration of journalistic excellence but also as a powerful reminder of the crucial role journalists play in upholding democracy and holding power to account.
Among the night’s biggest winners was the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which took home several awards, a testament to its enduring impact and commitment to quality journalism in the industry.
SABC’s Cleopatra Jones is one of the winners. “It is always an honour to win because it does affirm that you are doing a great job…”
Another winner from SABC Dennis Tshetlhlane says, “The story that won involved the financial abuse of women in South Africa. Our aim was to inform the public on this growing crisis where women are abused by men for financial gain, like losing out on their life savings and pension funds.”
Now in its fourth year, the Sikuvile Awards received just under 440 entries, down from 573 the previous year.
But the drop in quantity was balanced by an increase in quality.
Judges were impressed by the depth, courage, and investigative rigour of many submissions, reflecting the industry’s resilience despite increasing pressure.
SANEF
However, beyond the glitz and recognition, the 2025 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards also serve as a critical platform for advocacy, with the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) using the occasion to raise pressing issues affecting the media industry.
SANEF takes the opportunity to engage directly with government, including Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong.
SANEF Executive Director Reggie Moalusi voices concerns about the treatment of journalists and the growing challenges they face.
As the Awards night honours outstanding work, it also serves as a call to action to protect the voices that keep the nation informed, and to ensure that journalism in South Africa not only survives but thrives.
