RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - In a display of elegance and appreciation, media representatives from all over the province were invited to the gala event of the North West Media Awards on Friday, 5 December at the Rustenburg Civic Centre. The Awards (originally founded in 2011 for two years and then relaunched in 2021) is only going from strength to strength, since its inception by Ananias Ndlovu.
This year, the North West University (NWU) joined the event as a major sponsor, beckoning for the awards to grow exponentially in the future. This year, from a list of 180 nominees, only 19 were awarded top honours. In the category of Newspaper of the Year, North West Newspapers Group held three of the top four nominee spots: Rustenburg Herald, Mahikeng Mail and Klerksdorp Record.
Hosted by Hector Motivator and Lee Jay, the evening had an air of celebration and joy that was palpable - especially for first time nominees and winners. In her welcome address, Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Shiela Mabale-Huma reiterated that the evening was to “celebrate excellence, integrity and professionalism in journalism”. She added that “credible media enhances public trust” and expressed her gratitude to the media in the province by commenting that “your contributions continue to influence and inspire”.
Ndlovu echoed the Mayor’s sentiment when he commented that media is not dying, but that fake news is a problem. “We must build community trust.”
In its endevour to help grow the awards, Louis Jacobs from NWU offered a word of support by saying, “We see the world through your eyes. You remain an indispensable pillar of our democracy. Society depends on your honest storytelling.”
The NWU was the first university in the country to offer Journalism as an academic subject and it only seems fitting that the institution is now lending its support to promote honest and ethical reporting in the province.
During the ceremony, it was clear that the winners were truly honoured to be recognised in this fashion and felt seen for the sometimes-thankless work that they do.
Special recognition was given to veterans in the media industry, Snyman Rankane (for his long and influential career at Motsweding FM) and Dr Easy Matjila (veteran broadcaster and news anchor at the SABC). Their awards were presented by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, Mayor Mabale-Huma, and Louis Jacobs from the NWU.
In a fitting end to the proceedings, the Deputy Minister announced that 30% of the government’s advertising budget will now be spent on community media.
Selected winners of 2025
* Journalist of the Year: Jabu Oa Afrika – SABC
* Community Newspaper of the Year: Klerksdorp Record
* Photographer of the Year: Letlhogonolo Moleah – Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality
* Community Radio Station of the Year: NWU FM
* Radio Presenter of the Year: Bonolo “Miss Faith” Monaisa – NWU FM
* Sports Presenter of the Year: Kenneth Moswaane – Kgatleng FM
** For a complete list of winners visit North West Media Awards on Facebook or https://northwestmediaawards.org/
