Independent Media journalist Lilita Gcwabe has been awarded the prestigious National Press Club-University of SA Journalist of the Year for Community Journalism, also known as the Aserie Ndlovu Award for Community Journalism. The award recognizes Gcwabe’s outstanding work at Elitsha News, a community newspaper that reports on community, national, and international issues.
The award ceremony, held in Tshwane, also saw KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi being named the 2025 NPC’s Newsmaker of the Year. Mkhwanazi’s explosive media briefing in July last year had a significant impact on the national discourse, leading to the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Journalist of the Year Award
The Journalist of the Year Award is a testament to the exceptional quality of journalism in South Africa. The award is named after late radio journalist Aserie Ndlovu, who was killed last year along with his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. The award recognizes journalists who have made a significant contribution to community journalism, and Gcwabe’s work at Elitsha News is a shining example of this.
According to the University of South Africa, the award is given to journalists who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to their craft. The award is also supported by the South African Government, which recognizes the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society.
Other Winners
Other winners at the ceremony included Ndabezinhle Sibiya of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements, who was named the NPC-Unisa Spokesperson of the Year. The awards ceremony was attended by prominent journalists and communicators, who came to recognize and celebrate excellence in journalism.
The following are some of the key categories and winners:
- Journalist of the Year for Community Journalism: Lilita Gcwabe
- Newsmaker of the Year: Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
- Spokesperson of the Year: Ndabezinhle Sibiya
The National Press Club Chairperson, Antoinette Slabbert, stated that the press club was encouraged by the exceptional quality of nominations received this year and was deeply impressed by the calibre of work submitted across all categories.
