Category: Competitions

Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards 2025 open for entry

BMOA

The highly anticipated 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year (VJOY) Awards has kicked off and the entry date for this year’s awards has been set for 5 September 2025.

Journalists can submit their work in any of the 12 categories, including Live Reporting and Breaking News, Investigative, Opinion, Lifestyle, Features, Photography, Sport, Financial & Economics, Politics, Sustainability, Innovation in Journalism, and the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

“In recent years, journalism has seen a significant shift towards digital platforms, with a growing reliance on social media and video content for news consumption. This transformation has brought both challenges and opportunities, including the rise of influencer-driven content and the integration of AI technologies in news production. In these fast-paced times, the importance of credible and ethical journalism cannot be overstated. The media play a crucial role in shaping democracy and driving economies, and it is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility. This is the very reason that Vodacom remains committed to celebrating excellence in journalism in the country, acknowledging some of South Africa’s most distinguished reporters and their impactful stories,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The panel of judges for this year’s awards will be chaired by Ryland Fisher, who will lead his colleagues in evaluating the entries to determine the top contenders. The 2025 Judging panel will comprise of the following esteemed media professionals:

· Obed Zilwa

· Manelisa Dubase

· Patricia McCraken

· Adv Robin Sewlal

· Arthur Goldstuck

· Dr Elna Rossouw

· Collin Nxumalo

· Jovial Ranto

· Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe

· Portia Kubue

From 1 to 5 September 2025, Fisher will conduct two virtual media roadshows each day to provide potential entrants with detailed information about the competition rules and entry procedures.

“The rise of social media, AI, and digital platforms has introduced new challenges, making it crucial for journalists to embrace these technologies responsibly. How journalists adapt to and use these tools will be critical in ensuring the delivery of high-quality and ethical journalism. As we look towards the future, there is no room for compromise in delivering sound journalistic storytelling.

The future of our democracy depends on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, initiate meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. I urge all journalists to submit their finest work to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and join in celebrating excellence in our important profession,” said Fisher.

Journalists are invited to submit their best work produced between 25 July 2024 and 31 July 2025 at https://journalist.vodacom.co.za/.

Entries will be accepted from 5 until 19 September 2025, with no late submissions allowed.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held in December:

· Region A: Gauteng

· Region B: Free State, Northern Cape, Northwest and Limpopo

· Region C: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

· Region D: Western Cape

· Region E: Eastern Cape

The Vodacom Young Journalist Award offers an educational boost to nurture upcoming newsroom talent.

Regional category winners receive R5 000, national category winners, R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner, R100 000. In the case of joint winners, prize money is shared.

Entries open for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

BMOA

Anticipation levels in newsrooms across the country will rise as the opening date for entries into this year’s Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOY) has been announced as July 10.

Entrants can choose from 12 categories to enter their work, from Live Reporting and Breaking News; Investigative; Opinion; Lifestyle; Features; Photography; Sport; Financial & Economics; Politics; Sustainability, Innovation in Journalism, and the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

“As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter. Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies,”

said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The judging panel for this year’s awards will once again be led by convener Mapi Mhlangu, who will guide her fellow judges as they debate the nuances of entries to decide which is the best. From 3 – 5 July, Mhlangu will host two daily virtual media roadshows to inform interested entrants about the rules of the competition, and entry mechanisms.

“Despite the significant strides made, the journalism sector faces numerous challenges today. These challenges demand a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards, reporting with integrity, and navigating the complexities of our time. As we imagine the next decade, there is no room for failure in sound journalistic storytelling. The future of our country relies on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, spark conversations, and drive positive change. I encourage all journalists to submit their best works to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and be part of celebrating what has been achieved in the past 30 years”, said Mapi Mahlangu.

Journalists must enter their best work produced between 01 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, at www.journalist.vodacom.co.za.

Entries open on 10 July and close midnight on 24 July, no late entries will be accepted.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held on 31 October: 

  • Region A: Gauteng
  • Region B: Free State, Northern Cape, Northwest and Limpopo
  • Region C: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga
  • Region D: Western Cape
  • Region E: Eastern Cape

The Vodacom Young Journalist Award offers an educational boost to nurture upcoming newsroom talent.

Regional category winners receive R5 000, national category winners, R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner, R100 000. In the case of joint winners, prize money is shared.