Africa-Press – Eswatini. Excellence, integrity and dedication to public-interest journalism were celebrated on Monday, December 22, 2025, as the Eswatini National Media Awards made a grand return at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, bringing together the country’s media fraternity, policymakers and cultural leaders for a night of recognition and reflection.
Hosted by the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) in collaboration with the Eswatini Editors’ Forum (EEF), the awards marked a significant comeback after more than a decade. Organised by the Marketing Advertising Research Council (MARC), the ceremony honoured journalists, editors, photographers and media leaders whose work continues to inform, shape and strengthen Eswatini’s democratic and social landscape.
The high-profile event was graced by several Cabinet Ministers, including the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Honourable Savannah Maziya, and the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Honourable Bongani Nzima. Senator Princess Ncengencenge was also in attendance, reflecting strong national recognition of the media’s role in development and accountability.
Several journalists emerged as standout performers on the night. Mbongiseni Ndzimandze of Times of Eswatini dominated the print category, winning Journalist of the Year – Print (E10 000), Investigative Journalist of the Year (E7 500) and Print News Story of the Year (E10 000). The accolades highlighted his consistency, depth of reporting and commitment to fearless journalism.
In broadcast journalism, Sonto Mlangeni from Eswatini Television was named Journalist of the Year – Electronic (E10 000) and also received the Regional Integration Award (E7 500). Bhekizwe Maveni Gwebu from Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) won News Story of the Year – Electronic, taking home E10 000.
Business journalism was recognised through Phiwa Sikhondze of Inside Biz, who received the Best Business Reporter Award (E7 000) for incisive economic analysis and consistent market reporting. Opinion writing excellence was awarded to Sibongile ‘Sky’ Sukati of Eswatini Observer, who was named Columnist of the Year (E7 500) for her column Life Goes On, praised for its reflective depth and strong reader connection.
Specialist reporting categories also featured prominently. Delisa Magagula of Financial Times won Best Community Reporter of the Year (E7 500). Timothy Simelane and Themangweni Nkomonye of Times of Eswatini jointly received the Best Environment Reporter of the Year award, earning E7 500 and a laptop. Nimrod Hlophe claimed Best Sports Reporter of the Year, walking away with E7 500 and a 75-inch smart television.
Team and emerging talent awards included the Current Affairs Team Award, won by Eswatini TV’s Market View (E10 000), and Emerging Reporter of the Year, awarded to Sibusiso Tsabedze of Eswatini Observer, who received E3 000 and a laptop. Melusi Mkhabela was named Photographer of the Year (E7 000).
The ceremony also paid tribute to leadership and legacy. Veteran journalist and The Nation magazine editor Bheki Makhubu received the Editorial Leadership Award, while Channel S Managing Director Chawe Mamba was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in an emotional moment he dedicated to his 95-year-old mother.
The evening was enlivened by performances from Young Zesh, Sands and Sanchiezy, adding colour and energy to a night that reaffirmed the indispensable role of journalism in Eswatini’s national life.
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