Boksburg Advertiser news editor Fanie Mthupha was recognised for his digital reporting after claiming third place in the digital reporting category at the 2025 AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards in Pretoria.

The winners were announced at a gala dinner at The Capital Menlyn Maine on August 21, with more than 600 entries received across 17 categories.

The recognition marked Mthupha’s return to the awards stage after a lengthy break since the days of the then Caxton Excellence Awards. It was also his first entry in the digital reporting category.

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“I couldn’t believe it, considering that it was the first time I had entered after a very long break. It was also the first time I had entered this category,” he said.
Mthupha admitted he was initially reluctant to enter, but encouragement from colleagues convinced him to submit his work at the last minute.

“To me, this award means a lot as it demonstrates the effort that goes into the work. It motivates me and makes me want to do even more and hopefully take the first spot next year,” he said.

Beyond the recognition, Mthupha said the awards event provided an opportunity to connect with experienced journalists and industry experts from across the country.

“Besides the fun and great entertainment, the event allowed me to engage with some of the most well-known and highly experienced colleagues in the industry. We exchanged ideas, shared experiences and learnt from one another, which was just as valuable to me as the recognition itself,” he said.

Digital reporting was won by Christiaan Cloete of Vaalweekblad, with Michelle Pienaar of George Herald taking second place.
Mthupha thanked those who supported and encouraged him throughout the process.

“I want to thank our readers, the community, my team, management and my family for all the support and encouragement,” he said.

The AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards, hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists and sponsored by AVBOB, recognise excellence in South Africa’s community media industry. The awards are supported by Caxton Local Media, Novus Community Media and new partner Stellenbosch University, whose involvement helps strengthen the platform and support available to community journalists.

The awards recognise work across categories including hard news and investigative reporting, human-interest journalism, municipal and local government reporting, sports writing, photography, headlines and editorial comment.

For Mthupha, the recognition has provided renewed motivation to continue producing journalism that serves and informs the community.

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