Highvelder recognised among national finalists in AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards

Highvelder has been recognised with seven finalist nominations in the 2025 AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards across multiple categories.

July 23, 2026

Editorial 1 minute read

Elsa Winckler runs towards the finish line as Marnel van Niekerk passionately cheers her on from the sidelines during an athletics event. — One of Highvelder's top-10 finalist entries in the Best General Photography category shows Elsa Winckler heading for the finish line, where she claimed second place, while Marnel van Niekerk passionately cheers her on from the sidelines. Photo | Wayne van der Walt

Highvelder has earned several finalist nominations in the 2025 AVBOB Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards, receiving recognition across journalism, photography and newspaper layout.

The newspaper was shortlisted in the Best Front Page and Best Back Page categories, while editor Wayne van der Walt was named among the national top 10 finalists in five individual categories: Hard News/Investigative Reporting, Editorial Comment and Columns, General Photography, News Photography and Sports Photography.

The nominations place Highvelder among community newspapers from across South Africa recognised at this year’s awards.

The AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards, presented annually by the Forum of Community Journalists and sponsored by AVBOB, attracted nearly 600 entries from community newspapers and digital publications nationwide this year.

Judges praised the authenticity and tenacity of local journalists, particularly when reporting on municipal governance, corruption, crime, environmental issues and other matters affecting local communities.

The winners will be announced at the AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards gala dinner in Pretoria on August 21.

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July 23, 2026

Editorial 1 minute read

Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.