Lowvelder has celebrated its 140th anniversary by taking top honours at the Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards in Pretoria.

The awards, hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) and sponsored by Avbob, highlighted the strength and diversity of South Africa’s community press, drawing more than 600 entries across 17 categories.

Celebrating its 140th anniversary, the publication was crowned Best Sold Newspaper in South Africa, claimed Best Back Page, and was a finalist in the prestigious Front Page of the Year category.

Journalist Tumelo Waga Dibakwane featured prominently across several writing categories, earning runner-up in Story of the Year for his exposé on the bushmeat industry, and third place in Hard News/Investigative Reporting.

Publication reaffirms role as trusted regional voice

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These accolades reaffirm Lowvelder’s role as the most established and trusted voice of the Lowveld and in the country. In a fast-paced world where misinformation can spread faster than a phone call, print remains the most tangible, reliable record of truth.

Holding Lowvelder in your hands is more than reading the news – it is holding the heartbeat of the Lowveld.

The judging panel, led by Dr André Gouws of Akademia, praised the calibre of entries: “This year’s competition reflects a healthy and evolving community newspaper sector.

The judging panel congratulates all entrants and hopes that the feedback they receive will encourage even greater excellence in the years ahead.”

Avbob highlights role of community journalism

ALSO READ: Lowvelder among top papers in the country at FCJ Awards

Industry partners echoed the importance of community journalism. Avbob CEO Eugene Strauss noted: “Strong communities are built on accountability, trust and access to reliable information.

They depend on you to remain informed about issues that affect their daily lives and on having their voices represented in public conversations.

At Avbob, our covenant with society is rooted in a simple belief that institutions should not only serve society, but also help strengthen it. The same principle guides our support for community journalism.”

The gala event, held at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on August 21, also honoured Michelle Pienaar of George Herald as Journalist of the Year, Wayne van der Walt of Highvelder as Photographer of the Year for the fourth consecutive time, and Dillon Pillay of Southlands Sun as recipient of the Alet Roux Trophy for Most Promising Journalist.

For Lowvelder, the timing of these awards is symbolic. As we celebrate 140 years of trusted journalism, we recommit ourselves to the values that have carried us this far: accuracy, empathy, and excellence. The well-being of the Lowveld depends on Lowvelder – and we remain proud to be the region’s most established and indispensable newspaper.

Long live print. Long live Lowvelder.