South Africa’s community journalists have been recognised for their outstanding work, with the winners of the 2025 Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards announced at a gala dinner in Pretoria yesterday, (August 21).

Hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists NPC (FCJ) and sponsored by Avbob, the annual awards highlight the important role community media plays in keeping people informed about the issues affecting their towns, cities and neighbourhoods.

More than 600 entries

More than 600 entries were received across 17 categories, reflecting the breadth and quality of journalism produced by community media outlets nationwide. Some of the most strongly contested categories included hard news and investigative reporting. A further 45 entries were submitted in the free newspaper of the year category.

The awards also recognised the evolving nature of community journalism, with local government reporting and municipal news returning to the competition after an absence of several years. Yaseen Gaffar of DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette took the honours in the category.

A new Story of the Year category was introduced, with the inaugural award going to Yaseen Bardien and Mahmood Sanglay of Muslim Views.

The winning work highlights the diverse subjects community journalists tackle, from holding local authorities accountable and investigating issues of public interest to telling the human stories that matter to communities.

Dr André Gouws of Akademia, who oversaw the adjudication process, said the competition reflected a healthy and evolving community newspaper sector.

“This year’s competition reflects a healthy and evolving community newspaper sector. The judging panel congratulates all entrants and hopes that the feedback they will receive will encourage even greater excellence in the years ahead,”added Gouws.

Top national honours

The biggest individual honours were presented to journalists and photographers who stood out among entries from across the country.

Michelle Pienaar of George Herald was named Journalist of the Year, while Highvelder photographer Wayne van der Walt was named Photographer of the Year for a record-breaking fourth consecutive year.

Dillon Pillay of Southlands Sun received the Alet Roux Trophy for Most Promising Journalist.

The gala prize-giving dinner followed the FCJ’s national seminar, which brought community journalists together to examine their role in the upcoming municipal elections. Industry leaders and experts shared insights aimed at helping journalists navigate the opportunities and responsibilities that come with covering local government and elections.

Supporting local journalism

The awards are supported by Avbob, with Caxton Local Media, Novus Community Media and new partner Stellenbosch University also contributing to the FCJ’s work in strengthening community journalism.

Avbob CEO Eugene Strauss said informed communities depended on access to reliable information and journalism that ensured local voices were heard.

“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,” added Strauss.

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

The judging panel, led by Gouws, comprised experienced media professionals and academics Alé Steyn, Chantel Erfort Manuel, Elaine Krige, Elsabé Retief, Fanie Heyns, Heindrich Wyngaard, Jóhann Thormählen, Kyle Cowan, Marenet Jordaan, Marietjie Gericke, Marlene Malan, Mercy Kannemeyer, Mlungisi Louw, Owen Kock, Pieter Delport, Sibongile Maputi, Simonéh de Bruin, Virginia Keppler-Young, Willem Kempen, Yolanda van der Stoep and Zenande Maqubela.

The awards serve as a reminder that while community newspapers are rooted in specific towns and neighbourhoods, the journalism they produce plays a much wider role in South Africa’s media landscape, giving communities a voice, scrutinising those in power and telling the stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Caxton titles shine among the country’s best community newspapers

The awards also delivered several standout results for Caxton’s community newspaper titles, with publications and editorial teams recognised for the quality and creativity of their work. From striking front and back pages to strong overall newspaper design and content, these achievements reflect the talent behind the community publications produced across the country.

Newspaper of the Year (sold)

Top 3

• Third place – Vaalweekblad
• Second place – George Herald
• Winner – Lowvelder

Newspaper of the Year (free)

Top 3

• Third place – Midrand Reporter
• Second place – Suid-Kaap Forum
• Winner – Queensburgh News

Newspapers: Best Back Page

Top 3

• Third place – Bedfordview Edenvale News
• Second place – Mossel Bay Advertiser
• Winner- Lowvelder

Newspapers: Best Front Page

Top 3

• Third place – Highvelder
• Second place – Newcastle Advertiser
• Winner- North Coast Courier

A standout achievement for Caxton

There was a standout achievement for the Zululand Observer, with consultant editor Dave Savides taking first place in three writing categories at this year’s awards.

Savides was recognised for his work in Writing: Headlines, Writing: Editorial Comment and Writing: Sport, highlighting his versatility across different forms of community journalism.

The Zululand Observer was also named a finalist in 11 categories at the awards, underscoring the strength and breadth of the publication’s editorial work.

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