To Recognize Excellence And Elevate Journalism

Mbabane, 30 September 2025 – In a collaborative effort, the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ), together with the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF), today announced the relaunch of the country’s media awards under the fitting title of the National Media Awards (NMAs).

The NMAs are a sector-wide platform to recognise journalistic excellence, elevate professional standards, and strengthen public trust. Entries open on 1 October 2025 and close on 30 November 2025, with the Awards Gala set for 12 December 2025 in Mbabane.

“The NMAs are back to celebrate work that informs with credibility, honours journalistic integrity, and shapes the nation’s narrative,” said Lwazi Dlamini, President of ESNAJ. “This platform recognises excellence, encourages high standards, and affirms journalism’s central role in our democracy.”

Reflecting on the need for the relaunch, Dlamini added: “There has been a gap since the last media awards. Re-establishing ESNAJ made it clear that institutionalising media excellence through credible awards is essential to advance professional standards.”

“This platform is long overdue,” said Mbongeni Mbingo, Chairman of the EEF. “We are pleased to collaborate in bringing back the Media Awards. Our editors and journalists have needed this — it celebrates leadership in the newsroom and rewards outstanding journalism.”

2025 NMA AWARD CATEGORIES – A PHASED INTRODUCTION

With this inaugural edition, a phased approach is being implemented as twelve anchor categories will be introduced in 2025, with expansion planned for 2026 to support a sustainable annual cycle:

• Journalist of the Year: Print/Online + Electronic 
• News Story of the Year: Print/Online + Electronic
• Editorial Leadership Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Investigative Reporter Award
• Community Impact Award
• Emerging Reporter Award
• Business Reporter Award
• Sports Reporter Award
• Environmental & Climate Change Reporter Award
• Columnist of the Year Award (Opinion & Analysis)

“While we would have loved to launch with more categories, we are deliberately starting with twelve anchors this year and will expand in the next edition,” Dlamini emphasised.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR ENTRY AND ELIGIBITY  

The National Media Awards (NMAs) return to recognise the journalists shaping Eswatini’s story. Below is everything prospective entrants need to know about who can enter, what qualifies, how to submit, and the safeguards that keep the process credible.

Who Can Enter: The 2025 NMAs are open to practicing journalists whose work has been published or aired by media houses registered in Eswatini. Freelancers are welcome provided their work appeared on qualifying platforms.

Eligibility Window: Entries must have been published or broadcast between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025. Work outside this period will not be considered.

Entry Limits: Each journalist may submit up to three (3) entries in total. The same piece of work may be entered in no more than two (2) categories.

How to Enter: Full submission guidelines, category definitions, and the entry form will be published via ESNAJ/EEF channels.

Who can enter: Practicing journalists with work published or aired within media houses registered in Eswatini.

Eligibility window: 1 December 2024 – 30 November 2025.

Entry limits: Up to 3 entries per journalist; the same work may be entered in no more than 2 categories.

How to enter: Submission guidelines, category definitions, and entry forms will be made available via ESNAJ/EEF channels. (Insert URL/email when ready.)

CALL FOR SECTOR PARTICIPATION & SUPPORT

ESNAJ and EEF invite all registered media houses to mobilise their newsrooms, encourage entries, and promote the NMAs across platforms.

Mbongeni Mbingo noted: “The NMAs will spotlight rigorous reporting, editorial leadership, and the stories that shape our national conversation. We call on newsrooms across Eswatini to actively participate.”

CALL FOR PARTNER & SPONSOR SUPPORT

Lwazi Dlamini said: “We welcome partners who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and national development. Your support enables a credible, transparent awards platform that builds sector capacity and builds public trust.”

For Enquiries, please contact:

• ESNAJ Secretariat — Entries & General Enquiries: [insert email / phone]

• Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) — Media & Editorial Enquiries: [insert email / phone]

• Brand & Events Management (Operations, Partnerships & Collaborations): 

Marketing Advertising Research Council (MARC): hello@marcsz.com

: +268 7602 1420

ENDS //

About ESNAJ

The Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) represents journalists across the Kingdom, promoting professional standards, ethics, and the advancement of journalism in the public interest.

About the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF)

The Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) brings together editors and senior newsroom leaders to support editorial independence, quality, and integrity in the media.