By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – After years of anticipation, Eswatini’s journalism fraternity is set to shine again.
The National Media Awards (NMAs) have been officially relaunched, ushering in a renewed era of excellence, integrity, and recognition for the storytellers shaping the nation’s narrative.
In a historic joint announcement, the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) and the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) unveiled the return of the NMAs, which will honour outstanding journalism across multiple platforms. Entries open on 6 October 2025 and close on 30 November 2025, culminating in a prestigious Awards Gala on 12 December 2025 in Mbabane.
2012 JMC Awards winners. L-R Nhlanhla Mathunjwa, Mbongeni Ndlela, Bhekisisa Magongo and Mduduzi Magagula.
“The NMAs are back to celebrate work that informs with credibility, honours journalistic integrity, and shapes the nation’s narrative,” declared Lwazi Dlamini, President of ESNAJ. “This platform recognises excellence, encourages high standards, and affirms journalism’s central role in our democracy”.
A Platform to Elevate the Profession
The relaunch marks the end of a noticeable gap in Eswatini’s media landscape. According to Dlamini, re-establishing ESNAJ highlighted the urgency of institutionalising media excellence through credible awards that encourage professionalism and public trust.
Echoing this sentiment, Mbongeni Mbingo, Chairman of EEF, described the initiative as “long overdue,” adding:
“Our editors and journalists have needed this, it celebrates leadership in the newsroom and rewards outstanding journalism”.
Eswatini Managing Editor Mbongeni Mbingo with EPN Editor Mbongeni Ndlela.
Twelve Anchor Categories for 2025
The 2025 edition will introduce 12 prestigious categories, laying the foundation for future expansion. These include:
- Journalist of the Year (Print/Online + Electronic)
- News Story of the Year (Print/Online + Electronic)
- Regional Integration Award
- 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 (Opinion & Analysis)
Dlamini explained that this phased approach ensures a sustainable annual cycle, with plans to expand categories from 2026 onwards.
Ntombi Mhlongo, Secretary General of the Eswatini National Association of Journalist.
How to Enter
The awards are open to all practicing journalists whose work has been published or aired by registered media houses in Eswatini. Freelancers are also welcome, provided their work appeared on qualifying platforms.
Eligible entries must have been produced between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025, with each journalist allowed up to three entries and no more than two category submissions per piece.
Full submission guidelines, category definitions, and entry forms will be made available through ESNAJ and EEF channels.
Call for Participation and Partnerships
Both organisations are calling on newsrooms nationwide to rally their journalists, encourage submissions, and amplify the NMAs on their platforms.
“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,” urged Mbingo.
Additionally, ESNAJ and EEF are welcoming sponsors and partners who share their commitment to excellence and national development.
“Your support enables a credible, transparent awards platform that builds sector capacity and strengthens public trust,” added Dlamini.
Contacts for Enquiries
- ESNAJ Secretariat
Ntombi Mhlongo – 7940 3708
Fortune Ndlangamandla – 7644 0532
Email: lwazid@rubiconmedia.group
- EEF Secretariat
Jabu Matsebula – 7911 8070
Email: sg@editorsforum.co.sz
A New Chapter for Eswatini’s Media Sector
The return of the National Media Awards is more than an event, it’s a celebration of truth, creativity, and courage. It’s a reminder that journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy, and Eswatini’s storytellers continue to illuminate, inspire, and inform.
