BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Excitement is building ahead of the 2025 National Media Awards (NMAs), as more than 20 companies and organisations have stepped forward to sponsor and support the prestigious celebration of journalistic excellence in Eswatini.
The awards ceremony is set to take place on Monday, 22 December 2025, at the Royal Villas, promising a memorable night dedicated to honouring the country’s finest storytellers.
The National Media Awards have been relaunched under the stewardship of the Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) and the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF), with the Marketing Advertising & Research Council (MARC) serving as the implementing partner. This relaunch marks a renewed commitment to strengthening professionalism, credibility and excellence within Eswatini’s media sector.
In a press statement, ESNAJ Secretary General Ntombi Mhlongo said the relaunch edition will recognise outstanding work across print, electronic and digital media platforms. She explained that the awards are a self-funded initiative that relies heavily on partnerships, prompting ESNAJ to invite companies and organisations to support journalism through category sponsorships and in-kind contributions.
Mhlongo confirmed that MARC has secured support from over 20 sponsors, many of whom have purchased award categories valued between E25,000 and E45,000. Others have contributed in kind by covering services and logistical needs for the ceremony, helping to ensure a high-quality and dignified event.
Among the organisations supporting the 2025 NMAs are the European Union, Ubombo Sugar Limited, Lidwala Insurance, Eswatini Mobile, REDI, Swaziland Building Society, SwaziMed, MulaSport, Eswatini Beverages, Nedbank, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Fund and Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation. Additional supporters include the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Agency (ESERA), the British High Commission, Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), MTN Eswatini, Instacash, the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and Mountain View. More partners have pledged support and are expected to confirm in due course.
ESNAJ President Lwazi “Gigg’s” Dlamini expressed heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors and stakeholders. He said their support demonstrates confidence in the journalism profession and a shared commitment to taking the industry to greater heights. Dlamini assured partners that ESNAJ is ready to build long-term relationships that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the media sector.
The awards have already attracted significant interest from journalists, with over 100 entries received across various categories, including Journalist of the Year, Story of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Emerging Reporter of the Year and Business Reporter of the Year. The high number of entries reflects a vibrant and competitive media landscape.
With preparations well advanced and adjudication processes underway, organisers say everything is on track for a night that will celebrate excellence, dedication and the power of storytelling in Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pic)
