Cape Town journalist Lilita Gcwabe, working with Independent Media and Elitsha News, has been awarded the National Press Club-University of South Africa (NPC-Unisa) Journalist of the Year for Community Journalism, known as the Aserie Ndlovu Award.This accolade celebrates journalists who excel in community reporting for print or online media.

The ceremony, held in Tshwane, also saw KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi named the 2025 NPC’s Newsmaker of the Year for his impactful media briefing on corruption and malfeasance within the South African Police Service, which prompted a judicial commission of inquiry and subsequent high-profile arrests.

Other awards included the NPC-Unisa Spokesperson of the Year, awarded to Ndabezinhle Sibiya of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements.

NPC Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert praised the high quality and competitiveness of this year’s nominations, highlighting the importance of recognising excellence and innovation in journalism.

Unisa Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula emphasised the university’s support for press freedom and democratic stewardship, underlining the significance of the partnership between NPC and Unisa.

The awards reflect a commitment to storytelling that informs communities, strengthens democracy, and honours the memory of journalists like the late Aserie Ndlovu.