The National Press Club and Unisa hosts a successful ceremony as they promote media freedom and strengthen our democracy
Duma has heaped praises on the recipients of awards and salutes the adjudicating committee and organizing team
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.
01 June 2026
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: Following the successful hosting of the prestigious National Press Club and Unisa Awards Ceremony, we wish to acknowledge members of the fourth estate for their tireless efforts aimed at promoting media freedom and strengthening our democracy.
With the media having played a leading role toward the dismantling of the apartheid system, South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular need a robust and strong media not only to act as the watchdog of society but also to entertain, inform, and educate.
We pause to congratulate all recipients of the awards in different categories as announced by the National Press Club and Unisa.
In view of the talent and commitment that was on display on the evening of the ceremony, we have no doubt that the adjudicating committee had a tough job of deciding the final winners.
We salute the organizing team for staging such an event to acknowledge excellence in journalism and communication and to appreciate publicly the commitment to serve the people of this country.
Among others, we wish to single out the following recipients: –
- Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KZN Provincial Commissioner: Newsmaker of the Year 2025;
- Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Spokesperson – Transport and Human Settlements Departments: Spokesperson of the Year 2025;
- Jeff Wicks, Investigative Journalist News 24 – Journalist of the Year 2025
Finally, as Transport and Human Settlements, we are alive to the fact that citizens and users of our services are more aware of their rights and are demanding more from us.
As we accelerate service delivery to meet the growing expectations of society, we commit to continue to work with all media houses to communicate our programme of action.
We thank the media for all the support over the years.
Ends
Enquiries
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
Ndabezinhle Sibiya | 082 375 4742 | Spokesperson | MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
