The North West Media Awards aim to recognise and acknowledge the platinum province's most outstanding professionals in the media industry. #RecognisingPassion
To recognize and reward credible media and communication practitioners in the North West Province
To Celebrate dedication and hardwork in the industry
Media Release 23/05/2024
North West Media Awards Introduce New Social Media Influencer Of The Year Category and Launches Official Website
The North West Media Awards proudly unveiled a new category, Social Media Influencer of the Year, during the launch event of this year's edition held at the Orion Safari Hotel. In addition to this significant announcement, the Awards Team also launched their official website, www.northwestmediaawards.org.za/sp, offering a dedicated platform for nominations and voting.
Ananias Ndlovu, Chairperson of the Awards, explained that the Social Media Influencer category aims to recognize individuals who utilize their online influence to make a positive impact within their communities.
This new category joins a diverse lineup of awards, totaling fifteen categories that celebrate excellence across various facets of media.
Judging Categories
1. Journalist of the Year:** Recognizing outstanding journalistic integrity and impact.
2. Photographer of the Year:** Celebrating visual storytelling excellence.
3. Newspaper of the Year:** Honoring newspapers that inform and inspire.
4. Newsletter of the Year:** Recognizing excellence in digital communication.
5. Radio Current Affairs Programme of the Year:** Highlighting excellence in broadcasting current affairs.
6. Communicator of the Year:** Awarded to an individual who effectively communicates complex ideas to the public.
7. Poloko Tau Investigative News Story of the Year:** Recognizing groundbreaking investigative journalism.
Voting Categories:
8. Newsreader of the Year:** Voted by the audience for their clear and engaging delivery.
9. Radio Programme of the Year:** Celebrating excellence in radio programming.
10. Radio Producer of the Year:** Acknowledging creativity and skill behind the scenes.
11. Radio Presenter of the Year:** Recognizing charismatic and informative radio hosts.
12. Sports Presenter of the Year:** Highlighting excellence in sports broadcasting.
13. Community Radio Station of the Year:** Celebrating community-focused radio stations.
14. Social Media Platform of the Year:** Recognizing impactful social media presence.
15. Online Media House of the Year:** Awarding excellence in digital media production.
The launch event attracted various stakeholders, including representatives from government departments,
NGOs, NPOs, various municipalities and businesses from the Private Sector, underscoring the broad support and engagement in the North West Media Awards.
The awards ceremony for this year is scheduled for 06 December 2024.
Nominations will open on 01 June 2024 and close on 30 June 2024.
Nominees will be officially announced on 16 July 2024.
From 01 August 2024 to 30 November 2024, community members will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorites in the voting categories.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact: Nyakallo Mosala 078 285 9247 mediaawards@quickacts.co.za www.northwestmediaawards.org.za/sp
The North West Media Awards emerged as a visionary initiative pioneered by esteemed journalist, Ananias Ndlovu. With a profound commitment to recognizing and celebrating the tireless efforts of media professionals in capturing the multifaceted human experience across the North West province, Ndlovu laid the foundation for an esteemed platform dedicated to honoring excellence in journalism.
Inception and Evolution
In 2012, the inaugural North West Media Awards marked a significant milestone in the region's media landscape. Designed to acknowledge the best, bravest, and brightest individuals, teams, and companies, the awards quickly garnered acclaim for their commitment to spotlighting outstanding achievements in journalism, photojournalism, broadcasting, and communications. Despite facing challenges and a hiatus due to lack of support, the North West Media Awards persevered, driven by a steadfast determination to champion excellence in media. In 2021, the awards made a triumphant return, reaffirming their position as a beacon of recognition and inspiration within the industry.
Categories and Criteria
With a diverse array of 20 categories spanning various facets of media, the North West Media Awards honor exemplary contributions characterized by innovation, creativity, and impact. From investigative reporting to compelling storytelling, each category celebrates the exceptional talents and achievements of media professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and excellence.
Annual Celebration
A highlight of the media calendar in the North West province, the North West Media Awards are held annually on the first Friday of December. This prestigious event brings together industry luminaries, stakeholders, and media professionals to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions that shape the region's media landscape.
Meet the Team behind the Awards
Ananias Ndlovu is a dedicated journalist and communication specialist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. His career has spanned various roles in print and electronic media, as well as community engagement initiatives. He is the founder of the community newspaper, Naledi, based in Rustenburg, which covers the entirety of the North West Province, highlighting local stories and issues.
Ndlovu's work has been published in esteemed publications such as The Star, Pretoria News, Soweto, Saturday Star, and Daily Sun, showcasing his versatility and breadth of expertise. Ndlovu's commitment to community extends beyond journalism. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Letlhabile Community Radio and has served as a Senior Journalist for the Wits Justice Project at Wits University. As an advocate for press freedom and professional development, Ndlovu holds executive positions in several media clubs and associations.
He is an Executive Member of the National Press Club, Convenor of the North West Press Club, and Deputy Secretary of the Bojanala Press Club. Additionally, he coordinates the Association of Independent Publishers in the Bojanala Region. Ndlovu's dedication to social change is evident in his involvement with the Moral Regeneration Movement, where he serves as an Interim Committee Member for the North West Chapter. In recognition of his impact and leadership, Ndlovu has initiated projects such as the 50 Most Influential Young People in the North West and the North West Media Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the local media landscape. Ananias Ndlovu's contributions to journalism and community development have made him a respected figure in the North West Province, embodying the values of integrity, passion, and service.
With a distinguished career spanning over 16 years in the media industry, Nyakallo Mosala exemplifies a consummate professional with a wealth of experience across various platforms.
From her formative years in radio to her tenure in newspapers and her brief yet impactful stint in online television, Nyakallo has consistently demonstrated a penchant for excellence and innovation. In 2021, Nyakallo embarked on a new chapter in her illustrious career by joining the esteemed North West Media Awards team.
Since then, she has emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing her strategic insights and dynamic leadership to drive the organization's initiatives forward. Nyakallo's multifaceted background extends beyond traditional media roles, encompassing a distinguished tenure with a prominent local media company in Rustenburg.
Here, she honed her expertise in communications and public relations, solidifying her reputation as a trusted authority in the field. With her formidable knowledge base and unwavering commitment to excellence, Nyakallo Mosala continues to make an indelible mark on the media landscape.
"Winning the Communicator of the Year Award has motivated me in my work and I feel that it demonstrated appreciation of my contribution to the government communication system over the years and I remain grateful for the recognition. My impression on the awards is that they are necessary to serve as motivation for the journalists and media role players in the Province. They help to grow the media industry in the province and should be supported to enrich media diversity and development."
"Winning the awards at the North West media Awards reignited the passion in me to keep working hard and push boundaries. This was my first time winning an award since I started working as a journalist on 2008. I am grateful for the recognition of my contribution to the journalism industry. I believe these awards are very critical for journalists in the North West. They give recognition to journalists in the North West, which is one of the places that one would say have been forgotten. These awards are important, as they encourage journalists, especially from community media, to work hard."
"Being nominated as Communicator of the Year, and witnessing the caliber of fellow strong communicators, has significantly bolstered my confidence in my role. Winning the Newsletter of the Year award has not only been a personal achievement but has also led to heightened recognition from management in my workplace. This acknowledgment underscores our team's hard work, dedication, and passion for delivering quality content. Both awards from the North West Media Awards have had a profound impact on my professional profile. They have become integral mentions in my CV and interviews, playing a pivotal role in securing promotions and fostering personal growth."
