Picture: NWU logo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 August 2026 – The North West Media Awards Organising Committee and its Board of Directors are delighted to announce that North West University (NWU) has once again partnered with the prestigious North West Media Awards (NWMAs) as the headline sponsor for the 2026 edition, reaffirming its commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in journalism and media across the province. The organisers said the continued partnership between the NWMAs and NWU marks another important milestone in recognising and celebrating excellence in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and communications across the province.
The founder and convenor of the North West Media Awards, Ananias Ndlovu said the impact of the University’s support has already been evident. Ndlovu said following last year’s successful partnership, the awards have experienced unprecedented growth, with nominations increasing from 109 nominees in 2025, to 180 nominees in 2026, representing media houses and communication professionals from across the North West.
“The 2026 North West Media Awards will take place on 10 December 2026, at the iconic Sun City Resort, following a new partnership with Sun International. The event continues to grow into one of the province’s flagship celebrations of media excellence.
“Hosted under the theme: “Taking North West to Africa”, this year’s awards will welcome ambassadors from various African countries, traditional leaders, including the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, government leaders, media executives and communication professionals from across South Africa,” he said.
Ndlovu further said as part of this year’s programme, the North West Media Awards will honour two distinguished former South African Police Service (SAPS) communicators for their outstanding contribution to public communication. He added that they will honour former Rustenburg Police spokesperson, Elsabé Augoustides for 40 years of dedicated service.
“This will include former North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone for 36 years of distinguished service. A special posthumous tribute will also be paid to the late Waldie Volschenk, who served the Rustenburg Herald and the people of the North West as a community journalist for 36 years before his passing on 22 December 2025.
“We would like to express our gratitude to North West University for once again investing in media excellence. We are honoured that the University has renewed its partnership as our headline sponsor. Their continued support demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening ethical journalism, recognising outstanding communicators and investing in the future of the media industry,” said Ndlovu.
He said together, they are building an awards platform that not only celebrates excellence, but also positions the North West on the African media landscape. Ndlovu said the North West Media Awards continue to honour journalists, broadcasters, photographers, videographers, podcasters, community newspapers, radio stations, digital media practitioners and communication professionals who make a meaningful contribution to informing and empowering communities.
“The Organising Committee looks forward to hosting an unforgettable celebration of media excellence at Sun City as the awards continue to grow in stature and impact,” said Ndlovu.
The Guardian 