Johannesburg – Sinenhlanhla Masilela has been named Vodacom Journalist of the Year Regional Winner in the category for Finance and Economics.
The IOL journalist, who was one of Gauteng’s top scribes, honoured at the 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards on Friday, 21 November 2025, made an impression on the judges with her stories about unscrupulous dealerships and how they treat unsuspecting clients.
Commenting on winning the award, Sinenhlanhla said, “This award is confirmation that my reporting of stories that I tell has an impact.
“This recognition gives me the courage to continue exposing unscrupulous businesses and help the public to make better decisions when they spend their money.”
This year, there were 12 categories of awards, with journalists presenting exceptional entries that highlight the very best of their work over the past year.
Judges said this year, they received more than 1 330 submissions, from journalists nationwide, exceeding last year’s 1 200 entries.
Gauteng contributed 477 remarkable entries.
“In an era of AI and digital platforms, credible journalism is crucial. Traditional media holds power accountable and ensures transparency,” said Ridwaan Soomra, Vodacom’s Managing Executive for the Southern Gauteng Region..
“Vodacom South Africa proudly honours excellence in journalism, highlighting its vital role in society and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the media industry.
“Vodacom Gauteng’s investment of over R660 million this year demonstrates our commitment to expanding coverage, accelerating 4G and 5G rollout, and ensuring reliable connectivity for our customers”.
Soomra added: “We’re also making digital access more affordable through personalised offers like Just4You and device financing with Easy2Own, so more people can participate in the digital economy,” said Soomra.
Ryland Fisher, with more than 45 years of experience in the media industry as an editor, journalist, and columnist, continues to serve as the convener of the judging panel.
The judging panel remains unchanged from last year and includes Arthur Goldstuck, Collin Nxumalo, Dr. Elna Rossouw, Obed Zilwa, Advocate Robin Sewlal, Neo Ntsoma, Patricia McCracken, Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe, Manelisi Dubase, Portia Kobue, and Jovial Rantao.
“The experienced judging panel had a vigorous debate about the winners, because the quality of entrants was once again very good. I extend our gratitude to the panel for their hard work and dedication in recognising the country’s top media talent,” said Fisher.
The categories, in which regional winners will each receive R5 000 in prize money, include:
- Live reporting/ breaking news – Nokukhanya Mntambo from Eyewitness News for body of work
- Investigative – Jeff Wicks with contributors Sharlene Rood and Kyle Cowan from News24 for “9 Lives”
- Opinion – Shirley De Villiers from Currency News for body of work
- Lifestyle – Kaunda Selisho from News24 for “News24 Life’s Under Pressure series”
- Features – Sibusisiwe Sebe Buthelezi with contributors Sindisiwe Mpahlwa, Tshidiso Lechuba, and Ashley Market from eNCA Checkpoint for “Mortuaries”
- Photography – Melinda Stuurman from Netwerk24 for “Bewaarders in Kgosi Mampuru II kry ‘kombuis’ met kaste, dwelms, fone”
- Sport – Tiisetso Malepa from City Press for “Danny Jordaan and Safa CFO Gronie Hluyo to appear in court for fraud”
- Financial and Economics – Sinenhlanhla Masilela from IOL for body of work
- Politics – Norman Masungwini from City Press for “South Africa’s Worst Municipal Manager?”
- Sustainability – Lunga Henrietta Simelane from City Press for “WATCH – A threat to vultures is a threat to people: Inside Kruger’s vulture poisoning crisis”
- Innovation in Journalism – Jeff Wicks and contributors Alex Patrick and Sharlene Rood from News24 for “Final Footsteps: The Kirsten Kluyts murder”
The Young Journalist nominee for the Gauteng region is Buyeleni Sibanyoni of amaBhungane, who will compete for the national Young Journalist of the Year Award.
The regional winners will compete against other regional winners for the national title.
The national winners will be announced on 4 December at an awards ceremony where they will each receive R10 000, while the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year titleholder will win R100 000.
The Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year award overall winner will be able to enrol in a course of their choice, to the value of R50 000, towards enhancing their craft and career prospects in Journalism.
