Ezulwini – The 2025 National Media Awards will take place on Monday, December 22, at The Royal Villas in Ezulwini as journalists from across Eswatini prepare for the country’s premier celebration of media excellence.
The awards have been relaunched under the stewardship of the Eswatini National Association of Journalists and the Eswatini Editors Forum, with the Marketing Advertising and Research Council serving as the implementing partner. The ceremony will recognise outstanding work across print, electronic and digital platforms.
In a press statement, ESNAJ Secretary General Ntombi Mhlongo said the relaunch edition of the awards reflects a renewed commitment to journalistic excellence and the growth of the media sector in the Kingdom. She said the awards operate as a self funding initiative that relies on partnerships with companies and organisations willing to support the profession through category sponsorships or in kind contributions. 
Mhlongo said MARC, as the consultant on the project, has confirmed that more than 20 companies and organisations have come on board to support the event. Some sponsors have purchased award categories, each costing between E25 000 and E45 000, while others have contributed in kind by covering services required for the ceremony.
Confirmed supporters include the European Union, Ubombo Sugar Limited, Lidwala Insurance, Eswatini Mobile, REDI, Swaziland Building Society, SwaziMed, MulaSport, Eswatini Beverages, Nedbank, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Fund and Royal Eswatini Sugar. Additional partners are the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Agency, the British High Commission, the Eswatini Revenue Service, MTN Eswatini, Instacash, the Public Service Pension Fund and Mountain View. Mhlongo said other organisations have also pledged support and are yet to confirm the nature of their contributions.
Speaking separately, ESNAJ president Lwazi Gigg’s Dlamini said the association is grateful to all sponsors and stakeholders who have supported the National Media Awards project. He said the event would not have been possible without their backing and added that ESNAJ looks forward to working closely with partners in advancing the journalism profession.
Dlamini said preparations for the awards are on course, with adjudication and other behind the scenes processes continuing. He said everything remains on track for a memorable night dedicated to celebrating storytellers and honouring the craft of journalism in Eswatini.
