The highly anticipated 3rd annual Mzansi Community Media and Creatives Awards 2026 have officially been launched, marking a significant milestone in recognising excellence, innovation, and impact within community media and the creative industry.
Founded by Zinhle Cebekhulu, Publisher and Editor of Inkundla Yezindaba Newspaper, the awards celebrate individuals and organisations who continue to shape communities through storytelling, creativity, and leadership.
“These awards are about honouring talent and inspiring communities,” said Cebekhulu. “We want to recognise those who continue to tell our stories, uplift people, and create opportunities where they are needed most, in our communities.”
Speaking at the awards launch, guest speaker Mr. Mxolisi Ntazi emphasised the importance of the work being done by community radio through the National Radio Community Forum (NRCF), highlighting the collaborations formed with various government departments.
He noted that there is still significant opportunity for government to further support community media and radio as a whole. “We are working for our communities, and there is a strong need for continued support,” said Ntanzi.
He congratulated Mangethe Media for successfully hosting the awards, once again, and expressed his confidence in the continued growth and success of the initiative.
Awards Categories
This year’s awards feature a wide range of categories across multiple media platforms:
AWARDS CATEGORIES AND NORMINEES
TELEVISION
-Best field reporter
- Ayanda Dube
- Zonke Ndaba
-Best News Compliler / Packaging
- Preciouses Mvubu
- Ms. Nolwazi
RADIO CATEGORIES
– Best Newsreader
- Zolo Guma
- Sicelo Khanyile
- Ntobeko Mzimela
– Best female Presenter
- Mlangeni Magasela
- Nonhlanhla P
-Best Sport Presenter
- Zolo Guma
- Sicelo Khanyile
- Ntobeko Mzimela
-Best Male Presenter
- Phakade Mchunu
- Sbo Mdunge
- Globzin Buthelezi
-Best News Editor
- Portia Mbambo
- Mjabulelwa Kweyama
- Khanyisile Khumalo
Newspaper Categories
-Best Journalist
- Nomcebo Ngema
- Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
- Fred Felton
- Sbongiseni Maphumulo
-Best Editor
- Zethu Phoswa
- Bongi Gumede
- Fred Felton
-Best Publisher
- Mbali Dhlomo
- Zethu Phoswa
- Sthembile Moyo
-Best sale Representatives
- Kas Naidoo
- Tarryn Kumm
- Sharmilla Ganas
-Best Customer services
- Vimla Govender
- Ritesh Beechan
- Nomthandazo Magoso
- Keegan Naidoo
12-Best Layout Publication
- Rising Sun Newspaper Overpot
- Weekly Ganzert
- Eyethu uMlazi
-Best Front Page
- BT News
- Intuthuko Newspaper
- The Christian Newspaper
-Best Publication
- Rising Sun Chatworth
- Eyethu Umlazi
- Ethekwini Times
ONLINE MEDIA
-Best Social Media Handle
- Nosiphiwe Khumalo
- Phumlani Makhoba
- Sama Jobe
Best online Publication
1. Inner City Gazette
2. The Seed Newspaper
3. Durban Sun
-Best Online Radio
- Eita Radio
- Umlazi FM
- Bodado online Radio
-BEST PODCAR
- The African Echo
- Durban Online Podcast
-BEST NEWCOMER
- Ntokozo Cele
- Fanisile Hlabisa
- Olwethu Makhoba
-BEST FIELD REPORTER
- Thobeka Khumalo
- Ongeziwe Ntondini
- Motsabi Ntsane
Special Category
- Lifetime Achievement Award (Open for nominations)
Community members, media practitioners, organisations, and sponsors are encouraged to be part of this impactful initiative.
For partnerships, sponsorships, or media inquiries, please contact…….
The Mzansi Community Media and Creatives Awards is a growing platform dedicated to honouring grassroots excellence in media and the creative sector across South Africa, while empowering communities through recognition and storytelling.