The National Press Club has announced KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the 2025 National Press Club Newsmaker of the Year.
The sought-after accolade is a testament to the impact that the explosive media briefing the KZN Commissioner held in July last year had on the national discourse, with far-reaching implications on our socio-economic-political landscape. Club Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert says, “This award represents the dominant individual during the 2025 news cycle, and Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s media briefing not only set the cat among the pigeons, but brought into sharp focus the pervasive nature of corruption and its threat to our moral fibre as society, triggering debates that placed the Commissioner at the centre of the narrative.”
This prestigious accolade honours newsmakers for their actions and decisions. newsmakers who have made a notable impact through “Ever since his press briefing on 6 July 2025, the subject of his statement has been trending every day to an extent that the President of the country instituted the Commission of Inquiry, Parliament also established an Ad Hoc Committee to look in the top cop’s allegations. Both of these committees are currently running’ one nomination said.
The selection process involves nominations and motivations submitted by club members, with the final decision resting with the club’s executive committee. The Newsmaker Award will be presented at an event to be held on a date to be announced. The Newsmaker of the Year Award, established in 1980, recognises those who have captured the nation’s attention and influenced conversations across South Africa. It is not about popularity, but about impact; who or what set the agenda, sparked debate and defined the year in news.
Some of the previous Newsmakers include:
- President Nelson Mandela – for his leadership and legacy.
- Thuli Madonsela – for her fearless work as Public Protector.
- Cyril Ramaphosa – for his role in national leadership.
- Eskom – for its impact on the economy and daily life.
- Springboks – for uniting the nation through sport.
- Covid19 – for reshaping every aspect of society.
- Government of National Unity (2024) – for its historic role in shaping South Africa’s political landscape.
Organisations and companies keen on sponsorship partnerships with the National Press Club can get in touch with our office via e-mail at: secretariat@nationalpressclub.co.za.
For more information, please contact: Antoinette Slabbert: Chairperson E-mail: antoinette@nationalpressclub.co.za Mobile: 082 320 2153 Mosidi Mokgele: General Manager E-mail: mosidi@nationalpressclub.co.za Mobile: 082 447 4238