15/06/2026
Statement: Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards announce 2026 finalists as judges praise the exceptional quality of entries.
Date: 15 June 2026
The South African National Editors’ Forum and Standard Bank are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a prestigious gala ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026, in Johannesburg.
This year's competition attracted more than 400 entries from journalists and media practitioners across South Africa, reaffirming the enduring strength, resilience, and relevance of quality journalism in the country.
The judging panels described the 2026 competition as one of the most fiercely contested in recent years, with the overall quality of submissions surpassing previous editions of the awards. In several categories, judges found themselves engaged in lengthy and robust deliberations as they attempted to separate outstanding work from exceptional work.
The challenge was particularly evident in the Business Journalism, Investigative Journalism, and Juby Mayet Rising Star of the Year categories, where six finalists were shortlisted in each category due to the remarkably high standard of entries received.
Similarly, the Features, Features Photography, and Sports Photography categories each produced five finalists, reflecting the depth of talent and excellence displayed by journalists and photographers throughout the country.
Please read the complete statement here:https://sanef.org.za/standard-bank-sikuvile-awards-announce-2026-finalists-as-judges-praise-the-exceptional-quality-of-entries/
